Blog Entry #7 February 15, 2010

I thought that the Cornell University Library Evaluating Sources website was very helpful and knowledgeable. I definitely have a better idea of how to evaluate sources that I am going to potentially use for my paper. When a person is evaluating sources they need to look at the author’s credentials to make sure that it’s a reliable source. The second thing one needs to look at is the date the article was published and decide if the date is out-of-date for the topic they are writing about. The third thing one needs to pay attention to is the edition or revision to see if it has recently been revised. The fourth thing to look at is the publisher, and if it was published by a University Press then it is scholarly. The last thing to look at is the title of the journal because the title can indicate whether it is scholarly or not.

The other website I found about evaluating sources was on Purdue University’s website. I also found it to be very helpful. It stated pretty much the same things that Cornell University did, but it is different. Purdue University states that “each piece of information that you select must be carefully reviewed to ensure the quality, authority,
perspective, and balance that best support your research.” (Purdue University). I find that very true, and although it is similar to what Cornell stated I think that it is easier to understand in some ways. In this article Purdue is explaining that you need to check out the author, the accuracy of the information, objectivity of the article, date of publication, the depth of the study, the intended audience, quality of publication, and the ease of use. I found this site to be very helpful because it had questions to ask yourself when you are looking over an article when you are evaluating it. This website also states how to evaluate books, periodicals, and web sites. I definitely recommend that people should look at this website if they have questions about evaluating sources.

Works Cited

Critically Analyzing Information Sources. Cornell University, 1 Sept. 2009. Web. 15 Feb. 2010.

<http://www.library.cornell.edu/olinuris/ref/research/skill26.htm>.

Evaluating Information Sources. Purdue University, 11 Nov. 2009. Web. 15 Feb. 2010.

<http://www.lib.purdue.edu/ugrl/inst/evaluatingsources.pdf>.

Blog Entry #6 February 10, 2010

A Writer’s Reference by Diana Hacker on MLA Papers.

A couple things that Diana Hacker finds to be challenging when writing a paper in MLA format are:

1. have a supporting thesis
2. citing your sources and avoiding plagiarism
3. integrating quotations and other source material

Also throughout her book she lists many important factors when writing in MLA format:

• Form a tentative thesis
• Organize your evidence
• Use sources to inform and support your argument
• Cite quotations and borrowed ideas
• Enclose borrowed language in quotation marks
• Put summaries and paraphrases in your own words
• Limit your use of quotations

(Hacker, Diana)

Hacker, Diana.  A Writer’s Reference. 6^th ed.  Boston: New York,  2007.

Purdue Online Writing Lab

• The requirements for MLA formating change almost yearly
• Using citations protects the writer from plagerism
• There are a list of general guidelines that one should follow
• A few examples are to double space the header, one inch margins on all sides, and there should be a seperate end notes page before your works cited page
• There is no cover page unless said otherwise by your instructor

This website is a really good source for finding out information about MLA formatting. It honestly has so much information on the website, and I may also use this website along with Diana Hacker’s book because they both have a lot of useful information in it.

“Owl at Purdue.” MLA Formatting and Style Guide.  2009. 10 Feb. 2010

< http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/557/01/>

I think that the most important thing about writing any paper, is stating your sources. It’s very important to give credit to whom the information came from, and to avoid plagiarism. Formatting is very important when writing a paper because it makes the paper look formal and professional. It also makes your paper easier to read because you should be able to tell exactly where most of the information came from, and it should also be very organized if it is formatted. I’ve used MLA format in some previous papers that I’ve written, but I never really understood it. I hope that I can get the hang of it so my paper looks and is up to professional standards.

I went back and added a few things to my proposal. I added the Works Cited page for the information that I did mention, and I think that I properly cited the quotes that I used. I’m still a little confused on how you actually cite information that you use. Such as using quotation marks around what I used or not? I’m not really sure about that, but other than that I don’t think I’m confused about anything else at this point in time.

Blog Entry #5–Critical Reading & Audience February 8, 2010

Critical or Deep Reading

1. Critical Reading for Critical Writing by Deborah Knott.

I thought that this article was very helpful and beneficial because I learned a lot by reading it. Such as when you are reading, highlighting, or taking notes, avoid extracting and compiling lists of evidence, lists of facts and examples (Knot).

