Q&A
1. The description of what I thought of when I heard the term “research” before I took an English: Research & Writing course
I have always thought of research as a process that indicates to groups, organisations, or even individuals that there is a need for change or advancement, to which one should respond by investigating whether there exist any means that could be utilised in meeting the identified demand. Additionally, I thought that the proposed investigation would involve a certain method that could be followed when gathering information. I thought it would be a platform in which one tests samples to identify the best solution. However, it must be noted that research does not necessarily mean that the need will be met fully; although, one could make recommendations to a further research process. For example, many scientists have had to perform multiple research processes before they could identify the best solution. However, all the steps that they took can be separately, and rightfully so, identified as research and not just steps followed in a research process. Another example of research that I always thought of and referenced to is that of Thomas Edison who is celebrated as one of the greatest scientists on earth, the inventor of the light bulb; he said, “I have not failed. I've just found 10 000 ways that won't work” *(1999, n.p). This shows that every research project is also a platform to another possible research project.
2. The description of my sense of the purposes of research
I sensed that the purposes of research are to offer findings that are valuable, valid, believable, credible, ethical, and from which one can build and learn. For example, it is not necessary for research to be perfect for it to be approved as final; moreover, one must bear in mind that research can meet all these mentioned criteria and still require some improvements.
3. And if/how the English: Research & Writing course is challenging that sense
English Research and Writing is challenging me to think with a deeper perspective and not only in the broader sense of language and communication. Often than not, we usually concern ourselves with what we want to say to the world rather than what the world has to say to us; I am learning that finding meaningful ways to converse with the world is also important. For example; I have learnt that reading backwards is one of many tools that writers should use. This process is challenging because it is out of my writer’s comfort zone; however, it must also be noted that it is a powerful tool.
*Edison, T. 1999. The papers of Thomas A. Edison: The wizard of Menlo Park, 1878. Baltimore: John Hopkins University Press.
1. The description of what I thought of when I heard the term “research” before I took an English: Research & Writing course
I have always thought of research as a process that indicates to groups, organisations, or even individuals that there is a need for change or advancement, to which one should respond by investigating whether there exist any means that could be utilised in meeting the identified demand. Additionally, I thought that the proposed investigation would involve a certain method that could be followed when gathering information. I thought it would be a platform in which one tests samples to identify the best solution. However, it must be noted that research does not necessarily mean that the need will be met fully; although, one could make recommendations to a further research process. For example, many scientists have had to perform multiple research processes before they could identify the best solution. However, all the steps that they took can be separately, and rightfully so, identified as research and not just steps followed in a research process. Another example of research that I always thought of and referenced to is that of Thomas Edison who is celebrated as one of the greatest scientists on earth, the inventor of the light bulb; he said, “I have not failed. I've just found 10 000 ways that won't work” *(1999, n.p). This shows that every research project is also a platform to another possible research project.
2. The description of my sense of the purposes of research
I sensed that the purposes of research are to offer findings that are valuable, valid, believable, credible, ethical, and from which one can build and learn. For example, it is not necessary for research to be perfect for it to be approved as final; moreover, one must bear in mind that research can meet all these mentioned criteria and still require some improvements.
3. And if/how the English: Research & Writing course is challenging that sense
English Research and Writing is challenging me to think with a deeper perspective and not only in the broader sense of language and communication. Often than not, we usually concern ourselves with what we want to say to the world rather than what the world has to say to us; I am learning that finding meaningful ways to converse with the world is also important. For example; I have learnt that reading backwards is one of many tools that writers should use. This process is challenging because it is out of my writer’s comfort zone; however, it must also be noted that it is a powerful tool.
*Edison, T. 1999. The papers of Thomas A. Edison: The wizard of Menlo Park, 1878. Baltimore: John Hopkins University Press.