Description of a Process

Introduction

A. Definition

Description is a special technique in writing that takes account of sense perceptions and information.

Process is a special technique in writing that takes account of steps or stages in a process.

Description of a process is special technique in writing that takes account of steps to provide information on a process.

B. Uses

Description of a process is specifically used in explaining the methods used in the collection and the treatment of data in technical papers.

Process is used in writing memorandum.

C. Types

1. Types of description
a. Evocative description – aimed at stimulating the emotion.
b. Informative description – aimed at giving information

2. Types of process
According to performer:
a. Man-performed process
b. Machine-performed process
c. Nature-performed process

According to purpose:
a. Direction-giving process
b. Information-giving process

Contents

The data in the description of a process are steps.
The data in giving directions are also steps.
The data in description are sense perceptions and information.

Organization

Steps in a process are always arranged chronologically

Mechanics

A. Reminders in writing description of a process:
1. Use indicative mood rather than imperative mood.
2. Emphasize the work done rather than the doer. Better put the doer in the background. Avoid using first person pronoun and active voice.
3. To avoid errors in tenses, consistently use narrative present.

B. Reminders in writing directions:
1. Make your directions complete.
2. Use simpler and more familiar terms. Define special terms.
3. Give reasons for the steps that are confusing.
4. Include negative directions.
5. Use illustrations.

Methods of Research

Research can generally be classified into the following:

1. Experiment
2. Survey
3. Objective Observation
4. Content Analysis
5. Case study
6. Historical study
7. Ethnographic study

Based on the treatment of data, it can be classified into:

1. Normative
2. Comparative
3. Correlational

Based on the type of data collected:

1. Quantitative
2. Qualitative

Based on the availability of information about the subject of study:

1. Descriptive
2. Exploratory

Based on the degree of scientific importance:
1. Pure
2. Applied

Research methods can also be classified according to the specific fields of profession.