How do I read Looking for ways of Thinking?

• First determine the central claims or purpose of the text (its thesis)
• Begin to make some judgements about context
• Distinguish the kinds of reasoning the text employ
• Examine the evidence
• Critical reading may involve evaluation

(Knott).

Some of the tips that were given and are really beneficial are:

• Begin by skimming research materials.
• Go back to the beginning and find important information before highlighting.
• Pay attention to the context.
• When you quote directly from a source, use the quotation critically. (Don’t substitute words for your own)
• In your lectures, listen not only for information but also for ways of thinking.

(Knott).

Knott, Deborah. “Critical Reading Towards Critical Writing.” New College Writing Center. 08 Feb. 2010.
<http://www.writing.utoronto.ca/advice/reading-and-researching/critical-reading>

2. Critical Reading: What is Critical Reading, and why do I need to do it?

I found this article to be really helpful too. There is more involved, both in effort and understanding, in a critical reading than in a mere “skimming” of the text (Cleveland State University). If a reader “skims” the text, superficial characteristics and information are as far as the reader goes (Cleveland State University).

What does it take to be a critical reader?

• Prepare to become part of the writer’s audience.
• Prepare to read with an open mind.
• Consider the title.
• Read Slowly.
• Use the dictionary and other appropriate reference works.
• Make notes.
• Keep a reading journal.

Critical reading involves using logical and rhetorical skills. Identifying the author’s thesis is a good place to start, but to grasp how the author intends to support it is a difficult task (Cleveland State University).

Cleveland State University. Web. 08 Feb. 2010.

<http://www.csuohio.edu/academic/writingcenter/critread.html>.

Audience

1.Writing for an Audience by Linda Flower.

I really thought that something that Linda clearly states is that there usually is a gap between the writer and the audience. Although your audience may not end up seeing the things they way that you as the writer does, your main goal as a writer is to create a common ground (Flower). By analyzing your audience you try to figure out your audiences knowledge of the subject, their attitude toward the subject, and their needs. If their understanding and attitudes are different than yours you can always work towards making them understand your thoughts and opinions. Even if the reader eventually disagrees, you want him or her to be able for the moment to see things as you see them (Flower). Also Flower states how the ability to adapt your knowledge to the needs of the reader is often crucial to
your success as a writer (Flower).

Flower, Linda. “Writing for an Audience.” MarlenHarrison. 16 Sept. 2009.
http://marlenharrison.com/images/flower_writing_for_an_audience.pdf

2. The importance of Audience

I really liked how this article said that “Clear writing is essential if you want your message to get across clearly to your audience. But, what makes your writing clear will vary and is ultimately dependent on your target audience. Before you write, know who you are writing for” (WordsWork). I think it’s true that when your writing about anything that you know who you are writing for, you know what you want to say to a specific group of people. Also I really agreed with this comment as well “If you use a vocabulary with which your audience is familiar, if you create a context that is relevant to their daily lives, the message in your writing will have more impact and will be more clear” (WordsWork). I think that is very true because if you talk or write about something that your audience can relate to or even just simply know what your talking about then you can have more of an impact on them because they will actually remember you and what you said or wrote about.

WordsWork Consulting, Inc. Web. 08, Feb. 2010.

<http://www.wordswork.com/tips/audience.html>.

