Chapter two

Chapter Two: Exploring and Focusing

            This chapter of the Bedford Researcher follows a two section method. Section one addresses the exploration of a topic, in other words, developing a general knowledge about the issues and disagreements of the topic. Section two is concerned with focusing on an issue or to move from broad exploration to a singular issue of interest to the writer.

            Exploration begins with creating a plan to explore the topic. This method of exploration helps the writer to gather all the useful information such as a list of people who are knowledgeable about the topic, list of settings that could be observed, lists of resources to search and a system of keeping track of the information collected. Another step is to discuss the topic with others. This allows gathering information that can’t be found anywhere else. Furthermore, conducting preliminary observations gives the writer the chance to include direct and personal observation into the research project. Lastly finding and reviewing sources lets the writer gather previous work form experts in the field from reliable and peer reviewed materials. The sources can be searched via online catalog and browsing shelves for books, articles in scholarly journals, professional trade journals, articles, magazines and newspapers, theses and dissertations, microfilm and microfiche as well as CD-ROMs DVD’s and other multi medias. When the writer finds a useful source looking at the works cited list, footnotes, endnotes and in text citations is really helpful. It is helpful in that it gives many more resources on the topic.

            After exploring the writer chooses / focuses on a singular issue. The writer can be assisted in focusing by taking note of repeated themes, names, issues and arguments in the sources. Further focus can be completed by assessing personal interest and relevance in the issues. The writer can then choose an issue i.e. the best candidate, and with the most personal interest for reader and writer.