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Journal of Technical Writing… | 5 |
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Boekelder, Angelique | 1 |
Maes, Alfons A. | 1 |
Magilsen, Ingrid | 1 |
Sullivan, Patricia | 1 |
Westendorp, Piet | 1 |
van der Meij, Hans | 1 |
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Journal Articles | 5 |
Reports - Research | 3 |
Reports - Evaluative | 2 |
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Boekelder, Angelique – Journal of Technical Writing and Communication, 1996
Compares three formats for presenting a number of similar procedures in printed instructions: separate lists, an integrated list, and a table. Expects that the integrated list format and the table format will provide overview of the features common to the similar procedures--finds such results did not appear. Finds that none of the formats scored…
Descriptors: Communication Research, Comparative Analysis, Guides, Visual Learning

Westendorp, Piet – Journal of Technical Writing and Communication, 1996
Tests the relative efficiency and learning effect of text, pictures, and animation in online help systems, designing six versions of a help system for telephones. Presents operational information in text, pictures, or animation, with or without spatial information. Shows that presenting operational information via text was most efficient and that…
Descriptors: Communication Research, Comparative Analysis, Information Processing, Online Systems

van der Meij, Hans – Journal of Technical Writing and Communication, 1996
Examines the visual manual genre, discussing main forms and functions of step-by-step and guided tour manuals in detail. Examines whether a visual manual helps computer users realize tasks faster and more accurately than a non-visual manual. Finds no effects on accuracy, but speedier task execution by 35% for visual manuals. Concludes there is no…
Descriptors: Communication Research, Comparative Analysis, Computer Software, Guides

Magilsen, Ingrid; Maes, Alfons A. – Journal of Technical Writing and Communication, 1996
Discusses the adequacy of two modes of presenting information on a computer screen, the "alternating" (screen by screen) presentation and the "simultaneous" screen presentation (different information on one screen at the same time). Tests subjects performing writing tasks using one online document or two documents, using either…
Descriptors: Communication Research, Comparative Analysis, Computers, Higher Education

Sullivan, Patricia – Journal of Technical Writing and Communication, 1989
Presents the results of a survey of Purdue University students' knowledge of, use of, and attitudes toward computers as they enter the technical writing class. Contrasts the technical students with upper division humanities students and draws conclusions about documentation requirements and appropriate computer use goals for the students surveyed.…
Descriptors: Communication Research, Comparative Analysis, Computer Oriented Programs, Computer Uses in Education