Almost There, a LS 502 Post

Almost there!!!

So close to the end and so close to finishing my conference proposal. I have learned a lot this semester in regards to the technical process of research. I had not realized the extend of preparation needed before it even starts. Literature Reviews were completely new to me and the process of explaining exactly how you intend to go about collecting your data was presented to me in a completely new angle. I just have to review over what I have, edit it, turn it in, discuss about it in class and then I'll be completely done!

Yay Learning!!!

With all the work I've put into this research idea I may keep it for a future directed study. I've learned a lot about digital archives and the process of digital preservation.

I feel like singing, but since I'm not that good at it, I'll let the professionals sing!!!

 

Deja Vu, a LS 502 post

In writing my conference proposal I feel like I'm repeating myself. Which is entirely true since I'm doing mini-versions of my literature review, problem statement, and methodology in under 2,000 words. I feel like there is so much to say, but not enough words to express it clearly. I hope nothing comes across too choppy or muddled.

So much to juggle with the upcoming holiday and this final paper. Welcome to Real Life.

Whittling, a LS 502 Post

My dad is always telling me to stop writing my papers like a novel. I just hate it when very interesting things sound dry, boring, and dull. My challenge now is to whittle away at everything to fit into the 2,000 word maximum for my conference proposal.

With that 2,000 word ceiling I will be going into this with this question in mind: What is the highlight and what is explanation? I think that this is the best course of action for this assignment.

Now excuse me while I find a machete to hack and slash at my papers.

Random Article I found: Secrets behind London’s mysterious deadly fog revealed

Secrets behind London’s mysterious deadly fog revealed – Can it help save China?: No one gave the fog much thought at first. Fog is a regular occurrence in London, after all. It wasn’t until the late afternoon, when the air took on a yellow color and began to smell like fire....

Proposal Examples, a LS 502 Post

His desk is cleaner than mine.

Leaving these here for review and pondering.

• Sample from Claremont
•  AERA example
• GradHacker (why not)

A Step Back, a LS 502 post

What a week! In more ways than one.


I think at this point of my research instead of charging ahead full force (which I've been doing all semester), I am going to take a step back and review everything I have done thus far. I want to make sure that my original intention is still the same since I'm going at it at a broader perspective.

I am going to spend about a day or two looking over what I have before looking at conference proposals. Also, remind myself to take deep calming breaths and not get freaked out by the research.

Election Reflection

Wow.

Just wow, America.

I'm not talking about the results of this year's presidential election. I'm talking about people's reactions. And I am disappointed in many of my countrymen. Going through social media I have never seen so much hate-filled reactions as I have this morning. So many cruses, and demands to be disassociated with people who voted differently than them, and thinly veiled derogatory remarks made me very angry. Where is the 'tolerance' and 'love' that so many people claim to have (especially when things go their own way)? And don't start with the argument that 'it's all going to go away'; that's a cheap cop out.


This year's choices left much to be desired. There was no good option, just the lest bad option, and no one was going to be happy with the result. What we do now will define us. So stop complaining! We take the result that's been given us work with it and make the best of the situation. We have the right to vote, and we should not be belittled for exercising that right.



So America - respect each other!

Third Rock's Why Vote

How I felt this morning.

Done-ish, a LS 502 Post

I have reached that lovely point in which if I wrote anymore on my methodology paper I will start becoming overtly redundant. I am hoping that my sample section is not going to come back and kick me down, but I honestly could not think of any other way of doing it. So, after a final look over I have turned it in. I did get my grade for my literature review today, so I was able to make adjustments based on that before turning it in.

Now, I am going to try to find examples of conference proposals so I know how to set up my own and make it as professional as possible.

Look at me - I'm learning!

While I haven't quite tossed in the one ring into Mount Doom, I have at least crossed the Black Gate into Mordor. All that's left now is my conference proposal, then the end is in sight.

Writing Woes, a LS 502 Post

This may or may not be me right now.
Pre-coffee

On this early Saturday morning I am preparing to write the bulk of my methodology. I have my notes, points I want to make, and a list of terms I am most likely going to use. I usually don't wait to write my papers this late, but I'm in a completely new territory with this paper. I'm not just starting it now, as evident of the pile of note sitting next to my computer (I feel like they're mocking me right now), but I am repeated double checking to make sure I am covering all my points and that I'm conveying what I want to say, so I feel like I've waited til the last possible minute. My biggest problem is that I know what I want to say but finding the proper technical term to describe it is hard. I had that same problem in geometry, I could describe to you the theorems and laws correctly, but ask me the names to those theorems and laws you will get a chorus of crickets chirps and me beating my head on a desk.

Continuing Onward, a LS 502 Post

The more I think about it, the more I believe that I should use a descriptive methodology with a purposive sampling (instead of convenience sampling as stated before). Since I'm focusing on wanting to interview people who have a specialized area of focus. Which brings me to my newest pain in the neck - the sample size. Because I am using a 'general populace' for my sample and just basing it on a characteristic, so to speak, I have no idea how to quantify that in any way. I'm thinking about thirty just have a large enough sample without it being too overwhelming, and to get enough perspectives.

