The Psychology of Writing

by Ronald T. Kellogg

The human ability to render meaning through symbolic media such as art, dance, music, and speech defines, in many ways, the uniqueness of our species. One symbolic medium in particular--written expression--has aroused increasing interest among researchers across disciplines, in areas as diverse as the humanities, education, and the social sciences because it offers a fascinating window into the processes underlying the creation and enunciation of symbolic representation. In The Psychology of Writing, cognitive psychologist Ronald T. Kellogg reviews and integrates the fast-growing, multidisciplinary field of composition research, a field that seeks to understand how people formulate and express their thoughts with the symbols of written text. By examining the production of written text, the book fills a large gap in cognitive psychology, which until now has focused on speech production, comprehension, and reading, while virtually ignoring how people write. Throughout, the author masterfully examines the many critical factors that come together during the writing process--including writer personality, work schedules, method of composing, and knowledge. In providing an important new theoretical framework that enables readers from a wide range of backgrounds to navigate the extensive composition literature, the author drives home the profound significance of meaning-making as a defining feature of human cognition. Kellogg not only draws from the work of leading composition scholars, but quotes insights into the writing process proffered by some of the most gifted practitioners of the writing craft--including E.M. Forster, John Updike, and Samuel Johnson. Engaging and lively, The Psychology of Writing is the perfect introduction to the subject for students, researchers, journalists, and interested general readers.

Genres: Writing, Psychology, Nonfiction

264 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 28, 1994

Reviews

[Tracy]

It is funny to read a book published 30 years ago that coherently explains why it is not possible for AI to become meaning-making creatures like us. (That's just the last chapter, I'd suggest Feeling & Knowing: Making Minds Conscious instead of that's what you're after.)

The book's central claim is that we make meaning by translating personal symbols into "consensual" (shared) symbols and back again. The work of writing is translating one's personal symbology into a shared system. (One reason AI cannot create meaning for itself is computers are incapable of having unmediated, direct personal experiences to create personal symbols.)

This is an academic work but relatively accessible. Each chapter begins with theory, then is backed by direct lab work, which I don't care about so I skipped over 😉 I'm not sure how much the field has advanced since 1994, but this was the only thing on the subject at my public library.

[Peaches · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, very informative with a variety of sources from different disciplines. I defended my dissertation prospectus two days ago, but was still motivated to read this even though I've been craving a break. I love how Kellogg broke down a lot of aspects of process, knowledge, and technique. The only area that was lacking was the chapter on "personality," which was really just about mindfulness and emotion instead of identity.

[Chanchal Ningthoujam]

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