Problematizing for the Common Good

In constructing a research paper that is both focused and relevant, one must do more than simply amass facts and statistics; some aspect of the topic must be problematized, giving the work a reason to exist beyond merely being a display of knowledge. The authors of The Craft of Research seemingly write ad nauseam about the importance of highlighting a problem to give structure to one’s writing, but ultimately, they do introduce a novel distinction that allows the skill of problematizing to transcend the field of research writing into daily life. The authors suggest that it is not whether one’s research can solve the manifested problem that is imperative, but if readers can be persuaded to care. Finding a solution can only stand to
improve a research inquiry, but if the topic’s relevance is questioned, it may all be for naught.

It is here that the art of problematizing for research’s sake finds an application in daily life. As students move ever closer towards graduation, they become more specialized in the subjects prescribed by their respective concentrations, hopefully later applying this knowledge at a professional level. While this knowledge is often sequestered in the minds of those lucky enough to have studied it, it is no less applicable to everyone. As responsible professionals, whether health care providers, educators, businesspeople, or otherwise, it is a vital talent to be able to recognize a problem found in an area of expertise and adequately convey the gravity of such an issue to those not privy to or fully capable of interpreting this information. By sharpening this skill through researching and writing, students will be better able to shed light on problems they encounter as professionals.

Julian Chimelewski

Stephen Hawking's Theory of Everything

On September 16, we had discussed problems, and how to overcome them. My group and I discussed “The Nature of Conceptual Problems” from Chapter Four. In the YouTube video, “Stephen Hawking's Theory of Everything”, there were some things that were discussed that would make some people unhappy (otherwise known as the cost). His studies were on how the universe was created. There are people out there who believe that it was created in some manner or another from a religious belief. While others believe in the “Big Bang Theory”. He had even questioned if there was a God responsible for the creation of the Universe. However, he had also come up with questions, such as, “What happens when the perfectly smooth sphere of a black hole meets this microscopic energy fields of space?”. And would later ask, “How does Gravity play a role in the creation of the universe?”. If we as an audience do not care, or ask, “so what?”, then no further questions can be asked.

We can use cost and consequence in every day life, just like many other theories that were read in “The Craft of Research. We can use this in presidential debates, when someone tries to explain their beliefs, or even when someone is explaining scientific data. What we as researchers need to do is focus on making our audience understand, give them knowledge, and make them happy in the process.

Keith Chappell

On KFCruelty!

On September 9, we watched a video in class that discussed the cruelty chickens are experiencing in the Kentucky Fried Chicken slaughter houses. Upon watching the video, Professor Ahmed asked us to come up with a topic from the video along with three questions to go with the topic. An example topic that could be used was the idea of the procedures used on the chickens. Three questions included with the topic could be "Who created these torture procedures, are these tactics used with other chicken brand companies other than KFC, and how can these procedures can be adapted to be more humane?" Overall from this video, in order to develop a proper research paper we must find a topic and develop questions in order to have a clear image of what to look for.

Along with the example we used in class, we can use this type of tactic not only in research papers but in everyday life. For instance, we may use this tactic when buying clothes. When buying clothes we usually ask ourselves, "how will the outfit look on me, will it match with the other clothes in my closet, and how will people react to the clothes?" Although we may not realize it, we use this topic all the time in our lives.

Alexandra Marie Julian

Research writing with an audience in mind

While discussing a section from The Craft of Research in class, my group and I focused on the importance of knowing the topic you are discussing in a research paper inside and out. In order to entertain your reader as well as show them why your research matters, you must know the history, facts, and new discoveries of your topic. Your audience will most likely be people who are interested in your subject; therefore you should reveal to them new facts that will help them to better understand your subject matter surpassing their previous knowledge. To present yourself successfully you must nail down your facts and evidence in a way to convince the audience their knowledge of the subject is quite small, and you can help them advance their flawed understanding.

A way you could successfully present a topic to an attracted audience would be to do so in an interesting way: with assumptions, guesses, questions and unproven stories. By conversing with your audience at the beginning, they will become more engaged and well aware of your large familiarity with the subject and therefore be more inclined to accept your research and standing on the topic.

Meghan McMeans

Developing a Research Plan

Last week when we were reading from The Craft of Research one thing that caught my eye was the part on developing a plan. The authors explain that by giving examples; one plan helps you prepare and conduct the research; the second helps you draft the report of it. One way to begin is with a question which will help guide their search for an answer. The authors then go on to discuss the idea of drawing up another plan one the acts as a rough blueprint for the first draft. One thing to remember is not to let the plan box you in, change it if you run into any problems or if you discover something that leads you in a new direction.

One way to begin a plan would be to start a rough outline of your research paper, meaning break it up in to different parts. Start with an introduction section, and then three body paragraphs, and give examples to the reason you chose those ideas. Once they are done, start on your conclusion to the paper. After you have finished the outline for the research paper draw up another plan, with this second plan go further into your research and find new ideas and new implications into the research paper.

Jonathan Pratt