Process Explanations

Dr. LamTECM 4250

Let’s Review

• Week 1: Design• What did we learn?

• Week 2: Comparative analysis• What did we learn?

Why comparative analysis is extensible…

• It’s about a systematic way of thinking• i.e., it’s not just about coming up with

recommendations for your company

• It requires critical thinking • i.e., you can’t be lazy when you are

conducting comparative analyses

What is project 3?

• Process description

• 1600-2000 words catered toward two audiences (novice and expert)• 800-1000 words each

What we will accomplish today

• Differentiate process descriptions from instructions

• Examine a few examples of process descriptions

• Come up with a working list of potential topics

• Everyone will narrow down their project 3 topics to two choices

Process or Instructions?

1. http://spaceplace.nasa.gov/hurricanes/en/

2. http://water.epa.gov/drink/info/well/whatdo.cfm

3. http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/downloads/pdf/vector/bed-bug-guide.pdf

4. http://www.recycling-guide.org.uk/science-glass.html

What’s the purpose of process descriptions?

• To describe how something happens

• To provide general context on a technical topic• You can’t do something without known how

something works

Why else would/do you read process descriptions?

Process Descriptions vs. Instructions

• Process descriptions are actually harder to write because they’re harder to empirically test

• Goal of instructions is much more concrete than process descriptions • How do we know when someone understands

the process?

Process Descriptions typically describe four types of actions

1. Actions that occur in nature• E.g., How evaporation occurs

2. Actions that produce a product• E.g., How a car is made

3. Actions that make up a particular task• E.g., How gold is mined

4. Actions in the past• How the pyramids were built

Go find an example of…

An actual document on the web that represents:

1. Actions that occur in nature

2. Actions that produce a product

3. Actions that make up a particular task

4. Actions in the past

Parts of a process description (from Reep reading)

• Introduction (go read Reep for more detail)• Definition• Theory behind process• Purpose• Historical background (if needed)• Equipment, materials, special natural conditions• Major Stages

• Stages in the Process

• Conclusion

General Style Guidelines

• Don’t use commands

• Use passive voice or indicative mood

• Use transitions words and phrases to indicate shifts in time, location, or situation in individual stages of the process

Let’s look at a few other examples….

• http://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/photosynthetic-cells-14025371

• Does this use passive voice?

• Does it use commands?

• What about transitions?

• How are graphics used?

• How about the introduction/stages in the process? Compare it to the parts from Reep reading.

Let’s Brainstorm Potential Topics

General guidelines for bad topics: • It’s already very well documented (e.g., evaporation or the

greenhouse effect)• It’s never been document (thus you can’t do any research)• You have no interest/knowledge of the topic

Come up with 3 examples of each:

1. Actions that occur in nature

2. Actions that produce a product

3. Actions that make up a particular task

4. Actions in the past