Book, "the Craft of research" Activity
"Readers judge your arguments not just by the facts you offer, buy by how well you anticipate
their questions and concerns. In so doing, they also judge the quality of your mind, even your
implied character, traditionally called your ethos." Booth et al. 1995:117
This is the best book I know of that describes the research process in a clear and concise manner. The questions below are designed to ensure that you have focused on what I think are the essential elements of the book. If you have read the book, the questions will be easy. If you haven't read the book, the questions will not make sense.
I think the most important part of the book is Part III, Making a Claim and Supporting It. The rest of the book covers content you are probably more familiar with. The book clarifies the type of research we will be doing in this class and my expectations of your research.
1. You have been writing research papers throughout your time in school. What did you learn in this book that you wished you'd known long ago?
2. Define in your own words the following: argument, claim, reason, evidence, warrant. How do these words/concepts fit together?
3. Create a one sentence argument with and without a warrant. Identify which is which and why there is or isn't a warrant.
4. State a claim (about anything). List three lines of evidence that would support that claim.
5. When writing a research report, why is it important to select an audience and understand your readers?
6. Now that you've read the book, describe the type of research you think I am expecting you to produce in this course. A few sentences is all that is expected here. (Hint: read my criteria for evaluating a research report)
7. What is the most devastating question any researcher can face? (See Chapter 8)
8. What is one of the most clearly written, persuasive, and effective written works you have read (at any time in your life). Briefly describe this written work and why you selected it.
Please answer the questions above in no less than 1 and no more than 2 typed, single-spaced pages. Upload to Blackboard before the due date and time. This assignment will be evaluated based on the quality of the evidence you provide (your answers) to demonstrate your understanding and engagement with the material presented in the book.
Late Submissions: This assignment may be turned in late. See the point deduction policy here.
their questions and concerns. In so doing, they also judge the quality of your mind, even your
implied character, traditionally called your ethos." Booth et al. 1995:117
This is the best book I know of that describes the research process in a clear and concise manner. The questions below are designed to ensure that you have focused on what I think are the essential elements of the book. If you have read the book, the questions will be easy. If you haven't read the book, the questions will not make sense.
I think the most important part of the book is Part III, Making a Claim and Supporting It. The rest of the book covers content you are probably more familiar with. The book clarifies the type of research we will be doing in this class and my expectations of your research.
1. You have been writing research papers throughout your time in school. What did you learn in this book that you wished you'd known long ago?
2. Define in your own words the following: argument, claim, reason, evidence, warrant. How do these words/concepts fit together?
3. Create a one sentence argument with and without a warrant. Identify which is which and why there is or isn't a warrant.
4. State a claim (about anything). List three lines of evidence that would support that claim.
5. When writing a research report, why is it important to select an audience and understand your readers?
6. Now that you've read the book, describe the type of research you think I am expecting you to produce in this course. A few sentences is all that is expected here. (Hint: read my criteria for evaluating a research report)
7. What is the most devastating question any researcher can face? (See Chapter 8)
8. What is one of the most clearly written, persuasive, and effective written works you have read (at any time in your life). Briefly describe this written work and why you selected it.
Please answer the questions above in no less than 1 and no more than 2 typed, single-spaced pages. Upload to Blackboard before the due date and time. This assignment will be evaluated based on the quality of the evidence you provide (your answers) to demonstrate your understanding and engagement with the material presented in the book.
Late Submissions: This assignment may be turned in late. See the point deduction policy here.