EFFECTIVE TECHNICAL COMMUNICATIONS, MECHANICAL DESCRIPTION -EXPERIMENT II.
Abstract
The effects of variables upon the effectiveness of a written technical communication were tested in a 3x2x2x2 factorial experiment. The subject matter was a description of a simple mechanism. The variables were (1) the manner in which the size and shape of the machine and its parts were presented, (2) introduction (present or absent), (3) internal orienting material (present or absent), and (4) headings (present or absent). The effectiveness of the message was measured by (1) comprehension, (2) reading time, (3) the readers' impression of the author's knowledge of the subject matter, and (4) the readers' impression of the author's competence as a writer. The audiences tested were (1) bright young people with known technical interests, (2) bright young people without known technical interests, (3) young men of average intelligence known to have technical interests, and (4) young men of below average intelligence known to have technical interests. The structural aids (introduction, internal orientation, and headings) contributed little to the effectiveness of the message as measured by the criteria used, and they even proved harmful in some instances. The experimental method used shows promise as a fairly reliable predictive instrument.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0631238
Entities
People
- Richard M. Davis
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology