Blog 6: Possible Research Topics Explored More Deeply

I am ashamed that I am posting this blog so late, as I usually post at least a day ahead. However, once I read the blog assignment on Tuesday, my heart sank. It has been such a struggle for me to decide on a topic for this project. I know that is ridiculous because picking a topic is probably the easiest part of this project! Even after my conference with Dr. Chandler, I still am at a lost, despite all the time and help she gave me. However, despite my hesitation, this assignment must be done! I'm deciding to make this assignment a brainstorming activity by doing the assignment with two ideas I have for this project.

Possible Topic #1: Getting Validation of Your Writing from Feedback by Others

Focus: How Positive or Negative Feedback, either from teachers or peers, Influences How You Feel About Your Writing

Intended Subjects: College Students

Possible Research Questions:
- Does the impact of feedback differ in creative writing vs. academic?
- Which feedback is valued more, the peer or teacher? Does it change if the writing is academic or creative?
-Do students actually listen to the feedback they are given or do they just stick to how they feel the paper should be?
- Does negative feedback change how a student feels about his writing?
- Is positive feedback always the best thing when critiquing a paper?



Possible Topic #2: How Writing Gives People the Power to Get a Message Across that They Can't in other Outlets, like Speaking

Focus:
How people in their early 20s use writing as an outlet to express opinions that they either can't communicate or don't feel confident enough to actually give a verbal voice to.

Possible Research Questions:
- Does academic writing have more power to convey thought or does creative writing?
- Why do the subjects feel that writing is a better outlet to convey a message?
- How do the subjects get writing out there for people to read?
- Do the subjects feel that writing can really change the world?
-Is the actual power of writing even realized in today's society?


Wow, I have to say, I regret being so afraid to do this blog! It really helped put things into perspective. I know it is odd to have such two varying opinions in the same blog, but hey its what happened! I feel more comfortable with this project now that I did this exercise! Hopefully I will be set on a topic very soon!

Post Edited as of 2/19/14

I have suddenly gotten inspired with two new topics. I’m sorry I keep being chaotic and going everywhere, but I think one of these topics may be for me!

Topic 1: How A College Student Revises A Paper

- What is a typical student’s revision process?

- Do students revise if it’s not required?

- What are the differences between my revision style, strict and academic, as opposed to other students?

- Do students realize the value in revision?

- Has being in college changed students’ perspectives on revision?

- How can writing teacher’s improve the instruction of revision to make it more “student friendly?”

(This is a safer topic for me because I am a strong supporter of revision.)

 

Topic 2: The effect a presence of a writer in the home has on a person’s writing.

-Does having a writer in the household, like a guardian or sibling, improve a student’s writing?

- Did that writer encourage writing?

- Did the help with writing assignments like essays assuage the student’s writing ability?

- Was the mere presence of having a writer and what writer’s value helpful in a student’s writing?

- Did the writer share a love of writing with the person?

- Did the writer share a love of reading with the person?

(This topic is not as developed, but I do like the idea of it. The main problem I would have is where to find subjects that grew up with the strong influence of a writer, but I’m thinking children of English teachers or freelance writers.)

Dear Dr. Chandler,
I know it is unorthodox to write to you on the blog, but I apologize for being so fickle about my topic for this research project, but I never feel confident enough with just one topic. I would appreciate feedback if you feel any of these topics would be most appropriate for this project because I trust your opinion much more than my own.

Thank you.