Interpreting Textual Data in Writing Research

Isabelle Thompson Auburn University

Abstract

This article discusses a theoretical framework for situating interpretations of textual data collected during research. Based on the reader response theory of Louise Rosenblatt, this framework consists of a continuum representing the range of interpretative assumptions—stances—researchers can bring to their reading of textual data. The continuum is bounded by the two most extreme stances defined by Rosenblatt as efferent, roughly comparable to the stereotypical scientific interpretative tradition, and aesthetic, roughly comparable to the stereotypical humanities interpretative tradition.

Journal
Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published
1999-04-01
DOI
10.2190/rna3-jr96-hdbd-hm21
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Cited by in this index (2)

  1. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  2. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication

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