| Summary: | 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.
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