Readings about Research(ing)

In this section, we have compiled five sources that are useful for you because the authors address common misunderstandings about the research process, including where research should begin, where we can find answers, and how we might reflect on our writing choices. All of these chapters emphasize the importance of approaching research with an open mind and tapping into genuine curiosity.

In Making Research Ethical, Jennifer Clary-Lemon, Derek Mueller, and Kate Pantelides discuss ethical research practices. They consider what makes a source reliable, subjectivities authors bring to their research projects, and strategies to effectively evaluate authors and texts.

Allison C. Witte’s Research Starts With Answers reminds you that researching starts with questioning, as well as that effective research can lead to additional questions that help you better formulate a position.

Emily A. Wierszewski, in Research Starts With a Thesis Statement, tackles the erroneous advice given with such a statement. The author offers more useful starting places for research than a preconceived stance.

James P. Purdy shares the fact that Wikipedia can inform your research process in Wikipedia Is Good for You!?. The author is not suggesting Wikipedia can be a source, but he does share how it can be a starting point for finding appropriate sources.

In Reflective Writing and the Revision Process: What Were You Thinking? Sandra Giles argues that metacognition is a necessary researching and writing skill. This essay also includes prompts for getting started with reflection.

In the Readings about Research(ing) section, we focus on Composing Processes, Integrative Thinking, and Information Literacy. Chapter 40 features an overview of research ethics (Information Literacy), while Chapters 41 and 42 address two important aspects of the research process: research questions and research statements (Composing Processes). Chapters 43 and 44 also focus on aspects of the research process, primarily responsible use of resources (Information Literacy) and the value of the revision process for building integrative thinking skills (Integrative Thinking).