October 6, 1010 Kayla Blackburn

This week’s lecture was “Research and Methodology: Inscription as a Liberating Practice.” It was given by Dr. Dana Williams. Dr. Williams caught my interest from day one. She caught my attention by the way she carried herself. She portrayed herself as an intelligent sophisticated African-American woman.  These are traits that I wish to gain during my years at Howard University and embody upon graduation.  

When Dr. Dana Williams was announced as the speaker, I was really excited and anxious to hear what she had to say.  However, I was quite disappointed when I learned the topic she was discussing. I believe she said that she was in the English Department of Howard University so of course it makes since that she discuss research methods with us, but I would have liked her to give a lecture with more of her own personal touch. 

Dr. Dana Williams’s objectives were to identify the principle components of research and to relate these components to the group project.  There are six components of research. The components of research are …

1.       Statement of the problem/challenge

a.       Consider the purpose of research           

                                                                                       i.      To advance knowledge

                                                                                     ii.      Solve a problem

                                                                                    iii.      Inquire

b.      Consider the reasonableness of your research question

                                                                                       i.      Is it specific enough

                                                                                     ii.      Do u have enough time to address it

                                                                                    iii.      What skills and/or skill levels does it require

2.       Current State of Research

a.       Consider what has already been said

b.      What new info will your research bring

c.       What info will u need to complete your research

3.       Methodology

a.       Create research design

                                                                                       i.      Before and after approach

                                                                                     ii.      Retrospective

                                                                                    iii.      etc

b.      Method of data collection

                                                                                       i.      Secondary          

                                                                                     ii.      Primary

4.       Framework

a.       How will you structure the project?

                                                                                       i.      Report

                                                                                     ii.      Presentation

                                                                                    iii.      Scholarly paper

b.      How will you display your data

                                                                                       i.      PowerPoint

                                                                                     ii.      Graphics

                                                                                    iii.      Video

                                                                                   iv.      Handout

5.       Development of the thesis

a.       Articulate the thesis

b.      Provide supporting details

c.       Structure the research findings/ questions logically

6.       Conclusions

a.       What new insights?

b.      What limitations did you have?

c.       What should future researches consider?

Dr. Dana Williams’s six components of research will be very helpful to my group and I when we began our research.