Writing from sources: A structure-mapping model.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to test assumptions of a structure-mapping model of writing from sources based on Gentner's (1983) structure-mapping model of analogical reasoning. Subjects read 2 passages organized either similarly or dissimilarly and presented in 1 of 2 orders. Subjects then wrote a comparison-contrast essay about the passages. Results showed that subjects used the first passage as a base. This base influenced both the global and local structure of the essays. Results also showed that subjects reading similarly organized passages wrote essays with better organization but inferior linguistic quality as compared with subjects reading dissimilarly organized passages