Questions:
Methods of everyday research
Many times we think of research and writing as something we do only in academic settings. Take some time now to think of places where you have engaged in research and write something about your findings in terms of your job or even your everyday life.
For instance, one evening, your child awakens at 2:00 a.m. with a serious rash covering much of his body. Which investigative methods would you use to try to help him? Would you collect more data, asking the child himself about his symptoms? Would you take his temperature or try to assess more thoroughly? Would you call family or friends? Would you get online and do a search using Google or some other search engine? Would you call the doctor or the triage nurse? Next, one must analyze or synthesize what you have learned in order to develop a course of action.
Here is another example: You are interested in toning your abdominal muscles and the only exercise you know is doing sit-ups. The trouble is, one finds that doing sit-ups is dreadfully boring. How do you develop a routine with this specific goal? Do you ask your doctor at a regular checkup? Do you ask your friends and family? Do you search the topic online? Which keywords do you use? If you already go to a gym, do you ask a trainer or somebody there? If you do not go to a gym, do you research joining one versus the cost of purchasing equipment? Again, one must analyze and synthesize the information you accumulate in order to develop a course of action.
Using these scenarios as examples, please consider what type/s of research you have engaged in or may be asked to do in your future career. Explain in a minimum of three good paragraphs why and how you would need research skills and the ability to write about a researched topic in your world. Remember, not all sources are created equal. Write at least a sentence or two about how you decide that the research you have done is based upon trustworthy and solid sources.