Validation of the International Reading Speed Texts in a Canadian Sample

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Cognitive Science
• Psychometrics

Background:

• The International Reading Speed Texts (IReST) are utilized for assessing reading speed.
• Validation in diverse populations ensures the reliability of psychometric instruments.
• Understanding factors affecting reading speed, such as visual acuity and comprehension assessment, is crucial for accurate clinical interpretation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate the IReST in an English-speaking Canadian sample.
• To investigate the impact of reading comprehension questions on IReST reading speeds.
• To examine how reduced visual acuity influences reading speed on the IReST.

Main Methods:

• Study 1 involved 25 Canadian English speakers reading 10 IReST texts following standardized procedures.
• Study 2 included 50 Canadian English speakers, with half having normal/corrected-to-normal vision and half with reduced visual acuity, all reading 10 IReST texts.
• Participants in Study 2 were administered reading comprehension questions after reading the texts.

Main Results:

• The IReST demonstrated validity within the Canadian sample, showing no significant differences from published values.
• Assessing reading comprehension with multiple-choice questions substantially decreased reading speeds in both normal vision (Mdiff = 25.3) and reduced vision (Mdiff = 59.3) conditions.
• Statistical analyses, including P-values, mean differences, Cohen's d, and Bayes factors, confirmed the validity and effect sizes.

Conclusions:

• The IReST is a valid tool for measuring reading speed in Canadian English speakers.
• Clinicians and researchers should be aware that using IReST with comprehension questions will likely underestimate true reading speed.
• Adjusted reading speed values may be necessary when both speed and comprehension are assessed using the IReST.