Credibility and Reasoning in Technical Writing—Some Notes for Writers, Editors, and Instructors

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Jan 1976

Credibility and Reasoning in Technical Writing—Some Notes for Writers, Editors, and Instructors

Michael P. Jordan

Abstract

Information, commands, and requirements not only must be understood—they must be credible too. That is, they must be such that they change the knowledge or understanding of the readers, or else they demand appropriate action. These introductory notes explain under what circumstance statements need to be made more credible and they explain how to add credibility at the clause, sentence, paragraph, and section levels. Principles of syllogistic reasoning, analogies, and experimental reasoning are also discussed. Brief mention is made of the related instruction for students and professional engineers.

Journal: Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published: 1976-01-01
DOI: 10.2190/fpx3-dfeh-r2pm-6mke
Topics: technical communication

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (2)

Connor (1994)

Research on Technical and Scientific Communication in Canada: A Bibliographical…

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Hamlin et al. (1983)

A Model for Technical Communication

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication

Cites in this index (1)

Jordan (1975)

<i>If Not and or but</i> Conjunctions in Sentential and Deductive Logic

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication

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