Table of Contents:
SECTION I: Cover Letter
SECTION II: Links
SECTION III: Proposal/Outline, Drafts, Final
SECTION IV: Peer Review
SECTION V: Reflective Letters, Letter to the Editor, Instructions for authors from chosen journal
SECTION VI: Anno Bib & Handout
SECTION I: Cover Letter
To whom this may concern,
At the beginning of the semester when I first began my writing process, my professor had our class make a list of ten things that we felt passionate about. When I actually sat down and tried to do this I found it fairly difficult to do. After about ten minutes I finally got a list of items that I most enjoyed. A few examples of these were traveling, family, shopping, and movies. Throughout the following week we would have to cross off a couple items that we would want to potentially write about. I got down to traveling being last on my list; however, I was still very unsure of what I would want to write about.
I decided I wanted to focus my research paper on some aspect of the business world. I chose business because my major is Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management. After figuring out a general topic, the next challenge was to figure out a very narrow research question. The business area that I felt I could relate to the most at that point was the cosmetic industry. I focused my question specifically on how the advertisements that are done in the cosmetic industry specifically affect me.
One document that helped me to write my research paper was Anne Lamott’s “Shitty First Drafts.” I found this document helpful because it helped ease some of the stress of writing. Anne Lamott helped me to realize that the first draft does not need to be anywhere near perfect. On page 1, paragraph 4 of Lamott’s article she stated that “The first draft is the child’s draft, where you let it all pour out and then let it romp all over the place, knowing that no one is going to see it and that you can shape it later.” To me this quote meant that I should let out whatever comes to mind about my topic on paper. This is where I found freestyle very important. I took about five minutes and just typed without stopping about anything that came to mind regarding the cosmetic industry. Doing this process really helped me to gain a better focus on my topic.
The most difficult thing that I had experienced while composing my research paper was what direction I wanted to go with it. After each section I wrote, particularly after the Literature Review, I felt that I lost focus with my topic. Keeping my audience informed with factual data about cosmetics, while trying to incorporate my own opinions as well seemed to be a struggle I faced.
We went through a process of four Peer Reviews which I found to be very helpful. It was nice to get feedback from someone my own age who was going through the same writing process. It really helped me to notice things that I would not have on my own. I chose to include one of my earlier peer reviews from the first draft of my introduction, literature review, and methodology sections of my paper. If you look on the second page of my draft I have a comment that says “maybe spread out the use of this source throughout your paper.” It had never occurred to me before to vary the information of my sources throughout my paper instead of clumping it all together. Also, since I had headings of my sections I did not include transition sentences leading into each section. My peer reviewer pointed this out for me on the third page of my draft.
One example of how my research paper best shows my ability as a writer is by how I showed why my topic was not only related to me, but many other people as well. This can be shown on the third page of my final draft in the very last paragraph. In this paragraph I also discussed what made my particular research unique in this field from the previous research that had been done. Another example that represents my best abilities as a writer is by how I included my own personal experiences to help keep the reader hooked. This can be shown on the second page of my paper as well as in my Results and Discussion section starting on page 10.
The section of my paper that would best represent my ability to incorporate sources and paraphrase would be my literature review. My literature review section starts on page 4. This section shows that I know how to cite sources in the correct format. My works cited pages at the end of my paper also show that I know how to do this correctly in MLA formatting.
SECTION II: Links
Part 1: What is Research Writing? What does it mean to be a research writer? How are research questions developed?
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/658/1
This link above answers the questions students have about writing a research paper. This website discusses many aspects of how one would go about writing a research paper (Baker and Brizee). It helps decide the genre the research paper will be in, what the topic will be about, and who the audience of the paper will be (Baker and Brizee). It also helps ease the tension one may feel when preparing to write a research paper (Baker and Brizee).
Research writing allows one to learn more about a specific interest. To be a research writer is to research a certain question or topic. One then uses their own perspective on what they thought about the information they discovered. Research questions are developed by searching for a topic that one is passionate about, and the yearning to learn more about that topic.
My research philosophy is to write about a topic that I have interest in. My main goal will be to develop a paper that will teach not only me, but also my audience about the topic. I want to incorporate true facts that I have researched, as well as my own opinions on the topic.
