Developing a Continuum to Describe Technical Communication
http://www.stc.org/ConfProceed/1993/PDFs/Pg441.pdf

Smith, Elizabeth Overman 'Betsy'
STC Proceedings
1993

Abstract:

The more integrated a discipline is, the greater the likelihood that the researchers are sharing ideas and the greater the chances are for developing theories and models to support the knowledge base. A fragmented discipline offers few connections between discussions and research. This study of technical communication literature reports and reflects upon the dialogue established among practitioners, researchers, and scholars as theories are built. A continuum--fragmented to integrated--places areas of study in technical communication and offers an interpretation of the field.