Sponsor |  Millerbull | Jun 21, 2005 9:06am | I would like to see this group develop into a place where participants can, and feel comfortable to, brainstorm/discuss ideas concerning current research projects, possible research projects, or questions that seem to elude an easy answer.
I would like to see a few other stumblers join me in taking ownership of this forum. Please let me know if you are interested.
I have a few ideas for this group but would like to get ideas from other like-minded stumblers. Please contribute your ideas for this group in this thread.
Some possible ideas:
- Start a new thread for each newly introduced project or question to be discussed by the group.
- Define the problem or idea to be brainstormed. Make sure everyone is clear on the topic being explored.
-Set up the rules for the discussion of a topic.
- letting the leader have control.
- allowing everyone to contribute.
- Any other suggestions? |
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Sponsor | | buckyreed | Jun 21, 2005 5:36pm | Well, I first noticed that on the main page for this group it just mentioned research projects. Then, here in this thread, you also included the part about questions that seem to elude an easy answer.
I would guess that if the latter is included, we may not get as much of the former. Either way would be fine with me--I just thought it would be worth mentioning.
And I'm just a wee bit hazy on the proper types of subjects for threads. For instance, I am very interested in discussions about the institution of marriage in the modern era, particularly its high rate of failure and its (possibly related) lack of congruence with mating instincts. I'm not really sure what research projects that suggests though, or how to put it into a question other than "Is marriage a good idea?" Would a question like that be appropriate? If so, should we then attempt to resolve the discussion into possible research projects?
Whatever--it all sounds good to me. I think this is a helluva good group idea. Nicely done, MB! |
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Sponsor | | Millerbull | Jun 22, 2005 9:29am | Thanks for jumping into the fray buckyreed! Also, it's encouraging to see that others have joined the group.
All great points/questions. I have broad ideas about what I would like to get out of this group and I hope this thread can help us all work through the specifics.
From the main page:
A place to brainstorm/discuss ideas concerning research projects.
I now see the point Bucky raises and agree that my descriptions on the main page and in post #1 of this thread do present slightly different expectations.
From post #1:
I would like to see this group develop into a place where participants can, and feel comfortable to, brainstorm/discuss ideas concerning current research projects, possible research projects, or questions that seem to elude an easy answer.
I think the questions that seem to elude an easy answer phrase does introduce a bit of confusion. My line of thinking is to keep the scope of the group broad and when using the questions that seem to elude an easy answers phrases I was intending to include research ideas/questions that may be in the early stages of formulation. Any ideas on better wording? Does allowing discussion threads that range from currently active research projects to research ideas that are still in the early stages of formulation appear to be doable?
Like I said before, I am thinking that a thread could be introduced for each topic (to include anything ranging between active research project to those in the initial stages of formulation). The initiator of the conversation thread would take "ownership" of that thread by explaining the project or questions currently being considered for a research project (here the initiator of the conversation would do his/her best to define the problems/ideas as best they can) and a discussion of the topic would follow.
What should be expected during the discussion? Your guess is as good as mine. I'm sure it will vary widely (in accordance with the projects/questions presented) but I do hope that we will all attempt to help the initiator of the conversation work through any issues that have been asked for AND any issues/concerns that we feel might need to be addressed.
Just thinking off the top of my head:
1) Regarding research ideas that are still in their initial stages of formulation I think it would be acceptable to expect conversation participants to help the researcher better define or conceptualize the research questions into something workable and provide any support/advice requested by the researcher.
2) For those active research projects that are further along I would expect the group to provide their opinions on the direction of the research, provide any critiques of the project, and work with the researcher to help refine the project.
These are just basic ideas and I would welcome any other suggestions from the group.
Ideally, I think this group could serve as a sounding board for those considering a research project or those currently involved in a research project. Feedback is critical and I would hope that this group might serve to eliminate the bubble many of us find ourselves in when wading through the sometimes overwhelming task of putting together a research project. As a group of people with varying interests and abilities I am looking forward to the endless possibilities. Additionally, as the group gets off the ground I would expect others ideas for conversation threads in addition to those aimed directly at working through research problems and I think it would be best to discuss these possibilities here.
And I'm just a wee bit hazy on the proper types of subjects for threads. For instance, I am very interested in discussions about the institution of marriage in the modern era, particularly its high rate of failure and its (possibly related) lack of congruence with mating instincts. I'm not really sure what research projects that suggests though, or how to put it into a question other than "Is marriage a good idea?" Would a question like that be appropriate? If so, should we then attempt to resolve the discussion into possible research projects?
I think that sounds like a great idea for a topic of conversation. I would put it in the category of research ideas that are still in their initial stages of formulation. I would expect the discussion to progress in a direction determined by the participants working with you to define the issue/question in a way that is workable and a request from the group as to what body of literature is guiding your thoughts and possible suggestions from group members of other pieces to consider. I guess we'll find out how far it can progress from there.
Does this all sound ok? All of this is open to discussion. |
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Sponsor | | buckyreed | Jun 22, 2005 11:07am | | Thanks, MB. I think the focus on research projects--through all stages of formulation and implementation--is clearly stated and makes good sense. I won't muddy the waters with that marriage topic just yet. I'll refine it a little first (and try to discover what body of literature may be guiding my thoughts, heh). |
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Sponsor | | Millerbull | Jun 22, 2005 11:21am | *chuckles*
I think it's all free game. I think it would be fair to start a thread with a question (like you have put together) and begin a group brainstorming session to discuss the topic and what literature is out there that may be useful for you to proceed. |
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Sponsor | | Bunty | Jun 22, 2005 5:08pm | I'd say that posting stuff in the hazy stages would actually be one of the most beneficial times. The marriage thing is a good example.
I would say that quite possibly the question shouldn't be 'is marriage a good idea?' as even though it would be possible to research and come up with answers to that I feel it's a bit of a shadow question, marriage is both a good and a bad idea, either can be proven and the results are quite possibly going to depend more on (subconcious) preconceptions and bias than empirical data, what's good for the russian is death for the german as the saying goes :D (or is it death to the russian? perhaps this would be another research topic, do we have any russians and germans would like to play guinia pig? ;) )
What would be a more interesting line (to me) would be:
what expectations and conceptions do people have going into marriage?
how prepared are they?
what does it mean to them?
and how do these factors affect the long term prospects and suitability of marriage for any given couple..
(lots of etcetera etcetera here, not really the thread for it :D ) |
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Sponsor | | Millerbull | Jun 23, 2005 8:09am | | Just the kind of feedback I had in mind, Bunty. I see bucky started a thread. Let's see how this little experiment plays out. |
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Sponsor | | Gracey | Jun 24, 2005 10:35am | :) I wanted to say a quick hello, and THANK YOU to the group. It's likely I will remain *quiet*, and simply soak for a while. I am intensely interested in social research/theory, but know very little other than my own opinions... lol. I am here at the moment to read and learn from others with more experience!
;) Writers should know their audience, no? hehe
Thanks again!
~Gracey |
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Sponsor | | chimichurri | Jun 24, 2005 1:26pm | | I'm with her, then. *points up* |
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Social Science Research → Discussion