The following is an original passage from “Abnormal Psychology” by David H. Barlow and V. Mark Durand:
“Although many nonthriving children have identifiable medical conditions, a substantial number fall into the category of nonorganic or psychological failure to thrive, known officially as feeding disorder of infancy or early childhood. Reduced caloric intake for whatever reason, always plays a role, but the causes of reduced caloric intake lie in the dysfunctional psychosocial setting” (Barlow & Durand, 2002).
I am a psychology major in my junior year. If there is one thing that I have learned about psychology textbooks, it is that they love to use complicated language and advanced terminology. This language can be a bit overwhelming, especially when the mind is tired or just refuses to concentrate. Although the selection above is by no means highly technical, it can be translated into more basic language.
The translation is as follows:
Although professionals can figure out why some children are not maturing physically, others have mental problems that disrupt their normal physical development. These children have disorders. Due mostly to stressful people and/or events in their lives, these children do not eat enough food (Barlow & Durand, 2002).
The language used in the translation is simpler and more direct. It conveys the message effectively without the use of distracting vocabulary and long sentences. Clear and concise language is always best. Readers can easily understand the basic idea and analyze it for themselves. With complicated language, readers spend more energy on processing the reading and may become tired, frustrated, or even bored with the material. Simple language is one of the key ways to effective educational writing.
Works Cited
Barlow, David H. & Durand, V. Mark (2002). Abnormal Psychology: An
Integrative Approach (Third Edition). Belmont, California:
Wadsworth.
