Technical Communication Quarterly Jan 2015

Statistical Genre Analysis: Toward Big Data Methodologies in Technical Communication

S. Scott Graham University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee ; Sang-Yeon Kim ; Danielle M. DeVasto ; William Keith University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee

Abstract

This article pilots a study in statistical genre analysis, a mixed-method approach for (a) identifying conventional responses as a statistical distribution within a big data set and (b) assessing which deviations from the conventional might be more effective for changes in audience, purpose, or context. The study assesses pharmaceutical sponsor presentations at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug advisory committee meetings. Preliminary findings indicate the need for changes to FDA conflict-of-interest policies.

Journal
Technical Communication Quarterly
Published
2015-01-02
DOI
10.1080/10572252.2015.975955
CompPile
Open Access
Closed
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