Blog Entry #4 February 3, 2010

Shopping Addiction

1. My major research question is still yet to be determined. I guess my question might be “What are the signs and symptoms of shopping addiction, and how can shopping addiction affects a person’s family?”. I’m curious about this because I feel like it would have to cause some tension between the shopper and their family. I am also just curious about the symptoms of shopping addiction, and how it could be cured. I am interested in this because I really like to shop, and who knows maybe I could have a shopping addiction.
2. I think that shopping addictions usually occur in women. I think that shopping addiction starts when a person is young, and continues until they are older. I think that most compulsive shoppers are probably interested in clothes, jewelry, and shoes. I think that many people are in debt because they have a shopping problem. I think that families who are connected with a shopaholic are effected by it. “Are shopping addictions more common in women?”. “What age group has the biggest problem with shopping addiction?”. “What products are most shopaholics interested in?”. “Are serious shopaholics in debt?”.  “Can a shopaholic pay off their debt, or are they too far gone?”.  “How does a shopaholics addiction effect their family?”.
3. Most websites that I have found focus primarily on the treatments and symptoms of shopping addiction. I want to try to talk to friends and people I know to find out if they have a shopping problem. I’m curious in finding out so much more about shopaholics. I never knew much about it before so now it’s my time to actually find out all these questions myself. I plan to use some TV shows, and also movies to get some fun information from, well more like a guideline to help me. I know that the movie Confessions of a Shopaholic will definitely be a good movie to give me some new information from a different source. On MTV a couple years ago on the series True Life there was an episode about Compulsive Shopping, and I plan to get some information from there too. I think that the True Life episode will be a really big help in this paper because it’s a true story of girls who have a shopping problem and are in debt because of it.
4. The methods that I will use for my research will be: interviewing family and friends and see what kind of shopping they like to do and ask questions about how often they shop and what are their intentions for shopping in the first place. I also plan to use TV shows and movies for more information to make it a little fun instead of doing just a basic boring research paper.
5. Journals that I could try to have my work published in could be:

• Journal of Consumer Research

http://jcr.wisc.edu/shortguidelines.htm

• Fashion Journal

http://www.fashionjournal.com.au/aboutus.html

Free Writing February 2, 2010

Right now at this moment I am really anxious about this research in many ways. I am stressing about it because I need a more focused idea on my question for my research question. I need help on a focused question because I, myself cannot seem to think of one. Marlen gave me some idea’s when I met with him last week, but for some reason I cannot think remember the great ideas that he had given me. Just for anyone who is reading this my topic is Shopping Addiction, feel free to give me some ideas on a question Okay well now I’m running out of this I’m stressed about for this class. Well I guess the blog kinda stresses me out too because it just seems like there is a lot of work for it. I know in the end it is all going to be worth it, but as of right now it stresses me out just a little. I’m one of those people that Marlen said would think they wouldn’t be able to get 15 pages for my research paper. I really don’t think I will be able to write that much about shopping addiction, but then again I know i’m going to be wrong and I’m gonna end up having to shorten my pages to get exactly 15. I really can’t think of anything else to write about, and this is already a lot of shit I wrote about and it’s not even 5 minutes yet, geeze. I really can’t think of anything else. I could really go for some Starbucks right now, or even a little shopping too bad the Indiana Mall sucks and there isn’t any good stores there, total bummer. I wish that it was Friday already, cause I want to go see the movie Dear John that comes out on Friday. 

Blog Entry #3–Genre’s of Research Writing February 1, 2010

The website that I found says that genre’s of research writing require a person to spend time investigating and evaluating sources with the intent to offer interpretations of the text. (owl.english.purdue.edu) In this article it states information about what research (is) and what research (is not). I found it very interesting and also very helpful. It says how a research paper is the final product of an involved process of research, critical thinking, source evaluation, organization, and composition. (owl.english.purdue.edu) The point of a research paper is to gain knowledge from the investigation process. I know that I hope to gain a lot of knowledge when I start to write my research paper. The goal of a research paper is not only to inform the reader what others have to say about a topic, but to draw on what others have to say about a topic and engage the sources in order to thoughtfully offer a unique perspective on the issue at hand (owl.english.purdue.edu). The two types of genre’s of research writing are argumentative and analytical. An argumentative research paper has a goal of being a persuasive paper so therefore it should be a topic that can be debatable. An analytical research paper is a paper about exploartion and evaluation (owl.english.purdue.edu).

Well on my FCL I never had 10 things, and on the last blog entry we had to narrow that down to 5.  I never even had 5 things on my FCL so it wasn’t very hard to narrow it down to 2. The two topics that I chose were shopping addiction, and aniaml prints. I chose these two topoics because I really love to shop. It’s something that I am clearly passionate about and interested in. The reason that I want to do it on shopping addiction is because I may or may not have a shopping “problem”. I wouldn’t call it an addiction though, but shopping addiction would be an interesting topic to learn more about. I also chose animal prints because I really like leopard and zebra print. Whether it’s clothes, bed stuff, or decorations I just really like it. I would be interested in researching it becuase I would like to know how it got to be such a big trend.

