Hedging in occupational therapy report writing

Abstract

The study examined research writing. The aim was to establish the nature of the relation between the quality of article and report writing in occupational therapy and the density of hedges in such writing. The texts comprised undergraduate reports, which were divided into two achievement groups, namely high and low achievers, and journal articles by occupational therapists. Articles were included because it was assumed that they exemplify good writing, and accordingly, would be appropriately hedged, and would provide a reliable basis for comparing the student groups. Hyland's (1998b) analytical framework was used. While statistical tests revealed no differences between the student groups, overall, the tests revealed significant differences in the use of hedges between the professional and student writers. In light of these findings, it is suggested that hedging in research writing be studied and taught to students in order to assist them in their studies and careers.