The Technical Report Hitting the ground running

Research Research is a way of… What are some everyday uses of research? What experiences have you had with research projects in the past? Good? Bad?

The Purpose of Research Purpose of research is to generate new knowledge or new understanding about a subject. Key word is “new.”

Research is not: A collection of quotes from sources. A report based only on your opinions or ideas. A report which makes poor use of sources or doesn’t document the sources used.

Your research should: Help you deepen your understanding of your subject in order to generate a meaningful topic. Form the basis of your analysis. Support your conclusions (not argue for you).

Research, like writing, is a Process

Step 1: Select and Limit What issues are related to your topic? If you’re beginning with a “big issue” like work place equity, some related issues could include discrimination based on race or gender, discrepancies between salaries of men and women or even sexual harassment. Check Issues and Controversies or run a preliminary search in Infotrac to help you identify some of these issues.

Step 2: Focus and Plan Generate research questions – what do you need to find out? What sorts of sources will be most useful to you? (We’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of different kinds of sources shortly, here in class and in the library)

Step 3: Gather Sources begin with general sources once you’ve identified your focused topic, begin exploring specific articles, books and websites

Step 4: Read and Reflect part of the discovery process pay attention to sources which point you to new sources, such as scholarly journals with bibliographies, or web sites with links pages.

Are We Done? No! Like the writing process, the research process is iterative. You might need to return to and repeat earlier steps. You might pursue the steps out of order. Your research needs to influence how you conduct your research!

Finding a Topic Review the topics in your text. Explore a problem/decision you or someone close to you needs to make. Look through your textbooks for courses you enjoy. Browse subject headings in Reader’s Guide to Periodical Literature or something similar.

Finding a Topic Browse through an encyclopedia Browse magazines you enjoy reading Watch “non-fiction” shows you like – news, history, sports, fly fishing…. Think back on the last “argument” you had with someone – what was it about? Think of something you believe which most people might not.

Topics to Avoid Topics that don’t interest you: –You must be able to spend time reading about topic –You must be able to think creatively about topic –You must be able to narrow the topic sufficiently – easy if you know a lot about it. Topics that are too broad

Topics to Avoid Topics that will require only one or two sources Topics that produce a strong emotional response in you (you must be able to present your arguments in an objective way). Topics that require advanced or specialized knowledge

Your Proposal Use your proposal to help you get a jump on your technical report. Developing the proposal will help you decide if your topic is workable or not. Whatever research or organizing you do now will save you work later.

Types of Proposals (Lannon)  Proposals are classified according to origin, audience, and purpose  They are either solicited or unsolicited  They are internal or external  Based on audience needs, there are planning proposals, research proposals, and sales proposals

Elements of a Persuasive Proposal (Lannon)  A forecasting title  A clear understanding of the audience’s needs  A clear focus on benefits of the proposed action  Honest and supportable claims  Appropriate detail  Readability

Elements of a Persuasive Proposal (Lannon)  Convincing language  Appropriate visuals  Accessible page design  Supplements that are tailored to a diverse audience  Proper citation of sources and contributors

Model for a Proposal (Lannon) Introduction Plan Works Cited Conclusion

Parts of Your Proposal Introduction: Background, Reason for research Plan: How will you research this topic? What are your initial research questions? Conclusion: Recap. Why is this worth doing?

Your Proposal But: your proposal isn’t carved in stone. As you research, read, write and think, things will change. You need to let them! Review this model proposal for an idea of what you might want to do. model proposal model proposal Your Audience and Use profile will be a separate document (like the one you might have completed for the 1 st assignment).

Getting Started Possible topic: best car to buy Research questions?

Research Question Who is doing the buying? What criteria should we use to evaluate? What kind of analysis will I be undertaking?

Kinds of Analysis (from Lannon)  Causal analysis (Why does X happen?)  Comparative analysis ((Is X or Y better?)  Feasibility analysis (Is X possible, or a good idea?)  Combinations

Modified Topic What is the best car for people like me (a college student who commutes to work and school) to buy? Kind of analysis: Comparative Criteria: Cost, Reliability, MPG, Appearance

Research Questions How much can people in my situation afford to spend up front? On expenses? How long will they likely own the car? What other considerations might they have (i.e. desire to buy a specific make)? Which cars meet these criteria?

Kinds of Research Primary – interview/survey Delta students about needs and preferences. Secondary – find sources on trends nationwide, compare cars. Periodicals a good source – Consumer Reports Government web sites/documents (safety)

Your Turn Brainstorm: list possible topics Choose most interesting Brainstorm: list possible research questions – what do you need to know? What kind of analysis will this be?

Off to the Library! Don’t forget to record: AuthorTitle/Subtitle Place, name of press and date of publication (book) Periodical title, date of publication and volume/issue number (periodicals) Full URL (web page) Call number in Delta library (so you can find it again)