From Goldman and Bisanz (in press). Toward a Functional Analysis of Scientific Genres: Implications for Understanding and Learning Processes. In J. Otero, J. A. León, & A. C. Graesser (Eds.), The psychology of science text comprehension. Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum.

Handout 1/16/02 Psych 303

Table 1. Genres of science texts

Genres of communication among scientists

Formative a

Bench notes, research diaries

Personal communications (oral or sritten), working drafts

Institutional presentations (e.g., departmental seminars and colloquia), technical reports

Chapters in edited books, books

Refereed conference presentations and posters, invited conference presentations

Refereed journal articles, including reports of empirical research, critical reviews of a topic area, and theoretical formulations.

Integrative

Chapters in handbook and advances series

Refereed review articles

Genres for popularizing scientific informationb

Public Awareness

Press releases

News briefs

Advertisements or charitable appeals

Public service messages

Science fiction

Public Understanding and Informal Learning

Feature articles

Summary reports/critical commentaries

Autobiographies or biographies

Special interest books on specific topics

Reference books (e.g., encyclopedias, almanacs)

Pamphlets and other informational documents (e.g., on healthful living practices or detection of dangerous chemicals in the home)

Special informational web sites on science topics (e.g., National Geographic)