Using the Signal Stopping Technique as a Measure of Editing Skills

Abstract

The poster session will highlight our research that is exploring the Signal Stopping Technique as a technique for testing editing skills. Our database comes from using the signal stopping technique in advanced technical editing classes over four years (n=44). Specqically, the Signal Stopping Technique identified the differences between deep-level and surface-level editing. Deep-level editing constitutes editing for content and communication eJkctiveness. Surface-level editing focus on mechanics, style, spelling, and format conventions. Our results suggest that the Signal Stopping Technique measures differences in the subject’s editing abilities. When seeking candidates to fill a technical communication position, employers face a challenge in selecting the best candidate for the position. Clearly editing plays a key role in many technical communication positions. Therefore, employers need to screen candidates’ editing skills along with other qualifications for the particular position. Assessing technical editing skills presents a problem for two reasons. First, no one standard exits for technical editing. Over the years a number of authors have proposed different technical editing strategies and provided guidance for developing editing skills (Clement and Waite 1983, Eisenberg 1992, Mancuso 1992, Rude 1991, Rude 1985, Shaw 1976, Van Buren and Buehler 1980, Weil1958, Zook 1975). Second, about 80% of technical communicators lack degrees in technical communication and therefore must develop their editing skills on the job. When individuals have developed their technical editing skills on the job, the range of those skills varies widely. The skills developed depend upon the level of editing required on the job, the individual’s efforts to enhance their editing skills through selfstudy and reading, and the opportunity to work under skilled editors. Therefore, companies and agencies seeking candidates for technical communicator positions must screen candidates carefully. Ideally, employers should have a diagnostic examination that will assess an applicant’s editing skills. Such an examination, along with other candidate assessments, will help select the best candidate for the position.