Written Communication Jul 2013

Keystroke Logging in Writing Research

Mariëlle Leijten Research Foundation - Flanders ; Luuk Van Waes University of Antwerp

Abstract

Keystroke logging has become instrumental in identifying writing strategies and understanding cognitive processes. Recent technological advances have refined logging efficiency and analytical outputs. While keystroke logging allows for ecological data collection, it is often difficult to connect the fine grain of logging data to the underlying cognitive processes. Multiple methodologies are useful to offset these difficulties. In this article we explore the complementarity of the keystroke logging program Inputlog with other observational techniques: thinking aloud protocols and eyetracking data. In addition, we illustrate new graphic and statistical data analysis techniques, mainly adapted from network analysis and data mining. Data extracts are drawn from a study of writing from multiple sources. In conclusion, we consider future developments for keystroke logging, in particular letter- to word-level aggregation and logging standardization.

Journal
Written Communication
Published
2013-07-01
DOI
10.1177/0741088313491692
Open Access
Closed
Topics
quantitative research

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (14)

  1. Valenzuela et al. (2026)
    Reading Medium and Communicative Purpose in Writing: Effects on Pausing Behavio…
    Written Communication
  2. Sterk et al. (2025)
    Popularization Writing Skills Development: A Longitudinal Case Study of the Wri…
    Written Communication
  3. Tabari et al. (2024)
    The impact of computer-mediated task complexity on writing fluency: A comparati…
    Computers and Composition
  4. Vandermeulen et al. (2023)
    Writing Process Feedback Based on Keystroke Logging and Comparison With Exempla…
    Written Communication
  5. Schneier (2023)
    Modeling Mobile Writing: Applying Sociocognitive Models of Writing to Mobile Contexts
    Written Communication
Show all 14 →
  1. Bowen et al. (2022)
    Exploring feedback and regulation in online writing classes with keystroke logging
    Computers and Composition
  2. Bowen et al. (2020)
    Exploring Revisions in Academic Text: Closing the Gap Between Process and Produ…
    Written Communication
  3. Zarrabi et al. (2020)
    EFL Students’ Cognitive Performance during Argumentative Essay Writing: A log-f…
    Computers and Composition
  4. Khuder et al. (2019)
    L2 Writing Task Representation in Test-Like and Non-Test-Like Situations
    Written Communication
  5. Smet et al. (2018)
    Exploring the Process of Reading During Writing Using Eye Tracking and Keystrok…
    Written Communication
  6. Steen et al. (2017)
    The Effect of Keyboard-Based Word Processing on Students With Different Working…
    Written Communication
  7. Tham (2017)
    Wearable Writing
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  8. Waes et al. (2015)
    Fluency in Writing: A Multidimensional Perspective on Writing Fluency Applied t…
    Computers and Composition
  9. Vandendaele et al. (2015)
    Beyond “Trimming the Fat”
    Written Communication

Cites in this index (9)

  1. Baaijen et al. (2012)
    Keystroke Analysis
    Written Communication
  2. Hayes (2012)
    Modeling and Remodeling Writing
    Written Communication
  3. McCarthy et al. (2011)
    Content Management in the Workplace
    Journal of Business and Technical Communication
  4. Leijten et al. (2010)
    Correcting Text Production Errors: Isolating the Effects of Writing Mode From E…
    Written Communication
  5. Swarts (2010)
    Recycled Writing: Assembling Actor Networks From Reusable Content
    Journal of Business and Technical Communication
Show all 9 →
  1. Hayes et al. (2006)
    Is Working Memory Involved in the Transcribing and Editing of Texts?
    Written Communication
  2. CHENOWETH et al. (2001)
    Fluency in Writing
    Written Communication
  3. Eklundh (1994)
    Linear and nonlinear strategies in computer-based writing
    Computers and Composition
  4. SMAGORINSKY (1989)
    The Reliability and Validity of Protocol Analysis
    Written Communication
Also cites 35 works outside this index ↓
  1. 10.3758/BF03192780
     ↗
  2. 10.1057/jors.2008.171
     ↗
  3. 10.1037/a0022545
     ↗
  4. 10.1097/00011363-200020040-00007
     ↗
  5. 10.4324/9780203805312
     ↗
  6. 10.1016/0022-4405(95)00024-0
     ↗
  7. 10.1037/0033-295X.87.3.215
     ↗
  8. 10.7551/mitpress/5657.001.0001
     ↗
  9. 10.2307/356602
     ↗
  10. 10.1037/a0021663
     ↗
  11. 10.3758/BRM.42.1.226
     ↗
  12. 10.1016/j.asoc.2010.04.025
     ↗
  13. 10.1016/j.learninstruc.2004.01.001
     ↗
  14. Jakobsen A. L. (2006)
    Computer keystroke-logging and writing
     ↗
  15. 10.1007/s11145-009-9189-3
     ↗
  16. 10.3758/BF03193898
     ↗
  17. Leijten M. (2006)
    Computer key-stroke logging and writing: Methods and applications
     ↗
  18. 10.1016/j.chb.2010.02.010
     ↗
  19. 10.1080/09658410308667075
     ↗
  20. 10.1075/itl.156.13lin
     ↗
  21. Llosa L., Beck S. W., Zhao C. G. (2011). An investigation of academic writing in secondary schools to inform …
     ↗
  22. 10.1007/978-0-387-09823-4
     ↗
  23. 10.1093/iwc/iws014
     ↗
  24. 10.1007/s11145-005-3178-y
     ↗
  25. 10.1016/0010-0285(75)90005-5
     ↗
  26. 10.1016/S0378-2166(02)00123-6
     ↗
  27. 10.1191/136216800675510135
     ↗
  28. Strömqvist S. (2006)
    Computer keystroke logging and writing: Methods and applications
     ↗
  29. Sullivan K. P. H. (2006)
    Computer key-stroke logging and writing
     ↗
  30. Van Waes L. (2006)
    Writing and digital media
     ↗
  31. 10.1007/s11145-009-9190-x
     ↗
  32. 10.1016/S0378-2166(02)00121-2
     ↗
  33. Wengelin A. (2006)
    Computer key-stroke logging and writing: Methods and applications
     ↗
  34. 10.1007/s11145-009-9187-5
     ↗
  35. 10.3758/BRM.41.2.337
     ↗
CrossRef global citation count: 307 View in citation network →

Related Articles

  1. Written Communication Feb 2026
    Stance in REF Submissions: Authorial Positioning in Impact Narratives ↗
    Ken Hyland; Feng (Kevin) Jiang
    quantitative research multilingual writers
  2. College Composition and Communication Feb 2026
    Investigating Undergraduate L2 Students’ Source Use Development in a Semi-Disciplinary Writing Context ↗
    Soomin Jwa
    rhetorical theory literacy studies quantitative research multimodality
  3. Written Communication Jan 2026
    Speeding Up and Slowing Down Public Quantitative Writing ↗
    Daniel Libertz; Zachary Muhlbauer
    quantitative research
  4. Technical Communication Quarterly Nov 2025
    Anthropomorphizing Artificial Intelligence: A Corpus Study of Mental Verbs Used with <i>AI</i> and <i>ChatGPT</i> ↗
    Jeanine Elise Aune; Matthew J. Baker; Jo Mackiewicz; Jordan Smith
    quantitative research artificial intelligence multilingual writers
  5. Written Communication Oct 2025
    Popularization Writing Skills Development: A Longitudinal Case Study of the Writing Process and Writing Outcomes in Nine Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Students ↗
    Florentine Marnel Sterk; Merel van Goch; Michael Burke; Iris van der Tuin
    qualitative research quantitative research multimodality multilingual writers