References:
Baker, Jack Raymond. Brizee, Allen. Writing a Research Paper. 8 Jan. 2010. 25 Jan. 2010 <http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/658/1>
Part 2: Genres of Research Writing
According to authors Jack Raymond Baker and Allen Brizee, research writing can be broken down into two major genres. The first type of genre is argumentive (Baker and Brizee). In an argumentive research paper, the author of the paper must first decide what side he is taking on the topic (Baker and Brizee). This must clearly be defined in the thesis statement in the paper (Baker and Brizee). The topic chosen should be one that is both “debatable” and “controversial” to other peope (Baker and Brizee). The second genre of a research paper is analytical (Baker and Brizee). An analytical paper is different from an argumentative paper. One reason for this is that, a question should be asked in the introduction, however, a side should not be chosen (Baker and Brizee). The topic may become debatable throughout the paper, but it is not the authors job to make the audience bias towards one side (Baker and Brizee).
I am still a little unsure of what topics to do, however, for now I will narrow my topics down to food and traveling. I chose these two topics because I think I could go a lot of places with them. For both of these topics I would most likely write them using the analytical genre. This way it leaves me more freedom to discuss all of my opinions as opposed to just one side of them. For the traveling topic, I may write about how different people from all around the world may travel to the same spot, and yet still all be connected in some way. For food I may write about how different types of food reflect the emotions someone is feeling.
Baker, Jack Raymond. Brizee, Allen. Writing a Research Paper. 8 Jan. 2010. Feb 1. 2010 <http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/658/1>
Part 3: Reading Critically & Evaluating Sources
Being able to evaluate a source correctly, is very important for your research. According to the Cornell University Library, in order to first examine a source you should look at the bibliographic citation. Usually bibliographic citations have three main components (Cornell University Library). Theseare the author, title, and publication information (Cornell University Library). One important part of evaluating a source is to look at the author (Cornell University Library). Specifically, looking at the author’s credentials, such as their educational background (Cornell University Library). Another important thing to look at is the publication date of the article (Cornell University Library). Whether an article is current or not, can make a big difference while researching (Cornell University Library).
A similar article that I found discusses how to determine what sources are considered “good” (Janet Martorana). It explains how many authors write articles in their own points of view (Janet Martorana). While researching, being wary of biases is very important in order to determine what is really the truth (Janet Martorana). Making sure the source is reliable and that it can be backed up by other sources is key (Janet Martorana). I think that this is probably one of the most important things to do while evaluating sources. Many people just assume whatever they research on the internet is factual, when a lot of it may not be.
References
Ormondroyd, Joan. “Critically Analyzing Information Sources.” Home | Cornell University Library. Ed. Michael Engle and Tony Cosgrave. Olin and Uris Libraries, 1 Sept. 2009. Web. 16 Feb. 2010. http://www.library.cornell.edu/olinuris/ref/research/skill26.htm.
Martorana, Janet. “Evaluating Sources of Information.” UC Santa Barbara Library. Aug. 2008. Web. 16 Feb. 2010. http://www.library.ucsb.edu/libinst/infolit/evaluate.html.
Part 4: Understanding Formatting (MLA/APA/CMS)
The MLA section in Diana Hacker’s “A Writer’s Reference,” she discusses how MLA papers are set up in detail. One of the first things that must be decided before writing a research paper, is what the thesis statement is, and how to go about supporting it (Diana Hacker). Usually in the body of the paper is where the organization of evidence is found (Diana Hacker). Using sources to inform and support an argument, providing background information, explaining terms, and supporting your claims are some key elements to making a good research paper (Diana Hacker). Another very important thing to remember, is to cite quotations and borrowed ideas that are used while writing the paper (Diana Hacker).
The similar article that I found shows the guidelines for general MLA formatting. It discusses the lay out of your paper explains how to go about citing your paper (learningcommunity202). It also explains how to correctly lay out a works cited paper at the end of your research paper (learningcommunity202). Another thing I liked about this document is that, it shows how to set up your formatting on the computer before becoming to type it (learningcommunity202). An example of this is to make sure your paper has 1 inch margins (learningcommunity202).
Formatting your paper correctly is VERY important. Specifically to me, one of the concepts that I find most important is, citing your work correctly. Plagiarism cause a lot of problems so instead of risking it, I think it’s just best to cite everything you look at, unless its your own opinion. Also, doing your works cited page can become confusing. I know I personally have to check to make sure I am doing it right.
