Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Apr 1982

Cognitive Processes and Technical Writing: Developmental Foundations

Robert de Beaugrande

Abstract

A brief overview of methods relating language education to psychological theories and models is provided. Strengths and weaknesses of behaviorist and mentalist approaches are surveyed, followed by an outline of a recently developing cognitive-process approach. The approach is then illustrated with an individual case study from the University of Florida writing program, with special consideration of the concerns of technical writing on the topic of automobile repair instructions. It is argued that specific tendencies carry over from speech habits that are partly supportive and partly contrary to success in learning the skills of technical writing. Consequently, appropriate training should be able to alleviate the contrary tendencies, provided we take into account the operations of writing.

Journal
Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published
1982-04-01
DOI
10.2190/f7pk-4ku1-prvy-vrv9
Topics
qualitative research multimodality technical communication

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (2)

  1. Connatser (1997)
    A Phonological Reading Model for Technical Communicators
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  2. BEAUGRANDE (1985)
    Composition Textbooks
    Written Communication

Cites in this index (3)

  1. Beaugrande (1977)
    Information and Grammar in Technical Writing
    College Composition and Communication
  2. Zoellner (1971)
    Lucy's Dance Lessons and Accountability in English
    College Composition and Communication
  3. Shutt (1969)
    After Wrap-Around Blackboards, What?
    College English
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CrossRef global citation count: 5 View in citation network →

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