Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Oct 1987

Scientists: Can They Read What They Write?

Lloyd R. Bostian University of Wisconsin–Madison ; Ann C. Thering University of Wisconsin–Madison

Abstract

We evaluated scientists' abilities to process two writing styles, active and nominal in comprehension and reading speed, and determined their preferences for these styles. International scientists (with English as a first, second, or third language) were tested. Results show scientists comprehend nominal style as well as active style but process nominal style more slowly. Scientists with lower levels of English experience have proportionately greater difficulty processing nominal style than active style. Scientists prefer active writing to nominal writing and rate scientists who write actively higher than those who write nominally. Scientists should use more active style and technical editors should apply a heavy hand to nominal style.

Journal
Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published
1987-10-01
DOI
10.2190/q4yk-umcu-d6bw-3age
Open Access
Closed
Topics
multilingual writers voice and style

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (4)

  1. Spyridakis et al. (1998)
    Nominalizations vs. Denominalizations: Do They Influence What Readers Recall?
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  2. Harmon (1992)
    An Analysis of Fifty Citation Superstars from the Scientific Literature
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  3. Bostian et al. (1990)
    Technical Journal Editors and Writing Style
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  4. Rowan (1989)
    Moving beyond the <i>What</i> to the <i>Why</i>: Differences in Professional an…
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication

Cites in this index (0)

No references match articles in this index.

Also cites 9 works outside this index ↓
  1. 10.1515/9783112316009
     ↗
  2. 10.1037/h0044708
     ↗
  3. 10.1016/S0022-5371(63)80103-6
     ↗
  4. 10.1080/00335636909382969
     ↗
  5. 10.1037/h0040440
     ↗
  6. 10.2307/377065
     ↗
  7. 10.2466/pr0.1963.13.3.651
     ↗
  8. 10.1177/107769908306000408
     ↗
  9. 10.1177/107769908406100330
     ↗
CrossRef global citation count: 8 View in citation network →

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