I went back and edited my first blog that I wrote. When I had first did my in- text citations, I put the authors names, the year it was update, and the page number. The authors names I had put in were correct, however, the date it was last update does not need to be in your citation. Also, if the page number is present, I learned you should include it. In this case my source was a website, which did not have a page number; so I also removed that from my in-text citations.
Works Cited
“General MLA Formatting Guidelines.” 2007. 10 February 2010. <http://
Part 5: Creating a proposal and outline for a research paper
http://morrowdaniellexgtp.wordpress.com/po/
Part 6: Writing an Annotated Bibliography
http://morrowdaniellexgtp.wordpress.com/anno-bib/
Part 7: Understanding Audience
http://morrowdaniellexgtp.wordpress.com/2010/02/17/blog-8/
Part 8: Drafting and Revising
http://morrowdaniellexgtp.wordpress.com/2010/03/17/blog-12/
http://morrowdaniellexgtp.wordpress.com/2010/03/30/blog-13/
Part 9: Peer Review and Feedback
http://morrowdaniellexgtp.wordpress.com/2010/04/05/blog-15/
Part 10: Publishing Research
http://www.library.illinois.edu/gex/PubProcess.html
I felt that this article explained the publication process very well. It breaks it into steps and explains what should be done in each step.
SECTION III: Proposal/Outline, Drafts, Final
P&O:
http://morrowdaniellexgtp.wordpress.com/po/
Drafts:
http://morrowdaniellexgtp.wordpress.com/intro/
http://morrowdaniellexgtp.wordpress.com/lit-review/
http://morrowdaniellexgtp.wordpress.com/methods/
Final Paper:
http://morrowdaniellexgtp.wordpress.com/paper/
SECTION IV: Peer Review
http://morrowdaniellexgtp.wordpress.com/2010/04/05/blog-15/
SECTION V: Reflective Letters, Letter to the Editor, Instructions for authors from chosen journal
Midterm Letter:
http://morrowdaniellexgtp.wordpress.com/reflective-letter-1-english-202/
Final Letter:
http://morrowdaniellexgtp.wordpress.com/final-reflective-letter-engl-202/
Letter to the Editor:
Note: My journal did not requre a Letter to the Editor but I did a sample of a letter I would write
Danielle Morrow
44 Red Maple Drive
Homer City, PA 15748
xgtp@iup.edu
Date: May 1, 2010
Dear ERIC,
My name is Danielle Morrow. I am currently a sophomore at Indiana University of Pennsylvania in Indiana, PA. I am majoring in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management. Since this is my major, I wanted to focus my research paper on some aspect pertaining to the business world. The composition of my research paper deals with an autoethnographic look into the cosmetic industry.
One of my primary purposes as to why I conducted this research was to determine how certain advertisements in the cosmetic industry affect me. Another purpose of my research was to discuss my own personal experiences that I have gone through with certain products and services regarding the cosmetic industry. The goal of my research paper was primarily to discover just how susceptible I am to certain cosmetic advertisements and why that is.
This research was important because it allowed me to reflect on my own personal experiences of my involvement with cosmetic products. It also made me more aware from a consumer point of view as to how cosmetic advertisements make customers vulnerable to wanting to purchase their product. I believe that my research paper will be a very beneficial contribution to this educational journal. It will allow me to express myself through an autoethnographic research paper which you accept in your journal.
I greatly appreciate you taking the time to read my research paper. I hope that you will also find it beneficial to your educational journal. Hopefully this paper will broaden the minds of other consumers who are susceptible to the cosmetic industry.
Sincerely,
Danielle Morrow
Instructions for authors from chosen journal:
- Cover page
ERIC will not accept materials without the following identifying information on the first page of your document:- Title
- Author name(s) (the inclusion of your affiliation is appreciated, but not required)
- Publication date
- Final Version of the Document
Be sure your document is ready for review:- Verify that all editing is complete, editing marks are removed, and “track changes” (Word) is turned off.
- Remove personally identifying information about research participants such as names, Social Security numbers, or addresses. For privacy reasons, this information may not be included.
- Remove your CV or resume if it is appended or included in the document.
