Theoretical, empirical, and practical considerations in designing informational text

Mark Sadoski

Informational text has been frequently criticized for being either bland and failing to promote appreciation for a subject or sensualized at the expense of responsible accuracy. This article suggests some guidelines for producing responsible but engaging informational text. Support is provided from cognitive theory, empirical research, and classic maxims of rhetoric. Guidelines include using concrete language in a judicious manner, supporting abstractions with concrete examples and explanations, and the use of personalization. Brief examples are provided.

Keywords: Reading, Comprehension, Reader Engagement, Memory, Interest, Abstractions, Imagery, Concreteness, Dual Coding Theory

Published online: 05 November 1999
https://doi.org/10.1075/dd.1.1.04sad

Cited by

Cited by 3 other publications

Bruno Serviliano Santos Farias, Andréa Katiane Ferreira Costa, Arthur Marques, Ana Luiza Lima Rodrigues, Raquel Gomes Noronha & Márcio James Soares Guimarães

2016. In Blucher Design Proceedings, ► pp. 2606 ff.

Goolsby, Rhonda D. & Mark Sadoski

2013. A Theoretical Approach to Improving Patient Education through Written Materials. Annals of Behavioral Science and Medical Education 19:1 ► pp. 14 ff.

Hustinx, Lettica & Wilbert Spooren

2019. In Perspectives on Abstract Concepts [Human Cognitive Processing, 65], ► pp. 121 ff.

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