This paper explicates and compares theories of composition that use heuristic or problem solving procedures in order to determine what can logically be expected from the application of a particular heuristic during the composing process. The heuristic models examined include E. P. J. Corbett's selection from the classical topics; R. Young, A. L.…

A study examined the written communication at the technical/professional and managerial levels in a "Fortune 500" corporation to determine whether managers/executives had different communications purposes and, therefore, used different rhetorical strategies and approaches than did professional/technical staff. Rhetorical analysis was conducted of…

The contributions made by Donald Graves to research on written composition are examined. Particular attention is given to his case studies of the writing processes of young children. The results of these studies and their implications for instruction are analyzed and discussed. (Author/FL)

Recent studies and theoretical constructs pertaining to textual revision (the process of editing and reformulating written discourse) are discussed. The relative effectiveness of various revision strategies is examined, with particular attention given to different strategies employed by skilled and unskilled writers. Implications for researchers…

Compares two methods for evaluating syntactic complexity and maturity: (1) the T-unit method of W. K. Hunt and (2) the sentence weight method of P. DiStephano and S. Howie. Concludes that sentence weight is no more accurate than T-units, and more difficult to compute. (JG)

Presents a content analysis performed on 157 electronic mail files received over the course of several months by a middle level manager in a computer services department of a large organization. Suggests that computer mediated communication changes communication function and context in certain specific ways, which are reflected throughout the…

Argues that empiricism has a role as a complement to humanistic methodologies in composition research. Humanistic methodologies yield the stuff of hypotheses; empirically proven hypotheses provide further ground for humanistic interpretation. (MS)

Provides an initial test of a multidimensional model of written communication apprehension as the construct relates to syntactic language use. Finds support for a multidimensional model of writing apprehension and for the impact that syntactic choice has on an individual's perceptions of writing apprehension. (MS)

Describes the changes basic writers made to an impromptu in-class essay when the essays were taken home and revised. Suggests that some basic writers have sophisticated revising skills, and that assessment which allows time for revision can give these students the opportunity to demonstrate their skills. (RAE)

Uses a systems approach to organizational theory to argue that technical communicators function as "boundary spanners," who make sense of and disseminate information required for coordination between organizational groups, and for effective responses to the environment. (JAD)

Provides a selected, annotated bibliography of articles from books, monographs, and periodicals. Emphasizes new theories and approaches. Excludes book reviews, textbooks, classroom activities, and studies of writing in elementary or middle schools. (MM)

Examines research on using word processors for writing and writing instruction. Argues that research can mislead and discourage teachers from using computers in their classrooms. Asserts that word processing encourages students to have fun while guiding them through the revision process. (MM)

Examines topic sentences in academic writing, specifically the percentage of (1) minor topic sentences, (2) minor and major topic sentences (combined), and (3) topic sentence "influence." Shows that writers rely heavily on topic sentences, although there are variations across disciplines that may be attributed to paragraph length,…

The author reviews traditional and emerging writing models and theory and discusses the implications of recent research on composing and writing instruction in middle and junior high schools. (MT)

Rather than prescribe activities, teachers should approach the development of literacy programs from a functional point of view, allowing students to achieve purposes relevant to their situation. Research leading to this view is summarized. (MT)