Word processing and writing strategies. The objective of this experime
ntal observation is to show how the use of a standard word processor c
hanges the writing strategies devised by advanced users during the pro
duction of short texts. Empirical research has indicated that word pro
cessors. in fact, have a negative impact on writing strategies. Analys
is of the conditions under which ''man-machine'' dialogue takes place
has shown that screen size and linear management both have an effect o
n writing. Before determining the ways in which a word processor can d
isrupt common writing practices, we must gain a better understanding o
f how a text is actually composed in real time, with or without a comp
uter. Although the various writing processes have been clearly identif
ied, the functional scenario describing the succession of writing phas
es and accompagnying activities is still poorly defined. The marks pro
duced by writers on paper, whether linguistic (words, sentence fragmen
ts, sentences) or non-linguistic (arrows, underlining, indexation, dia
grams, etc.), reflect the planning, translating, and revising processe
s being carried out by the writer. Sharples and Pemberton (1990) descr
ibe the exact functions of these marks in the elaboration of the ideas
to be translated into text form (levels of organization). However, mo
re knowledge about their frequency of use at the different stages of t
ext composition is required. This is one of the goals of the present e
xperimental observation. For the most part, such marks cannot be displ
ayed and manipulated on the screen of a standard word processor as the
y can on paper. It is therefore crucial that we observe the means empl
oyed by writers to adapt their use of these necessary devices to word
processing. The main results indicate that writers who use a word proc
essor still resort to ''pencil and paper '' for the initial planning.
The small amount of text preparation done by computer users (manifeste
d by chronological and hierarchical organization marks) compared to wr
iters who produce without a word processor is compensated by extensive
revision on the screen. However, while writing strategies are highly
dependent on production conditions, the quality of the texts produced
does not vary significantly. The possibility of eliminating one of the
important drawbacks of computer-assisted writing i. e. the fact that
the information must be displayed linearly on the screen, is currently
being studied by designers of planning aids that accompagny word proc
essors. Before such aids can actually be developed, however, more know
ledge is needed of the phases of writing and the marks used by writers
throughout the production process.