Chapter 8: Navigating Research Projects

Research: Learning and discovering to solve problems Research and analysis drives progress and innovation in every field. All of us conduct research in our daily lives to solve problems When we want to purchase something: a car, a phone, good running shoes – we read articles and reviews on these items When we travel, we research places to go, where to stay, and things to do When we want to lose weight, we research diets and exercise routines

Research: Learning and discovering to solve problems Passionate inquiry Why are we doing this? Writing, research, and analysis require more depth of understanding and promote deeper learning than tests or exams Howard Gardner’s performances of understanding The Three Ps in teaching pedagogy (I do, we do, you do) Research makes you think critically! Remember Robert Reich? Transcending Topics Forget the word “topic.” Instead, think in terms of problems

Research: Learning and discovering to solve problems As you think of problems to base your research project on, consider the following: Reject clichéd or moral controversies, unless you can think of a fresh, problem- solving angle for researching them. Ask yourself if you have a genuine interest in the research problem and if it has an impact on your life. Ask yourself if you can make a contribution to solving the problem and what that contribution could be. Consider whether or not you have any firsthand knowledge of the problem or exposure to it. (If you do, you have a better chance of making a meaningful contribution.) Consider whether you are willing to research the problem with an open mind - ask questions, examine opposing views, and engage in critical thinking.

Research: learning and discovering to solve problems Generating ideas This is the invention and/or prereading step of the writing process Brainstorm a list of potential problems and ask yourself the following about each of them: How does the problem affect people’s lives? Is it controversial? Why hasn’t the problem been solved? What is the goal of the project? Keep in mind that people know how to find information when they need it, so just “informing” you audience usually isn’t a sufficient goal. How will your project serve a problem-solving purpose? What can you contribute that has not already been said or is not already known? What personal knowledge do you have about the problem, and how will that knowledge apply to your research goal? What audience do you have in mind for your paper, essay, or report? What legitimate opposing view or counterarguments can your readers possibly bring up?

Researching: Learning and discovering to solve problems The search within You have a better chance of coming up with a decent research problem if you look within your own life before you look outside it Think about the issues or problems that you’ve written about in previous assignments for this class Think about problems related to your education, past and present – homeschooling, standardized testing, college access, loans, and grade inflation. These are problems that you know something about and are relevant to many other people. Think about problems related to your field or career interests Think about problems related to your personal life – your family, upbringing, identity, or health. Other possibilities include: strict or overly protective parents, adolescent delinquency, undocumented families, depression, or learning disabilities. Millions of other people also struggle with these problems, so they merit further research and analysis as society works toward solutions!

Researching: Learning and discovering to Solve problems Research sources If you cannot think of a problem related to your life, look toward the news and current events. Good sources include: The New York Times The Atlantic The Guardian The Economist Vice The Huffington Post