The Craft of Research II
Responded to by Jeremiah
Johnson
In response to chapters five,
six and seven written by Booth Colomb & Williams, I
have been shown some interesting incite into the research of a topic. This
response will begin with looking at sources, then using sources and finally forming
an argument with sources.
I: The ‘research trip’ begins with the topic. I believe
that your topic must be flushed out like a wet rag. If you are unable to do
this, you will have nothing to pursue. To learn about your topic, start to
read. Using sources starts with observation and reading. This will bring to
light many issues and problems relating to your topic. Like Booth, Colombs and
Williams expressed, crafting a hierarchy to your sources is rather important. This
will allow you to understand your topic in three ways: through “raw data”,
through “scholarly research” and “mass-circulation.” When I work
on sources I tend to forget a hierarchy. So in retort, I tend to push myself
toward that direction in remembrance. These sources can be found through the
library, journal articles, interviews and internet. Though knowing your source
credibility is top priority. Lastly, I find using sources that ‘click’ with the
topic in an odd way tend to bring interest to the research.
II: Once you start to find information, you must next
record the information. Data recording is important. I keep a journal with me
at all times in case I need to record. This will be especially important when
you are unsure why your source was used. Sources come in many colours and
flavors. I find that understanding this will affect your research heavily. Once
your sources have been found, read them once more—read them like they are love
poems. You must “actively engage” them to bring forth their full
prowess. As I continue to read, I find myself forming arguments and ideas. This
is wholesome. Once again, you should start to record you finding. Your research
will write itself without extra effort.
III: Your sources are found and your mind is working like a
machine; how do you form an argument? The argument will best serve your project
if it is in conversational form. The authors wrote, “{…}you make a claim,
back it with reasons, support them with evidence, acknowledge and respond to
other view{…}.” This is a conversation. I believe by fostering the argument
as a discussion with your audience, they will be much happier and more
interested. As you form the argument think about your sources; how do they
help? Find your claim, use sources to back it and then play devils advocate.
This form of active response will create a better argument. Does your argument
sound strong? It will once you form credibility. This is done through Ethos,
Logos and Pathos. As many novice artists begin, they draw what they
know. This is not a good idea. Looking through a new lens and through open eyes
recoding what you see rather than what you know will grow an argument like
sprouting kelp. Soon you will find yourself swimming through larges amounts of
responding arguments and supports rather then a drawing that is nothing like
the actual object. But make sure your pre-knowledge is still used. It will
provide passion and fire.
Overall, using sources to
form arguments is an art form. It takes practice and effort on your part as well
as the audience. I find that once actively engaging the topic and research, the
information starts to flow. You continue up the road towards finality. So look
through your sources, analyze your sources, record your sources and argue with
your sources. All actions bring fruition.
