Research Writing in Your Field
- Due Jan 31, 2020 at 11:59pm
- Points 50
- Questions 4
- Available Jan 21, 2020 at 12am - Feb 3, 2020 at 11:59pm
- Time Limit None
- Allowed Attempts Unlimited
Instructions
Goals
- Conduct research appropriate to workplace problem solving, such as literature review, evaluation of online resources, interview, and site inspection. [CLO 2]
- Interpret research findings with understanding of ethical and human implications. [CLO 3]
The Task
For this Writing Project Activity, consult outside resources to uncover additional information about writing in your field. You are looking for information beyond what you recorded in your Brain Dump: Communication in Your Field activity.
Getting Started
Do a thorough analysis of the writing in your field. Survey the kinds of writing people in your intended career do and come up with a comprehensive list.
Take advantage of the resources that you have available to you with these strategies:
- Ask people in your career field about the kinds of writing they do.
- Look at kinds of writing and communication discussed in the texts from courses in your major.
- Search job descriptions in your career field for references to writing.
- Check the table of contents in Markel & Selber (as well as other technical writing resources you have available).
- Explore resources at the library and/or consult a librarian.
You can use your own network and resources to find additional information as well.
Taking Notes
Follow these details on paraphrasing from Markel & Selber’s Appendix Part A: “Skimming Your Sources and Taking Notes,” on page 614:
GUIDELINES: Paraphrasing Accurately
- Study the original until you understand it thoroughly.
- Rewrite the relevant portions of the original. Use complete sentences, fragments, or lists, but don’t compress the material so much that you’ll have trouble understanding it later.
- Title the information so that you’ll be able to identify its subject at a glance. The title should include the general subject and the author’s attitude or approach to it, such as “Criticism of open-sea pollution-control devices.”
- Include the author’s last name, a short title of the article or book, and the page number (if any) of the original. You will need this information later in citing your source.
Adjust the information for other resources. For instance, if you interview someone in your field, you obviously won’t need the title or page number.
Documentation Format: Use the appropriate documentation style for your field, if desired—for instance, an electrical engineer can use IEEE. If you are unsure what to use, check with a professor or graduate student in your major, OR contact a librarian for help.
Grading Process
When you submit your work, the points will be recorded in Canvas Grades immediately. I will review your answer. If I find that you did not put in appropriate effort or did not do the expected work, I will adjust your grade accordingly.