Morehead State University
Readability and Comprehension of Privacy Policies
Institution
Morehead State University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Michelle B. Kunz
Abstract
Building upon research conducted by Osbourne & Kunz, this project will analyze the comprehension of information contained in online privacy policies, based upon FleschKincaid Readibility Scores. This project will manipulate the reading level and score of privacy policies from major online retailers. Student subjects (from various Morehead State University business courses) will be asked to read the privacy policies and then answer questions regarding the content and information contained in each policy. The data will be analyzed to determine what affect, if any, ease or difficulty of reading level and scores plays in the comprehension of the content. We will also have the students review the materials in one of two formats: at a computer screen, simulating the typical online environment, or through printed paper format. The data will be analyzed to determine if the format in which the materials presented affects comprehension level of the content.
Readability and Comprehension of Privacy Policies
Building upon research conducted by Osbourne & Kunz, this project will analyze the comprehension of information contained in online privacy policies, based upon FleschKincaid Readibility Scores. This project will manipulate the reading level and score of privacy policies from major online retailers. Student subjects (from various Morehead State University business courses) will be asked to read the privacy policies and then answer questions regarding the content and information contained in each policy. The data will be analyzed to determine what affect, if any, ease or difficulty of reading level and scores plays in the comprehension of the content. We will also have the students review the materials in one of two formats: at a computer screen, simulating the typical online environment, or through printed paper format. The data will be analyzed to determine if the format in which the materials presented affects comprehension level of the content.