Video Lecture | The Technical Paper: An Introduction

Summary

This lecture introduces the concept of technical papers, crucial for first-year college students aiming for professional success. It outlines the purpose of technical papers, which include explaining processes, describing ongoing tasks, convincing readers of project feasibility, presenting scientific research, and meeting specific objectives. The lecture also identifies the four types of audiences for technical papers: expert readers, executive readers, technicians, and non-specialist readers, emphasizing the importance of tailoring language and content to each. Lastly, it covers the four types of technical papers: instructions and process descriptions, proposals, progress reports, and technical research reports, setting the stage for a deeper exploration in future lectures.

Takeaways

• 📚 A technical paper is written to explain a process, describe the progress of a task, convince the reader of a project's feasibility, present scientific research results, or meet a defined purpose.
• 🔍 Another term for a technical paper is a scientific report, emphasizing its role in explaining and presenting research findings.
• 🎯 The purpose of a technical paper can be informative, instructional, or persuasive, guiding the writer to tailor the content accordingly.
• 👥 The audience for technical papers can include expert readers, executive readers, technicians, and non-specialist readers, each requiring a different approach in terms of language and complexity.
• 🧑‍🔬 Expert readers are those with deep knowledge in the specific field of the technical paper, allowing for the use of jargon and technical language.
• 💼 Executive readers may not be experts in the field but have the authority to make decisions based on the technical paper's content.
• 🛠 Technicians are practical specialists who focus on the application, operation, and maintenance aspects discussed in the technical paper.
• 👤 Non-specialist readers are general readers who require a simplified and jargon-free explanation to understand the technical paper.
• 📈 There are four types of technical papers: instructions and process descriptions, proposals, progress reports, and technical research reports, each serving a distinct purpose.
• 📝 The next lecture will delve into the specifics of writing a technical paper, building on the foundational concepts introduced in this lecture.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of a technical paper?

A technical paper is written to explain a process, describe the progress of an ongoing task, convince the reader on the feasibility of a proposed project, present results of a scientific research, or meet a defined purpose.

What are the three main purposes of writing a technical paper?

The three main purposes of writing a technical paper are to be informative (giving information), instructional (providing policies, protocols, processes, and steps), and persuasive (convincing the reader or listener).

Who are the expert readers in the context of a technical paper?

Expert readers are those who are experts in the specific field of the technical paper, such as scientists for a scientific research paper or sociologists for a study about society.

What is the role of executive readers when evaluating a technical paper?

Executive readers, such as CEOs, have the authority to make decisions whether to accept or reject a technical paper based on a set of criteria they follow.

Why is it important to consider the audience when writing a technical paper?

Considering the audience is important because it influences the language, use of jargon, and the complexity of the content to ensure the message is effectively communicated to different types of readers.

What are the four types of technical papers mentioned in the script?

The four types of technical papers mentioned are instructions and process descriptions, proposals, progress reports, and technical research reports.

How does a progress report in a technical paper typically differ from other types?

A progress report in a technical paper differs by describing the progress of an ongoing project, including completed works, schedule, problems encountered, and unresolved issues.

What should be included in a technical research report according to the script?

A technical research report should include an introduction, methods, results, discussion on the results, summary, and conclusion.

Why is it crucial for first-year college students to learn the skill of writing technical papers?

It is crucial for first-year college students to learn the skill of writing technical papers because it is important for their professional endeavors, such as explaining processes, proposing projects, and presenting research findings.

How can the use of jargon affect the clarity of a technical paper for non-specialist readers?

The use of jargon can make a technical paper confusing for non-specialist readers, so it is important to minimize jargon and use common words to ensure clarity and comprehension.