The Effects of Writing Ability and Mode of Discourse on Cognitive Capacity Engagement.

摘要: This study investigated the effects of writing ability and mode discourse on cognitive capacity engagement across three stages composing process. Sixty-three college freshmen varying abilities (basic, average, honors) were randomly assigned to experimental treatments (descriptive writing, narrative persuasive writing). Using secondarytask method, we found that differentially affected modes. For example, honors writers least engaged when descriptive essays but most essays; whereas average essays. Analytic quality scores related, results interpreted within context schema theory. Also, syntactic complexity measures related. As words per clause increased, also increased; whereas, as clauses T-unit decreased. When faced with any information-processing task, human beings can perform a limited number activities simultaneously, depending nature tasks at hand existence relevant schemata stored in permanent memory (Klatzky, 1980; Neisser, 1975; Rumelhart & Ortony, 1977). People have different for tasks, demands, or experiences. Writers, related narrative, descriptive, modes (Flowers Hayes, 1984). Other studies (Rumelhart, 1977; Thorndyke, 1977) indicate people store include sets rules, such rules govern language. Daiute (1984), Carroll (1976, 1979), Tanenhaus (1978) "store variety complex sentence structures . [which] serve patterns guide production novel sentences" (Daiute, 1984, p. 210). We would like express our appreciation Terry Wildman, Robert Small, Louis Middleman their reactions suggestions throughout this manuscript. Research Teaching English, Vol. 19, No. 3, October 1985