Protocols and Processes

"Protocols and processes" provides an account of a video protocol analysis method developed in masters and doctoral research into written composition over a period of 20 years. It also features a series of composing profiles drawn up in the course of developing the video protocol analysis method. These provide case studies of student composing, which, it is hoped, might be of interest not only to composition teachers and researchers, but also to academics in general, as writing is the main form of assessment of progress in universities. The protocol method evolved together with a developing theory of written communication which went some way towards explaining the systemic nature of composing, as well as the infinite variety evident in specific instances of composing. The theoretical aspect is dealt with in some detail in "Modelling written communication: a new systems approach to modelling in the social sciences",which is now in press. "Protocols and processes" complements the development of the theory...