Thoughts for Week 2 (Thread 3)
The question for this entry is:
How am I gaining new knowledge and skills in research principles and processes?
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Mainly, I am improving through trial and error. To begin with I have an idea of what I think I need to be doing (such as searching Griffin for applicable articles). Then, while performing that task, I adapt based on the results I am getting (such as changing the key words I am using to search, or trying a different Database to search from). Next, I go to one or two people with what I am doing as a way to check that I am on the right track (right now those people are the reference librarians and my husband). After bouncing my ideas off of other people, I continue with what I was doing, usually resulting in more findings. Finally, I do my blog entry to review what I have been working on, brain storm what I can do or ways I can change, and make note of things I can do to further my work.
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Mainly, I am improving through trial and error. To begin with I have an idea of what I think I need to be doing (such as searching Griffin for applicable articles). Then, while performing that task, I adapt based on the results I am getting (such as changing the key words I am using to search, or trying a different Database to search from). Next, I go to one or two people with what I am doing as a way to check that I am on the right track (right now those people are the reference librarians and my husband). After bouncing my ideas off of other people, I continue with what I was doing, usually resulting in more findings. Finally, I do my blog entry to review what I have been working on, brain storm what I can do or ways I can change, and make note of things I can do to further my work.
Along with searching the library, I am also reviewing the books I have on conducting research to help me learn more about the research process. I want to look for more resources on what the Research Process involves and what, exactly, a Research Proposal is! If I can see an actual research proposal, then I will know what I am working towards with this class.
Right now I'm pretty confused by what I need to do for this class, and I'm fairly frustrated because I'm in the second week of being a graduate student and I feel like I jumped into the middle of a topic that I have limited previous knowledge about. I am VERY lucky to have my husband to help me through the process, as he has already done a Master's thesis and understands the process. I am truly hoping that my confusion and frustrating diminish in the next few weeks.
posted by Jaclyn @ 8:16 AM
2 comments
2 Comments:
I hope to reduce the factors that are leading to your confusion and frustration soon. But, let me assure you that you are on the right track. You are maximizing your learning by using all your resources (using your husband is a great idea, especially since he has experience), and by documenting what you are doing. In the end, I think you will find that all this hard work will pay off. For those who don't document much about what and how they are learning will find it difficult in the end to bring it all together.
I will bring a research proposal to class on Thursday for us to look at. I also expect to have the task sheets for the finals put together.
Keep up the great work...
Thanks for the comment on the title! I wanted something that would give me a chuckle each time I read it...so far, it's working!
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