One tiny little frustration is when I'm getting my grades back. I DO UNDERSTAND that things happen in life that throws everything sideways!!!!! (Professor - I really do hope you are feeling better!!) But on my end when the assignments build off of each other and I don't know if I've made a grievous error in the previous assignment, I'm building off of that mistake. At this point I'm just hoping that if there is an error that it's a minor one.

Here's hoping and praying!!!

I can do it!

Plan of Attack, a LS 502 Post

After talking with people who are vastly more experienced than me in the realms of research, I have come to form a bit of an attack plan for my methodology.

For my sample, a convenience sample may work best. Convenience sampling (a.k.a. availability sampling) is a specific type of non-probability sampling method that relies on data collection from population members who are conveniently available to participate in study. I am also looking at possibly doing a user survey for digital archives to figure out what needs to be focused on in knowing what type of access method or other issues need to be focused on. The users I have in mind would be young students, the more tech savvy youth, who will most likely the main users of digital archives down the line.

I hope this works.

Defining, and Data, and Terms - Oh My! A LS 502 post

I am slightly stuck on what terms I should and should not define for methodology. I've always had that problem in that something may be clear to me but very unclear to others and I do not pick up on that. I have about seventeen terms that I am going to define. Mostly terms found common in the archive field, and more technical terms used not found in everyday conversation.

I am also have concerns about how to define my sample. I'm trying to find a general sense of the archival community, but I also wonder if I should include museums and private oral history recorders (like StoryCorp). Should I also talk with IT people, too? The possibilities abound.

Prep for Methodology, a LS 502 post

Now that the lit review is done it is now time for the development of the methodology report.

I have to figure out the exact method that I would wish to employ for this study; basically how will I gather data, what is my sample size, and so forth.  I am looking back over my problem statement, and while I think it is a very good one I will tweak it just a bit as a result of my review of the literature out there. Instead of solely focusing on oral history I am going to expand it to digital history in general, but with a slight focus on archives that deal with oral histories.

It Be Done, a LS 502 Post

The lit review is finished.

Breath in, breath out.

I will say that after doing the lit review I have a better grasp on the research process. It is becoming more tangible in my head and not just some high ideal found in Plato's cave. 

Next up on the list is methodology. I have no shame in admitting that is a little (well, maybe a lot) overwhelming.  Off the cuff, right now, I do not think my original thought of simple surveys and interviews to collect data will change much. However that does not really mean that it is set in stone.

I'll go over my lit review one more time before turning it in tomorrow when I'm more awake.

World's Funniest Classical Music Performances

Now trying to find each of these individually.

If any knows where to find them, please let me know! :)

Writing, Right?, a LS 502 Post

Ok, so all of my notes are written up and I have a fairly certain idea of what exactly I'm going to write. That's the good news, the bad news is I'm coming down with something that is making everything sluggish in thought and movement. In that light I am very thankful for the four day extension given by my professor. So the lit review is now due on Saturday as appose to tomorrow.

In other news, I found an interesting article that gives a fantastic overview about what exactly should be involved in a digital preservation program. While it's not a research article, I'm using it in my review to say 'here's an idea, what can we do with it'. I do have the five required research articles so I think I am doing alright.

I usually write everything out by hand before typing it out. Yes it does take a little bit longer, but it helps the flow of thoughts and what I'm writing makes more sense to me.

Almost there - I hope!

My Own Fault, a LS 502 Post

I am in my current pickle for not really reading my articles thoroughly enough. While I am finding a lot of articles dealing with oral history, there not so much out there in terms of research in how to preserve it. But my idea of shift my focus to a more broader scope has helped tremendously.

To write this I am taking a similar method I used when writing my thesis for my B.A.; figure out what areas I want to cover, then as I read the articles make notes under each section. It helps me organize my thoughts and the setup of my paper.

So with a freshly made batch of french-pressed coffee I go into the unknown for my literature review!!!

Here We Go Again, a LS 502 post

Due to my grievous error, I am now scrambling around looking for articles for my literature review. I am avoiding case study articles because they seem too much like 'what we do good' for than actual research. Unfortunately that seemed to be the primary results of my searches.

So after a few rounds of banging my head against the desk I had an idea. I've decided to shift my focus unto a more broader topic - digital preservation. My thought process is this: oral history is mostly recordings (audio, video), and there isn't enough space for storing tapes upon tapes So, eventually, they are going to be converted into a digital format, which allows me to look at digital preservation then narrow it down to oral histories.

I am fortunate that at least one of the articles (Analog, The Sequel by Conrad) is an analysis and an interview, so it gives me something to start with.

I refuse to say that everything else I've read was a waste of time. It did give me the proper mindset to understand what I am attempting to study. So Ha!

With lunch ending soon I must be off! TTFN!

Blue Screen of Death, a LS 502 post

You know that sickening feeling you get in your gut when your computer gives yo the blue screen of death?

That has happen to me twice with my computers so I really know how that feels. Well I got that feeling when I was going over my articles I've collected and something clicked in my head when I realized something. I have not been looking at research articles. The articles I've been looking at have been in regards to explaining what oral history is in relation to the archives. I feel really stupid for this lapse of judgement. I may have one or two I could use, but I feel like I'm back at square one with the final countdown yelling at me.

Gggrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!