Luker and Knight
Reading Knight I was struck by the “hoarding” comment.
Although I do not hoard material goods, I could totally relate to the amassing
of vast amounts of data without having a proper direction in finding
significance. Most of my research papers have gone this way, though luckily I
fluked into finding something that answered the “So what?” question in the
end. Finding meaning is I think the
biggest challenge for us as researchers. While the cocktail party example is a
creative way to make connections, I am sure there are some completely dull
topics that would be difficult to make relevant to others. Linear research
probably does make you crazy but like Luker, I am from a pre-internet, pre-cell
phone era of collecting and connecting information. It is difficult, though
likely necessary, to jump into the kind of cross boundary connecting and
meaning making that is becoming more instinctual for modern researchers.
Jude's comment about hoarding data was completely recognizable. I have a tendency to DO ( search for literature) rather than THINK. But today I was listening to a CBC podcast, "Writers and Co" during which Robert Hughes, the art historian, social critic is interviewed about his book entitled Things I Didn't Know. http://www.cbc.ca/player/Radio/Writers+and+Company/ID/2318771548
ReplyDeleteHe explains that it is by writing that he discovers what he thinks and what he knows. His conversation with Eleanor Wachtel reminded me that I ought to be writing more, exploring on paper, giving my thoughts some form. I am not having trouble thinking, I am having trouble articulating my thoughts. I know that I need to write more.
And as for thoughts, my one concern about the blog is the sharing with the class. I see that exercise as a chance to challenge or make a connection to something in a reading. But I was hoping that the blog would be a chance for the group to share ideas. I would like to be able to discuss and present some possible research topics if not questions. I would like to both receive and offer feedback but I don't want the entire class reading my early attempts. I need a few "so what comments from my blog group before exposing these ideas to the class.
Mary