Written Communication Oct 1985

Expanding Roles for Summarized Information

OSWALD M.T. RATTERAY

Abstract

At least seven types of summaries have emerged in common usage, especially during the past 250 years. They may be classified as either sequential summaries that retain the original order in which information was presented or synthesizing summaries that alter this sequence to achieve specific objectives. Each type of summary developed in response to challenges facing professions, government, business, and ordinary citizens-all of whom have sought to absorb increasing quantities of information being generated in a society that is becoming more complex. This taxonomy offers a definition and brief history for each of the seven techniques, describes the growth of corporations or other organizations that can be considered leading practitioners, and comments on the potential continuing role for each type of summary. The article also focuses on several contemporary issues that will affect future research, classroom writing instruction, and information management in modern computerized offices.

Journal
Written Communication
Published
1985-10-01
DOI
10.1177/0741088385002004007
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Open Access
Closed
Topics
writing pedagogy affect and writing editorial matter
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Citation Context

Cited by in this index (1)

  1. SPIVEY (1990)
    Transforming Texts: Constructive Processes in Reading and Writing
    Written Communication

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