Developing a scale to assess the use of report writing strategies based on audience awareness

Abstract

A scale for assessing report writing strategies based on audience awareness was developed and validated. In a pilot study, we collected strategies and techniques used for improving the understanding of reports through free descriptions of participants (N = 29). Then, we conducted a questionnaire survey with undergraduate participants (N = 156) using the strategies identified in the pilot study. Exploratory factor analysis of their responses indicated seven factors: "Checking the logical structure and context", "Checking expressions and grammatical errors", "Checking by others", "Checking the format", "Simplifying sentences", "Writing attractive sentences for readers", and "Proofreading". To assess the validity of the scale, we examined if the scale identified differences in use of strategies between participants. Participants were classified into high and low score groups based on their characteristics such as the frequency of writing reports and self-efficacy of report writing. Results indicated that Checking the logical structure and context and Writing sentences attractive for readers were significantly higher in the high compared to the low group. Also, participants were classified into high and low score groups based on their experience in report writing such as the frequency of feedback from teachers and peer reviews by students. Results indicated that Checking by others and Checking the format in the high group were significantly higher than in the low group. These findings suggest that the scale is effective for identifying the usage of report writing strategies based on audience awareness

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