Composition: History & Theory: 1990 - 1999
Linda Flower, “A Cognitive Process Theory of Writing”
Description
Summary: In “A Cognitive Process Theory of Writing” Flower and Hayes elaborate on the dynamics of their cognitive model of writing in contrast with the “linear stage model” such as “Pre-Writing, Writing, and Re-Writing” (275). They first identify writing models as metaphors that need to be defined and unfold in its interactive and hierarchic features. Therefore, Flower and Hayes argue for taking writing goals as the reference point of a composing model that is able to represent distinctive thinking processes. Not only the writing process but also the goals are organized with a hierarchical network. They first divided the process into two stages: generating goals and changing goals (274) in composing. Involved with it are three major elements: the task environment, the writer’s long-term memory, and the writing processes. The writing processes are constituted of Planning, Translating, and Reviewing. Each of the stages is under the control of a Monitor (277). By displaying how the different mental actions weaved together, Flower and Hayes analyze the operation among goals, topic, and text in writing practice. Via the cognitive model of composing, Flower and Hayes depict the act of writing as a series of evaluating and generating goals that have typical patterns: Explore and Consolidate, State and Develop, Write and Regenerate (291). As a model that articulates cognitive activities in writing, Flower and Hays study provides new light in studying writing as a process in terms of its psychological aspect.
Date of Upload
11/03/09