Focus Group on Technical Communication Research: An Academic Perspective  

'Research' is defined as a systematic, though fluid, process for uncovering or generating knowledge. Its, forms include basic research, formal research, and scholarship. No one form is better than the others with the kind of information needed determining the process required. The investigative model presented describes research in terms of the processes and products involved. Echoing Kuhn, they believe that an interest is not a true discipline until it gives rise to its own set of questions--beyond those of its base discipline--and publishes answers to those questions in its own journals.

Allen, Jo and Sherry G. Southard. STC Proceedings (1995). Articles>Research

Strategies for Research in Technical Communication: Purpose and Study Design  

Professional communicators are concerned with numerous issues related to their work. Providing the answers to all the questions raised by these issues is the primary purpose of their research in all of its forms (basic research, formal research, and scholarship). A discussion of research in academic and corporate contexts illustrates the 'who does what and why' in those settings. The sample study design presented provides a starting point for technical communicators who want to conduct formal research.

Allen, Jo and Sherry G. Southard. STC Proceedings (1995). Articles>Research