What is the Amplifi Multi-level Comprehension Framework?
How We Developed the Multiple-Level Comprehension Framework
Moving Beyond Bloom’s Taxonomy
What the Amplifi’s Comprehension Framework Does – and Why It Matters
Introduction
The previous article highlighted the limitations of traditional comprehension assessment methods and the need for a more effective way to measure understanding. In this second article, we will explore the Amplifi Multi-level Comprehension Framework, which we believe addresses this issue.
What is the Amplifi Multi-level Comprehension Framework?
The Amplifi Multi-Level Comprehension Framework is a dynamically structured, purpose-built framework for assessing how well consumers understand information, such as legal and financial communications.
Unlike traditional methods that rely on simple recall, Amplifi evaluates comprehension across a number of levels, such as Main Message, Basic Recall, Inference, Applied, and Reflection, presented in Figure 1.
Each of these levels maps to real-world tasks the user must perform, such as interpreting consequences, making informed decisions, or taking action. The framework is flexible and tailored to the purpose of each document. It is designed to practically and objectively measure comprehension.
It is especially valuable in regulated sectors where understanding affects consumer outcomes and compliance.
|
Level |
Description |
|
Main Message |
Identifying the primary message or central idea conveyed in the document, understanding the overarching purpose or theme of the content. |
|
Basic Recall |
Recalling fundamental details from the document, identifying key facts, events, or information presented in the text. |
|
Inference |
Inferring or interpreting the meaning behind the information presented, analysing the text to understand implicit messages, intentions, or implications. |
|
Applied |
Applying the information from the document to a specific task or real-life scenario, transferring knowledge and using it in practical situations. |
|
Reflection |
Reflecting on the content of the document and its relevance or significance, encouraging critical thinking and deeper analysis of the material. |
Figure 1. Example of an Amplifi Multi-level Comprehension Framework
How We Developed the Multiple-Level Comprehension Framework
The number of comprehension levels you may wish to test for is not fixed in advance. It is determined by the function and demands of the document under review.
In the case of legal and financial texts, such as credit card agreements, the content is written with specific objectives in mind. These objectives are not uniform across all documents. Some communications are intended simply to inform, while others require the reader to evaluate trade-offs or take action based on the information provided.
To build a meaningful multi-level comprehension framework, each document is first analysed for its core purposes. For example, information outlining repayment terms is not only meant to be read, but also to be understood in such a way that the reader can calculate when payments are due and what costs will be incurred under different scenarios. By contrast, a disclosure of regulatory rights may only require that the reader is aware of their existence and where to find further information.
Once these objectives are identified, they are conceptually mapped to different levels of comprehension. Not every document, or section of a document, will require all levels to be achieved. The levels are chosen based on what a typical reader must understand in order to achieve their intended outcome - whether to follow the instructions, make informed decisions, or comply with their obligations.
This approach allows for flexibility. The goal is not to impose a rigid structure, but to match the assessment to the real-world outcomes the document is intended to create for the reader.
In practice, this means comprehension assessments can be adapted from document to document.
Moving Beyond Bloom’s Taxonomy
Bloom’s Taxonomy is a framework that originated in the education world, and which has recently been applied to comprehension assessment. But we believe this is a red herring, using it for a purpose for which it was never designed, or intended.
Bloom’s Taxonomy was developed to guide classroom learning and academic mastery. Whereas Amplifi focuses on practical comprehension and decision readiness, ensuring that consumers can confidently use complex information to make informed choices. While Bloom’s Taxonomy has long guided educational assessments, it falls short for assessing real-world legal and financial communication. Let’s compare:
|
Aspect |
Bloom’s Taxonomy |
Amplifi Comprehension Framework |
|
Purpose |
Academic mastery |
Real-world understanding and informed decision-making |
|
Structure |
Fixed cognitive hierarchy |
Adaptable to document function and user needs |
|
User Context |
Guided learning environments |
Independent consumer navigating complex information |
|
Emotional Factors |
Not addressed |
Includes trust, confidence, and usability |
|
Outcome Measured |
Retention and academic achievement |
Comprehension that leads to informed decision-making and fair outcomes |
Amplifi’s framework was purpose-built for high-stakes legal or regulatory documents, unlike Bloom’s, which was designed for classrooms.
What the Amplifi’s Comprehension Framework Does – and Why It Matters
It Aligns With Regulatory Goals
Under the FCA’s Consumer Duty, firms must ensure communications lead to good outcomes. It’s not enough for disclosures to be technically correct as they must also be comprehensible, actionable, and fair. Amplifi’s framework directly supports this requirement by offering a structured way to assess:
- If consumers understand key messages
- If they can act confidently on that understanding
- If information design supports informed decision-making
The Amplifi Multi-Level Comprehension Framework offers a robust, practical, and context-sensitive way to assess consumer understanding. This is particularly valuable in legal and financial domains, where poor comprehension can have serious real-world consequences.
Unlike traditional models, it provides a realistic, adaptable, and evidence-based approach to evaluating how effectively complex documents communicate with their intended audience.
By doing so, it supports clearer content design, more informed regulatory compliance, and stronger consumer protection.
The following core functions illustrate the key principles of the Amplifi Framework:
- Assesses Depth of Understanding:
The framework structures comprehension into multiple dynamic levels. In this way, it captures not just whether a reader remembers key facts, but whether they can interpret meaning, apply information in realistic scenarios, and critically reflect on implications. This enables a more complete picture of comprehension than traditional surface-level assessments. - Purpose-Driven and Flexible:
The framework adapts to the specific function of each document or section. Some content may only require awareness of a fact, while other sections demand deeper engagement, such as evaluating trade-offs or taking informed action. This avoids a one-size-fits-all approach and aligns assessment with the document’s actual purpose. - Identifies Misunderstandings:
Because comprehension is assessed across levels, the framework acts as a diagnostic tool, revealing where readers may misinterpret content or hold inaccurate assumptions. This allows for targeted improvements in document design or language, tailoring communications to reduce confusion and improve clarity. - Enables Real-World Application:
Applied comprehension is a central feature of the framework. This ensures that users can use information meaningfully, for example by estimating financial outcomes, comparing policy options, or taking timely legal action. This is essential in sectors where understanding must translate directly into behaviour. - Enhances User Engagement:
By moving beyond passive reading, the framework encourages active, critical interaction with the content. Readers are prompted to reflect, infer, and apply, which deepens engagement and supports informed decision-making.
In the third article next week, we’ll look at how to analyse and interpret results from Amplifi’s Multi-Level Comprehension Framework. We will explore real-world applications through the FCA and SRA case studies, and share recommendations on using intelligibility as the anchor for clearer, more effective communication.
