ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the nature of the time investment and explains ways to use word processing in outlining, drafting, and revising a document. It summarizes the payoff in terms of attitude change and quality improvement as reported in research. The advantage of word processing can best be understood as an investment in quality. As with any investment, there is an initial cost, for the writer must spend something before realizing a gain. In existing studies, improved writing quality is discussed more frequently among advanced writers and professionals than among new users. According to Case, university faculty members believe that word processing has improved the quality of their writing. Moving from traditional modes of text production to word processing is a significant step–even more significant than the move from paper to a typewriter. Writers may approach word processing with fears similar to first typists or drivers. The word-processing “fanatic” might bemoan the use of a handwritten draft, but perhaps needlessly.
