A Research Primer for Technical Communication: Methods, Exemplars, and Analyses / Edition 1

by George F Hayhoe, Michael A. Hughes, George F. Hayhoe

Overview

This practical volume provides a thorough introduction to conducting and critically reading research in technical communication, complete with exemplars of research articles for study. Offering a solid grounding in the research underpinnings of the technical communication field, this resource has been developed for use in master’s level and upper-division undergraduate research methods courses in technical and professional communication.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780805863352
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	08/10/2007
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	232
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Dr. Michael A. Hughes works for IBM Internet Security Systems as a User Experience Architect identifying tools, methods, and standards to integrate the content and delivery of user assistance. He is an Associate Fellow with the Society for Technical Communication, and he holds a PhD from the University of Georgia.

Dr. George F. Hayhoe worked for 18 years as a technical communicator, and is currently professor of technical communication at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. He has been editor of Technical Communication since 1996, and is an active member of the Society for Technical Communication and IEEE Professional Communication Society. He holds a PhD from the University of South Carolina.

Table of Contents

Contents: Preface. Research: Why We Do It and Why We Read It. The Research Phases and Getting Started. Reviewing the Literature. Analyzing Quantitative Data. Conducting a Qualitative Study. Conducting Surveys. Analyzing a Literature Review. Analyzing a Quantitative Research Report. Analyzing a Qualitative Research Report. Analyzing a Report on the Results of a Survey.

Editorial Reviews

"In many introductory methods classes, instructors cobble together numerous sources to design a robust class. This volume has it all in one place—an explanation of research questions, a strategy to research the literature and annotate it, clear explanations of the major research methods of the field of technical communication, instructions on writing up the research report—plus examples of award-winning, full-length, peer-reviewed studies pulled from our own major journals, which are much more relatable to new researchers than trying to see how psychology or education studies apply them. Throughout, its tone is reassuring, its explanations crystal. I strongly recommend anyone teaching or becoming a new researcher use this volume as their introduction." – Angela Eaton, PhD, Associate Professor of Technical Communication and Rhetoric, Texas Tech University

"This revised edition offers thorough, practical, and applied information for anyone interested in technical communication research. The rich content and supplementary materials give readers diverse techniques for improving their research practices. This is a must-read primer that is as effective for the classroom as it is the workplace." – Ryan Boettger, PhD, Associate Professor of Technical Communication, University of North Texas

"As the field of technical communication has grown in the last decades, well-designed research has become especially crucial to the advancement of knowledge. Written in an accessible style, the second edition of A Research Primer for Technical Communication: Methods, Exemplars, and Analysis will prove useful to advanced undergraduates and graduate students studying technical communication research approaches." – Marjorie Rush Hovde, PhD, Associate Professor of Technical Communication, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis

"A Research Primer for Technical Communication: Methods, Exemplars, and Analysis (2nd ed.) delivers what its title promises […] [T]his edition retains the most important characteristic of the first one: clear, straightforward explanations that should be accessible and engaging to all readers. A must-have for any student or professional technical communicator." – Saul Carliner, PhD, Professor of Educational Technology, Concordia University (Montréal)

From the Publisher