A Cognitive Basis for a Computer Writing Environment
Abstract
This research of cognitive psychologists and composition theorists offers important insights that can guide development of more compatible computer systems. In the sections that follow we first review some of their more important theories and experimental results in order to establish a cognitive basis for a computer writing environment. We then show how those sights influenced key design decisions for a system we are developing. While our system could be used by a variety of writers for many different purposes, it is intended primarily for professionals who write as a part of their jobs. Nevertheless, we believe it illustrates the important relation between cognitive theory and system design and the necessity to consider them together. Our discussion ends with a brief description of our efforts to test both the theoretical basis and the system we have developed in accord with it. Keywords: Communication, Writing, Cognition, Computers, System design, Comprehension.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA225734
Entities
People
- John B. Smith
- Marcy Lansman
Organizations
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill