In-Class Composition

 A) What have you learned about the process of conducting a sound research study in class?

I have learned a lot about conducting research in this class. I don't think any of the research projects I have had to do in the past have ever been true research so this class has been very helpful. I've learned the differences between quantitative and qualitative research and measures of rigor for each as well as for surveys. I also found the three chapters on analyzing research incredibly informative. Reading research studies no longer seems like such a daunting task and I feel confident in my abilities to determine the relevance of studies now. 

B) What have these processes taught you about your future roles as a technical and professional communicator?

I think the most important thing I have learned is that there is a lot of space for research within the field of technical communication. I'm also extremely grateful for this class as I am about to take my capstone course next semester and I now have a good topic for my research and I'm essentially through with my secondary research and proposal for the work. 

These blogs have been a great way for me to refine my thinking throughout the course of this semester and everyone who read and commented provided me with great insight and direction. Thank you for reading, reviewing, and commenting! I hope I get to see how everyone else's research turns out!

Delaney

Comments

  1. Jaci CookNovember 2, 2021 at 5:14 PM

    That is exactly how I felt - even being in a research heavy field, I was never truly taught the actual research methods or how to conduct an effective one. So this was the first research project (proposal at least) that I felt was actually research! I'm glad you are leaving this class as a more confident researcher, that feels like the main purpose.
    Blogging has been helpful to me too, weirdly enough. It's almost like writing your thoughts out makes room for others that are important too!
    I wish you well on your capstone - good luck with the rest of your research!

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  2. Sydney BrooksNovember 2, 2021 at 5:15 PM

    I absolutely agree with you on reading research. When going through the process of picking out research relevant to my topic I dreaded reading it and picking out the information that would be relevant to me. But thanks to this class, I also feel confident that I can read through someone else's research and actually understand what's going on. Good luck with your capstone next semester! I hope it turns out well.

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