LPI Score
Scoring Pattern
LPI = (sum of weighted_scores / 42.5) x 5→lexical preachiness measure (0-5 scale)
Definition
The Lexical Preachy Index score — computed as a weighted average of all eight LPI category scores using their weight multipliers (HIGH categories at 1.5x, MEDIUM at 1.0x, LOW at 0.5x). The formula is: LPI = (sum of all weighted scores / 42.5) x 5, where 42.5 is the maximum possible weighted sum. The LPI captures the word-level texture of preachiness: the density of moral imperatives, certainty markers, shame triggers, virtue vocabulary, grandiose language, inclusive coercion, hedging absence, and repetitive emphasis. A high LPI means the text's vocabulary is characteristic of sermonic writing.
Examples
Example 1
LPI 3.8: moral imperatives 4 (6.0), certainty markers 3 (4.5), shame triggers 4 (6.0), virtue signals 3 (3.0), grandiose 3 (3.0), hedging absence 5 (2.5), coercion 3 (3.0), repetition 2 (1.0). Total: 29.0/42.5 x 5 = 3.41.
A high LPI driven by heavy-weight categories (moral imperatives, certainty markers, shame triggers) and complete hedging absence — the vocabulary is thoroughly sermonic.
Example 2
LPI 1.2: moral imperatives 2 (3.0), certainty markers 1 (1.5), shame triggers 0 (0), virtue signals 2 (2.0), grandiose 1 (1.0), hedging absence 1 (0.5), coercion 1 (1.0), repetition 1 (0.5). Total: 9.5/42.5 x 5 = 1.12.
A low LPI showing mild prescriptive vocabulary — some "should" language and virtue words but no shame triggers and minimal certainty markers.
Example 3
LPI 2.5: moral imperatives 3 (4.5), certainty markers 2 (3.0), shame triggers 2 (3.0), virtue signals 3 (3.0), grandiose 2 (2.0), hedging absence 3 (1.5), coercion 2 (2.0), repetition 2 (1.0). Total: 20.0/42.5 x 5 = 2.35.
A moderate LPI with broadly distributed lexical markers — no single category dominates, creating a general prescriptive texture rather than targeted sermonic intensity.
AI Detection Note
AI text typically scores LPI 1.0-2.0 — moderate lexical preachiness from routine use of 'should,' 'important,' and virtue vocabulary. AI's LPI is usually lower than its SSI because AI's word choices are cautious and hedged, even when its structures are prescriptive. A large gap between SSI and LPI (high structure, low vocabulary) is an AI signature; human sermonic writing tends to have SSI and LPI within 1.0 point of each other.
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