- If the document is split into multiple files (e.g. index, chapters, appendices, etc.), it will be reassembled into a single PDF file; use clear and distinct file names indicating the correct order in which the files should be assembled.
- The document file, including the cover page, must be in the format of .pdf, .txt, .doc, or .rtf (see Submission Guidelines).
- Abstract
Prepare a narrative or structured abstract summarizing your document (see
Narrative Abstract Guidelines or Structured Abstract Guidelines). - File containing your submission
- If you have multiple files to submit, use WinZip or StuffIt to create one file.
- Optional supplementary files, such as PowerPoint slides and data spreadsheets, are acceptable only as appendices to the complete text of your paper or report.
SECTION VI: Anno Bib & Handout
Anno Bib: http://morrowdaniellexgtp.wordpress.com/anno-bib/
Handout:
The Ugly Truth: An Autoethnographic Look into the Cosmetic Industry
Danielle Nicole Morrow
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Email: xgtp@iup.edu
April 26, 2010
Abstract:
The purpose of this research paper was to describe an autoethnographic look into the cosmetic industry based on my point of view. Specifically this paper was related to a white, American, Catholic, 20 year old female which described who I am. The participant of this research was myself and it used a Phenomenology/Heuristic Analysis approach. ersonal experiences with certain cosmetic products and services were discussed. Also, Reactions to different advertisements done in the cosmetic industry were viewed and analyzed. These experiences described the particular product or service, the usage process of it, and the outcome. Results of the autoethnographic study showed that the participant was fairly susceptible to certain types of cosmetic advertisements. Studies need to be done that focus on various ethnicities and age groups of females that live in the United States, and their overall reactions to cosmetic marketing from the consumer point of view.
What is an autoethnography? :
Sarah Wall, who was involved with the International Institute for Qualitative Methodology at the University of Alberta, described the concept of autoethnography as an emerging qualitative research method that allows the author to write in a highly personalized style, drawing on his or her experience to extend understandings about a social phenomenon. Autoethnography is grounded in postmodern philosophy and is linked to growing debate about reflexivity and voice in social research.
Question:
“How do advertisements done in the cosmetic industry affect a white, American, Catholic, 20 year old female?”
Methodology:
Three different cosmetic advertisements were viewed by the participant (myself). They consisted of two TV commercials pertaining to indoor tanning salons and one Infomercial that regarded the “Murad” acne products. Reactions were then recorded to analyze the reactions to these specific advertisements and how the individual was personally affected by them. The reactions to these advertisements focused on areas such as, whether the product or service viewed was worth trying, the advertisement was believable to the consumer, and if the company was using good marketing techniques to gain customers.
Findings:
After looking at the results of my data, I have concurred that I am very susceptible to these three forms of advertisements. I appear to have certain standards and expectations of what being “beautiful” means to me. This is why I set out to find products and services such as acne treatments and tanning salons to achieve these expectations of myself. The cosmetic industry seems to have a very knowledgeable grasp on what girls like me want to achieve with their appearance. This is probably why they are not as informative as they should be with their products.
Selected References:
Gode, Yash. “Data Analysis Methods.” Buzzle Web Portal: Intelligent Life on the Web. 1 Feb. 2010. Web. 17 Apr. 2010. <http://www.buzzle.com/articles/data-analysis-methods.html>.
Reinberg, Steven. “FDA Advisers Urge Stricter Regulation of Tanning Beds – US News and World Report.” US News & World Report – Breaking News, World News, Business News, and America’s Best Colleges – USNews.com. 26 Mar. 2010. Web. 1 Apr. 2010. <http://www.usnews.com/health/family-health/cancer/articles/2010/03/26/fda-advisers-urge-stricter-regulation-of-tanning-beds.html?PageNr=1>.
“Summary of Regulatory Requirements for Labeling of Cosmetics Marketed in the United States.” U S Food and Drug Administration Home Page. Web. 3 Mar. 2010. <http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/CosmeticLabelingLabelClaims/CosmeticLabelingManual/ucm126438.htm.>
Wall, Sarah. “An Autoethnography on Learning about Autoethnography.” International Journal of Qualitative Methods. June 2006. March 18, 2010. <http://www.ualberta.ca/~iiqm/backissues/5_2/PDF/wall.pdf >
