Question

Identify problems with clarity in the following sentences:

We read the instructions to the students. This was done to reduce experimenter bias.
a. Both sentences are expressed clearly.
b. The first sentence is clear, but the second starts with this, a vague reference pronoun, and is in the passive voice.
c. The first sentence uses a first-person pronoun.
d. Instructions should be read to subjects, not students.
e. Both sentences are unclear.

Answer 1

a. Both sentences are expressed clearly. However, the sentences could be improved by replacing "students" with "subjects" in order to be more specific about who the instructions were read to.
b. The first sentence is clear, but the second sentence could be clearer and more direct by stating, "We read the instructions to reduce experimenter bias."
c. The first sentence does use a first-person pronoun, but the use of "we" is appropriate in this context.
d. This statement is not a problem with the clarity of the original sentences, but is a suggestion for improvement.
e. Both sentences are not unclear, but as mentioned above, they could be improved by being more specific about who the instructions were read to.