Research in Technical Communication: Perspectives and Thoughts on the Process  

Technical communication can be viewed as both a discipline and a profession. As a discipline, it concerns itself with the pursuit of knowledge and the development of theory. As a profession, it attempts to meet the needs of the individuals it serves through the application of knowledge and theory. Research links the discipline and the profession and sustains both by providing the bases from which to develop new areas of inquiry and to find solutions to problems.

Barclay, Rebecca O. Technical Communication Online (1992). Articles>TC>Research>Body of Knowledge