Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Jan 1978

Documentation: A Functional Rationale

J. W. Allen

Abstract

This article describes a practical rationale for the use of documentation in technical or business reports and articles based on a definition of documentation which emphasizes its role in providing support for theses. Stressing the “evidential” aspect of documentation, and the importance of “verifiability,” the article shows how the concept of documentation is relevant to both primary and secondary research reporting. Advantages which follow from this approach are pointed out. The approach described is one formulated for and currently being used in technical and business writing courses at Auburn University.

Journal
Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published
1978-01-01
DOI
10.2190/xx4v-f875-c9kc-n42l
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Closed
Topics
writing pedagogy professional writing
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References (7) · 1 in this index

  1. Goodrich et al. (1977)
    Accuracy of Published Medical Reference Citations
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  2. Brown L. (1973)
    Effective Business Report Writing
  3. Sherman T. A. (1975)
    Modern Technical Writing
  4. Lesikar R. V. (1976)
    Business Communication: Theory and Application
  5. Menning J. H. (1976)
    Communicating Through Letters and Reports
Show all 7 →
  1. Rocketdyne Division, Rockwell International, Publication Style and Format Guide (R-1000-1), April 1, 1976.
  2. Scientific and Technical Information Office, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (1974)
    NASA Publications Manual 1974
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