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Technical Writing in the Digital Age: Difference between revisions
Technical Writing in the Digital Age (view source)
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=='''Overview'''== | =='''Overview'''== | ||
=== '''Goal of Technical Communication''' === | === '''Goal of Technical Communication''' === | ||
Technical communication is a discipline utilized by various fields | Technical communication is a discipline utilized by various fields such as education, business, and science. In any domain, technical documentation shares a common objective: assisting the audience in achieving a task or goal.{{sfn|Markel|Selber|2019}} This common objective is achieved by the technical writer communicating complex and technical information to the audience in a way that's easy to understand.{{sfn|United States Bureau of Labor Statistics|2023}} | ||
==='''Importance of Research'''=== | ==='''Importance of Research'''=== | ||
Research plays a vital role in technical writing. The main purposes of research are to inform action, gather evidence for theories, and contribute to developing knowledge in a field of study. {{sfn|Zarah|2023}} Research helps build knowledge and facilitate learning, helps society understand issues and increase public awareness, and aids in supporting truth.{{sfn|Zarah|2023}} Proper research provides a strong foundation for efficient technical writing. | |||
Major decisions | Major decisions are often based upon results from research. Technical communicators often work with subject matter experts, but can also conduct in-depth independent research to produce a technical document. The stages of critical thinking in the research process are{{sfn|Lannon|Gurak|2020|p=145}}: | ||
*Asking the right questions. The right questions help define the research problem. The answers found in research are only as good as the questions asked. | *Asking the right questions. The right questions help define the research problem. The answers found in research are only as good as the questions asked. | ||
*Exploring a balance of views. This provides a broad '' | *Exploring a balance of views. This provides a broad range of ''evidence''. Ask: What do informed sources say about the topic? On which points do sources agree or disagree? Which sources carry more weight than others? | ||
*Providing adequate ''depth'' into the topic through thorough research. Surface level is reached through popular media. The next level is reached through trade, business, and technical publications. The deepest level is reached through specialized literature such as peer-reviewed journals, government sources, and corporate documents. | *Providing adequate ''depth'' into the topic through thorough research. Surface level is reached through popular media. The next level is reached through trade, business, and technical publications. The deepest level is reached through specialized literature such as peer-reviewed journals, government sources, and corporate documents. | ||
*Evaluating the findings. Search for bias in the research. Look for the accurate answer. | *Evaluating the findings. Search for bias in the research. Look for the accurate answer. | ||