Written Communication Jan 2018

Visual Invention and the Composition of Scientific Research Graphics: A Topological Approach

Lynda Walsh University of Nevada, Reno

Abstract

This report details the second phase of an ongoing research project investigating the visual invention and composition processes of scientific researchers. In this phase, four academic researchers completed think-aloud protocols as they composed graphics for research presentations; they also answered follow-up questions about their visual education, pedagogy, genres of practice, and interactions with publics. Results are presented first as narratives and then as topologies—visualizations of the communal beliefs, values, and norms ( topoi) that connect the individual narratives to wider community practices. Results point toward an ecological model of visual invention and composition strategies in the crafting of research graphics. They also suggest that these strategies may be underrepresented in scientists’ education. More explicit attention to them may help improve STEM visual literacy for nonexperts.

Journal
Written Communication
Published
2018-01-01
DOI
10.1177/0741088317735837
CompPile
Open Access
Closed
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Citation context

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