flower 1994 social cognitive theory of writing
Flower's 1994 social cognitive theory of writing emphasizes the importance of both individual cognitive processes and social influences on the writing process. According to Flower, writing is a complex cognitive activity that involves both the writer's internal processes (such as problem-solving, decision-making, and planning) and external influences (such as the reader's expectations, the writer's social context, and the purpose of the writing).
Key components of Flower's social cognitive theory of writing include:
1. Knowledge and expertise: Flower argues that writing is not just a mechanical process of putting words on paper, but rather a reflective and strategic activity that requires knowledge, skills, and experience. Expert writers are able to draw on their knowledge of writing conventions, genres, and rhetorical strategies to create effective and engaging texts.
2. Goals and intentions: Flower suggests that writers have specific goals and intentions for their writing, which influence their writing process. These goals may be related to achieving a certain purpose (such as persuading or informing the reader), adhering to particular conventions, or expressing their own ideas and voice.
3. Interaction: Flower emphasizes the importance of the social context in which writing takes place, including interactions with readers, peers, teachers, and other stakeholders. Writers engage in dialogue with others to get feedback, revise their work, and negotiate meaning.
4. Recursive processes: According to Flower, writing is a recursive process, in which writers move back and forth between drafting, revising, and editing their work. This recursive nature of writing allows writers to refine their ideas, clarify their arguments, and improve the overall quality of their texts.
Overall, Flower's social cognitive theory of writing highlights the dynamic and interactive nature of the writing process, and underscores the importance of both individual cognition and social influences in shaping written texts.