My high school English teacher was once describing "finding something." The example was how you could more easily find a red sweater in your closet if you are looking for a red sweater. If you are looking for a blue sweater, when you really need a red sweater, the task will take longer. On the same note, if you are looking for a sweater and do not know what color you are searching for, the task will similarly take longer.
I think this lesson can be applied to research. Already, it seems overwhelming to find a research question that is:
- interesting
- thought provoking
- has enough information to research, but not so much that it's overdone
- will forward the profession
- will pass IRB muster
- will pass Dr. May's muster
- accessible within 2 weeks
And those are just the criteria I am aware of; I am sure there is more.
At first I was thinking that this has to be exactly what my thesis or project will be to complete my master's degree. Of course it should! Why would I waste all this time figuring out a question that isn't going to apply to my final product before I get that highly anticipated piece of paper that will propel me into the next phase of my professional career?!?! MUST. FIND. PERFECT. QUESTION.
And then after a little contemplation, I found some solace knowing that I could use this as an opportunity to understand the process better, discover my strengths and weaknesses as a researcher, and delve into a question that is certainly related (and maybe not exact) to what I will eventually write at the end this academic phase.
So I think it is easy to get lost in the forest, but to see through the trees will be to have a little faith and an ample amount of curiosity, an open mind, and a desire to succeed.
Now, for that question...
I think this lesson can be applied to research. Already, it seems overwhelming to find a research question that is:
- interesting
- thought provoking
- has enough information to research, but not so much that it's overdone
- will forward the profession
- will pass IRB muster
- will pass Dr. May's muster
- accessible within 2 weeks
And those are just the criteria I am aware of; I am sure there is more.
At first I was thinking that this has to be exactly what my thesis or project will be to complete my master's degree. Of course it should! Why would I waste all this time figuring out a question that isn't going to apply to my final product before I get that highly anticipated piece of paper that will propel me into the next phase of my professional career?!?! MUST. FIND. PERFECT. QUESTION.
And then after a little contemplation, I found some solace knowing that I could use this as an opportunity to understand the process better, discover my strengths and weaknesses as a researcher, and delve into a question that is certainly related (and maybe not exact) to what I will eventually write at the end this academic phase.
So I think it is easy to get lost in the forest, but to see through the trees will be to have a little faith and an ample amount of curiosity, an open mind, and a desire to succeed.
Now, for that question...
1 comment:
Getting lost in the literature is part of the process, Mindy. I wish there was an "easy" way. But alas, research requires time, energy, effort. We are trying to understand complex systems and the communicative processes that shape them/define them/help them grow and evolve.
We chatted in class on Thursday, and I think you have a grasp on the research question. We just need to more clearly define the variables and focus on the communication piece.
See you Sunday.
Post a Comment