Gish Approach to Information Processing

Gish approach

a structured method for analyzing and processing information, focusing on identifying the speaker's goal, theme, objectives, and details to facilitate effective interpretation

Goal

the speaker’s purpose or reason for speaking (to educate, persuade, explain)

Theme

the main point or topic of the message

Objectives

The main ideas or key points the speaker wants to convey (think of an outline’s Roman numeral)

Sub-Objectives

further breakdowns of the main points

Unit

A single proposition or series of propositions, the level of analysis most associated with interpreting

Data

detailed information the speaker uses that is crucial to the meaning of the text

Detail

detailed information the speaker uses to enhance the meaning of the text

Gish Approach Steps

1. Identify Main Points: Write down the main points of the message in an outline format.

2. List Objectives: Identify any "chunks" or sections of content within the message.

3. List Units: Re-examine the message and pause when needed to write down any main points within each objective.

4. Identify Details: Recall all of the small details (e.g., fingerspelling words, dates, names, locations)