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.”

A Researched Report 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. This is “surface level” research.

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.

Step 3: Gather Sources begin with general sources, for “surface level” research once you’ve identified your focused topic and become familiar with it, begin exploring specific articles, books and websites for “deep level” research.

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. GOTO 1 (or 2, or 3, or 4)

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

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

Narrowing the Topic 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 of these

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?

Your Turn: In Your Group Brainstorm: identify topic, or use the one I’ll assign from Lannon Brainstorm: list possible research questions – what do you need to know? What kind of analysis will this be? Find one source you’d use to begin your research at the “surface level.” Also find one source that would provide a deeper level of information.

Now, on your own: Hit Educator! Complete the “Topic Workhseet”, then, take a look at the “Technical Report Proposal” worksheet. You should complete the first tonight. You’ll need to complete and submit the “Technical Report Proposal” by the end of our next class.

When You Hit 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)