wrighting lecture recording on 12 February 2025 at 11.32.43 AM

Introduction to Research Project

• Objective: Refine research questions for upcoming projects, focusing on clarity and depth.

• Format: Compose an email to the instructor including:

  • 1-2 guiding research questions.

  • Proposed topic and angle of exploration.

• Purpose: This exercise prepares for the librarian visit and ensures timely progress on assignments.

Understanding Research Questions

• Importance: A guiding question helps direct research effectively rather than just selecting a random topic.

• Example: Research question regarding student behavior in Coyote County highlights social trends, focusing on specifics.

• Clarity: Emphasize the need for clear and specific research questions.

Class Activity Instructions

• Group Feedback: Assess thesis statements collaboratively.

  • Identify strengths and weaknesses in the arguments presented.

  • Suggested improvements should focus on specificity; avoid vague phrases.

Thesis Evaluation

• First Thesis: Analyze the argument regarding human society's view of wilderness as flawed; seek specificity in claims.

  • Strengths: Comprehensive overview of the argument.

  • Areas for improvement: Clarify suggested changes to views on wilderness.

• Second Thesis: Critique how it discusses relationships between society and nature.

  • Suggested: Define 'wilderness' more clearly; avoid redundancy.

• Third Thesis: Evaluate ideas around including humans in discussions of nature; suggest clearer framing.

  • Comments: Ensure correct grammatical parallelism, especially in phrases.

• Analysis of Repeated Themes: Consider how consistency in language enhances clarity.

Approaching Writing Methodologies

• Method Models: Review writing methodologies provided in the chapter to determine personal application in projects.

  • Journalistic Questions: Use Who, What, When, Where, and How to guide research.

• Concept Mapping: Visually organize ideas around central themes for clearer direction in writing.

Suggested Research Angles

1. Ecosystem Issues: Discuss the intersection of urban areas and the environment, possibly focusing on pollution impacts like asthma.

2. Highway Divisions: Analyze how infrastructure affects environmental awareness and care in urban settings.

3. Invasive Species: Explore challenges posed by zebra mussels in waterways, examining impacts and potential solutions.

Types of Research Papers

• Informative Papers: Present information to educate the reader on a topic related to an ecological concern.

• Argumentative Papers: Use research to support and defend a particular viewpoint on environmental topics.

Conclusion

• Next Steps: Engage in peer discussions to refine topics further.

• Preparation for Librarian Visit: Be ready with defined research questions and potential angles for upcoming discussions.