Technical Communication Quarterly Oct 1997

Technical Communication Research: From Traditional to Virtual

Laura J. Gurak ; Christine M. Silker

Abstract

Researchers in technical communication have recently begun to take advantage of the interactions taking place via computer-mediated communication as a rich source for research. Yet, although research in cyberspace is growing, there are few guidelines for researchers to follow. This article reviews three forms of technical communication research methods (ethnography, rhetorical analysis, and surveys) and raises preliminary issues to consider when using such research methods in cyberspace. These issues include privacy and author permissions.

Journal
Technical Communication Quarterly
Published
1997-10-01
DOI
10.1207/s15427625tcq0604_3
Open Access
Closed
Topics
technical communication

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (2)

  1. Arduser (2011)
    Warp and Weft: Weaving the Discussion Threads of an Online Community
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  2. McKee (2008)
    Ethical and legal issues for writing researchers in an age of media convergence
    Computers and Composition

Cites in this index (4)

  1. Gurak (1997)
    Technical communication, copyright, and the shrinking public domain
    Computers and Composition
  2. Mirel (1992)
    Analyzing audiences for software manuals: A survey of instructional needs for “…
    Technical Communication Quarterly
  3. Halloran (1984)
    The birth of molecular biology: An essay in the rhetorical criticism of scienti…
    Rhetoric Review
  4. Connors (1982)
    The Rise of Technical Writing Instruction in America
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Also cites 12 works outside this index ↓
  1. Allen Christina (1996)
    10.1080/713856146
    The Infanation Society  ↗
  2. Boehlefeld Sharon Polancic (1996)
    10.1080/911232343
    The Information Society  ↗
  3. Burke, Kenneth L. Language us Symbolic Action. Berkeley: U California P, 1966.
     ↗
  4. King Storm A (1996)
    10.1080/713856145
    The Information Society  ↗
  5. 10.2307/1191780
     ↗
  6. Lunsford Andrea A (1996)
    10.2307/358295
    Cokge Composition and Communicdtion  ↗
  7. Melia Trevor (1984)
    10.1080/00335638409383699
    Q u u m l y Journal of Speech  ↗
  8. Reid Elizabeth (1996)
    10.1080/713856138
    The Informdon Society  ↗
  9. 10.1145/256175.256190
     ↗
  10. Thomas Jim (1996)
    10.1080/713856137
    The Inf...ari.. Society  ↗
  11. Waskul Douglas (1996)
    10.1080/713856142
    The Information Society  ↗
  12. Woodmansee, Martha, and Peter Jaszi. `The Law of Texts: Copyright in the Academy." College Englrsh 57 (1995):…
     ↗
CrossRef global citation count: 3 View in citation network →

Related Articles

  1. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Apr 2026
    Developing Intercultural Socioemotional Communication Skills: A Hybrid Student Exchange Project Between Kenya, Ireland, and Germany ↗
    Belinda Oechsler; Yvonne Cleary; Sissi Closs
    multimodality technical communication
  2. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Apr 2026
    What Video Games Can Tell Us About Interactive Technical Communication ↗
    Emily Kuzneski Johnson
    multimodality technical communication multilingual writers
  3. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Apr 2026
    “Is This Ethical?” New Data on the Ethical Principles and Practices of Document Design ↗
    Leslie Seawright; Amy Hodges; Timothy Ponce
    multimodality technical communication disability studies multilingual writers
  4. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Apr 2026
    How to Write With GenAI: A Framework for Using Generative AI to Automate Writing Tasks in Technical Communication ↗
    Guiseppe Getto; Susan Kelley; Bremen Vance
    artificial intelligence technical communication multilingual writers
  5. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Mar 2026
    “It's Hard to Show ROI When You’re Preventing Things from Happening”: How Impact Storytelling Frames Community Health Initiatives for Executive Audiences ↗
    Margaret Hsiao
    qualitative research multimodality technical communication professional writing multilingual writers