Although I feel I have a basic understanding of a literature review, I am struggling to find a topic and general outline. Some of the videos I've watched suggest to start by finding a research article with an interesting topic, then look through that topic for key words or ideas that the research is built upon. The attached video talks about the "research cycle", which is :
pick a topic
read research on that topic.
tweak the topic of your paper as needed.
In step 2, if there is not enough material for research, you may need to tweak your topic. Also, during research, you may find a more interesting topic than the original. One other thing mentioned was, if you are stuck, ask for help. Resources such as Librarians may be able to offer guidance and provide a nudge if you are stuck picking a topic. I scheduled a virtual appointment with a PC librarian earlier this week, and he was extremely helpful, showing me different places to find ideas, and going over proper citation. He said there is also a 24 hour/day "ask a librarian" help feature on their website if you are struggling late at night. You can schedule an online appointment with a librarian, or use the 24/7 service via the canvas library link. The library database also has a section on argument/debate (hot topics) that may help provide review ideas, by writing about what data/methods those arguments are based on.
Do you feel you have a more malleable/growth mindset, or a fixed mindset? I am not sure how to answer this. I am very fixed with some things, and malleable with others. I am not afraid to learn when it comes to things like science, although I can get particular about knowing all the rules or expectations, and sometimes get stuck. I can go to a foreign city, or in the middle of a jungle, and feel very comfortable in unfamiliar territory. If I am fixing a machine, I see it as a challenge and growth opportunity when I don't find the problem right away. In other areas I definitely have a fixed mindset. Language, for instance, has never been easy for me, and I resist learning. I took Spanish for 4 years and it did not "speak to me." I didn't like it at all. Now I hear people telling me how I need to learn Spanish and I get upset. I say things like, "There are 450 languages spoken in the U.S.. Am I to learn them all, or should everyone just learn English?" I...
I do not think my identity per se influenced my educational path. My age itself did, however. When I was younger I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I had no roles models that I was trying to emulate. With time and experience I realized that I loved helping people, and wanted a career relating to the medical field. I also am very curious about how things work. While pursuing other degree paths, I was finally led to Biology, my one true love. It has everything I want. My identity has impacted my sense of belonging though. I am twice the age of most of my fellow students. I feel like a bit of an outsider at times, and certainly way behind everyone else. When they are my current age, they will be masters of their field. I am already older than many of my professors. When I enter the workforce again, people much younger than I am will have much more knowledge and experience. It is something I am having to get comfortable with. I also feel like I will have much less t...
The microbiome group still hasn't started yet, so I thought I would share something useful I am learning in another class, ENH255: Contemporary US Literature and Film. Currently we are covering the Close Reading Interpretation Tool, "CRIT", which helps to better understand what we are reading. For the microbiome group I will be reading many articles, and may find this tool useful. Here are the steps involved: 1) Paraphrase: Look for the overall meaning and purpose of the passage. 2) Observe: Look a things such as language style and form (Are they using scientific terms? Are the lines structured like a poem?) What new things does this tell you about the author and what they are trying to convey? (This is a good time to take notes on the passage) 3) Contextualize: What are the outside influences on the passage? When or where does it take place? What technology was available at the time? What are the widely accepted beliefs of that time or place? 4) Analyze: Review steps 2 ...
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