For both topics I think that I would use the analytical research genre. I would argumentative because I personally don’t think that either topics can really be debatable. If I used the analytical I would be able to explore and evaluate shopping addictions and the trend of animal prints. Althought I have not began to start looking up research on those topics, I think that I could find some potentially good research about them. Either topic I chose to write about I plan on doing the 15 page research paper. I plan on finding information from the internet, magazines, and of course other people.

Genre and the Research Paper. Purdue OWL, 08 Jan. 2010. Web. 1 Feb. 2010. http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/658/02/

Blog Entry #2 January 27, 2010

On my Fucking Cool List, I didn’t have 10 things I only had 2, but here they are none the less.

1. Something that I would like to know more about would be shopping addiction. Not necessarily shopping addiction, but why people shop and what makes them buy the things they do. Do they really need to buy something, or do they just “want” to buy something. I often wonder why people buy the things they do because maybe they’re just shopping to shop, but maybe there is a reason such as the are stressed or depressed about something so they shop. I find this interesting because I personally love to shop, and when I’m bored or upset I shop. It’s just something that I do. I don’t call it an addiction, but more like a hobby .  My Research question would be “What makes people have a shopping addiction?” (or something around there, I can’t remember all the idea’s that Marlen gave me for it) The research paper that I would write for this topic would be the 15 page Journal style research paper.
2. I would like to know more about the recent fad of zebra/animal print in the 20th century. It just recently came into trends, and I know personally that I love it. It’s important because I personally like it, and would just like to know more about it. I think that I could bring something new to the discussion of this topic because I really don’t think that anyone has done any research on this yet. My research question would be “How have animal prints came about in the 20th century?” With this topic once again I could write the 15 page Journal style research paper.

Although I didn’t have even close to 10 things on my FCL I did have 2 things. It was really hard for me to come up with even 2 things that I think are fucking cool because when it came down to it I wasn’t sure about how I could do research on things that I might think are fucking cool. I hope I still get my points for this blog becuase I did try to some up with as many things as I possibly could.

Blog Entry #1 January 21, 2010

The website that I listed at the bottom of this entry is the one that I am summarizing in this paragraph. This article states that a research paper is more than just a regular paper that you write or an essay. It’s a paper that you want to evaluate a point of view. It’s about stating the facts from sources. It should not only have your point of view in it, but it should also be represtented by facts from someone else’s information. The article states that one not only use information they know personally, but to expand their knowledge about that subject.

Research writing is a type of writing that expresses someone’s personal interest, and it’s based on information that someone has gathered and spent time investigating about a specific topic. I think that a writer is someone who has a gift for writing, someone who loves to write and they’re passionate about it. A research writer is someone who is passionate about finding out information “hands on” and then writing about it. Research questions are mainly the purpose of the study. They are very focused questions that are very clear and aren’t vague.

I never really thought about what  a writer actually was until today in class. I thought that it was really interesting to listen to other people’s definitions of what they think a writer is. I guess I never really thought about it. A writer can be anyone who likes to write. Whether it’s someone who likes to write made up stories, someone who just likes to write in a journal, someone who writes poems. I think it’s about expressing yourself in some way. A research writer is just simply someone who likes to investigate a topic and then write about the information they find. Research questions are developed by making a general statement and then turning it into a more focused and clear question.

My goal is to find something that I like or has meaning to me and write a research paper about it. And  by that I mean that I plan to learn to be a research writer and learn how to go about writing a paper for this class. My approach is to learn as much as I can and actually let it sink in, so I can carry on the knowledge throughout my life incase I would ever need to write more research papers, or who knows maybe I will end up being a research writer.

“What is a Research Paper?” What is a Research Paper? .  21 January 2010.

http://www.esc.edu/ESConline/Across_ESC/WritersComplex.nsf/3cc42a422514347a8525671d0049f395/ddbc866bc537f67e85256a460066ab2d?OpenDocument