AnnoBib -- “A Critique of Cognitive Research on Writing from Three Critical Perspectives: Theoretical, Methodological, and Practical”

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Best, Linda. “A Critique of Cognitive Research on Writing from Three Critical Perspectives: Theoretical, Methodological, and Practical.” Union NJ: Kean College, 1995. ERIC. Web. 14 March 2010.
    Flower and Hayes' cognitive model of the composing process captures the recursive nature of writing and is as complex as the writing process itself. Flower and Hayes focused on three subprocesses critical to composing: planning, translating, and reviewing. However, the model does not account for external factors which may influence the composing process. The unique methodology of cognitive research, protocol analysis, has led to understanding the composing process, which has reinforced the power of the tool itself. The descriptions protocol analysis offers and the small samples it studies may appear less rigorous than conventional techniques, yet they are both necessary and effective in achieving an understanding of the writing process. Cognitive research's understanding of effective prose, coupled with insights on the processes associated with its production, directs teachers to intervention techniques focusing on writing in process rather than finished products.
        Does well in complementing Flower and Hayes with similar background papers by other cognitive psychologists (Hayes is such) regarding metacognition and the writing process. Also notes the realistic balance – that cognitive theory does not pretend to have all the answers to the writing problem. For example, the theory at this time still had not addressed individual differences or external influences.

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