Mystify_Logic

My Final Topic Recap…

mystifylogic — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 01:02:02 +0000

When I began my research on the reasons why Polar bears should be kept on the Endangered Species List, I expected to accumulate a lot of information of support for this act of safety towards the bears. But, in fact, I was wrong. I actually found more than a few powerful people, amongst our society, that were against the Polar bears enlistment, some for the guilty pleasures that oil’s greed creates within individuals of high status. Furthermore, since the beginning of the initiation of this research, information that I didn’t get to share with classmates, especially those didn’t even read it, are remarkably cool! Since my presentation on my research paper, I’ve taken notice that many big time companies are starting to broadcast [in the media] their efforts of support for anti-global warming, and are making their manufacturing go green. This is exciting news because it shows how humanity can come together as a whole to make strong efforts that can change the world.

I learned so much from the research for writing this paper. It’s actually turned out to be a pleasurable experience for me, because the information is so mind grabbing and motivating to write a great piece that could also serve as a voice for the Polar bears, as well. However, although information was plentiful, deciphering which sources were critical over others was the hard part. I had to really read and engage myself into all of my sources to really see if I felt a building block to my paper within each of them. Luckily I turned out with a little over twenty, and I have, in fact, used each one of them. All, to elude an exceptional piece that I hope my peers and teacher will all enjoy reading. As well, I hope to promote a pro-action motivation to reach out and support Polar bears, and any efforts to help their situation—really!

Reflection on Thesis

mystifylogic — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 23:30:51 +0000

The main purpose of my essay on Polar Bears is to explain how Global Warming is threatening their lives/environment, and how taking them off of the Endangered Species List is suicidal.

My Thesis:

· Keeping Polar bears categorized as a “threatened” species on the Endangered Species List, is crucial to their survival against Global Warming.

3 Possible Thesis’:

· Polar bears should be kept on the Endangered Species List—categorized as “threatened”—and, deny any opposing efforts.

· Polar bears need to remain listed as a “threatened” species on the Endangered Species List for the survival of [current/future] generations to come.

· Polar bears need to remain under their current listing on the Endangered Species List in order to survive Global Warming.

A) Many of the quick facts that Ballenger expressed in the book, I’ve already went over and added to my paper as I began to write my dirty draft. They, obviously, were needed as I was reading what I was writing, because some of the ideas and scenarios I wanted to paint in the reader’s mind didn’t fully explain themselves. So- I had to research a little more, and I found my little basic information needs on Wikipedia. They we’re mostly basic facts that I dispersed throughout my whole paper. Furthermore, I did try researching a little more with the RefDesk.com website, but most the information provided I’d already used somewhere in my paper—so I didn’t need to use it. But, it definitely is a source that I’ll use in future papers, as needed.

B) My Paragraph that I found that needed a little more sentence variety, was as follows:

(Original- w/o revisions) “The mortality of Polar bears is that the possibility of them being extinct within fifty years is a likely incident that can happen. If efforts to change our harm towards the environment aren’t made stronger, then, we’ll be signing-off on a death note for the Polar bears- who were once an indigenous creature to our sacred earth.”

(Edited- w/ revisions) “The mortality of Polar bears is that the possibility of them being extinct within fifty years is a likely incident that can happen. If efforts to change human’s annihilation towards the environment aren’t made stronger, then we’ll be signing-off on a death note for the Polar bears- who were once an indigenous creature to our sacred earth, that flourished.”

These minor revisions I did to this paragraph I felt, better, explained the extremity of the situation. By italicizing ‘can’, it illustrated my voice with a tone of certainty. Also, by changing ‘our harm’ to ‘human’s annihilation’ it really over-exasperates the destruction that humans are causing the environment.

Research Presentation

mystifylogic — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:00:43 +0000

HELLO ALL AND WELCOME TO MY EXCITING PRESENTATION OF MY RESEARCH ON POLAR BEARS!! Please feel free to explore my page’s links, photos, and videos– all on Polar bears!!
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For starters, the originating reason that made me decide to research Polar bears, was the inequality of justice for these endangered animals. Polar bears are endangered animals that have been waiting around for years (while they’re becoming scarce) to be categorized as “threatened” animals on the Endangered Species List– which would then, present them with stronger protection against humans and their pollution that’s causing major global effects (ruining the Polar bears environment). Recently, after finally being accepted on the Endangered Species List, they were also included in the “threatened”animals category. But, in a article I found written by Robert Kunzig*, he presented new information about the Polar bear’s recent success of being accepted on the “threatened” animals list, might soon be denied by the government. As you can see, Polar bears are enduring a roller coaster of a ride, just trying to get protection from the government. Polar bears can’t fend for themselves, nor ask for help. So, this is why I need to research the thesis as to why ‘Polar bears should be kept in the category as “threatened” animals on the Endangered Species List’.
Expectations that I had before starting my research were pretty neutral. I figured I would find supporters and opposing people on an equal level for this topic. But, instead, I’ve found that more people are becoming opposed to the Polar bear’s situation due to the environment they live on, and the precious resource, to humans, that’s beneath the surface– oil.
Surprising information that I’ve found while researching so far is that people in the government are opposing people as well– for example, republican John McCain’s running mate, Sarah Palin. I figured, since the government established, and supports, the Endangered Species List, why are they falling short of their word promised to this Act. Letting Polar bears go endangered is setting them up for extinction, and it would be all for a resource that’s just an additional pollutant to the world.
I’ve found that most people unaware about this subject, don’t know about the in-depth truth of the trials and tribulations that Polar bears are going through with the government. Everyone seems more aware of Global Warming, but the harmful effects that are endangering wildlife are being left in the dark. Strategies for preventing Global Warming, and tips to saving the environment need to be broadcasted with a stronger urgency before it’s too late. Most people feel that the government will take care of all problems in the world, but there are many programs and foundations that can be supported (through donations and activism) from the public– which would go to help the survival of Polar bears.
Databases have been key providers of the best information for me, so far, while researching. I’ve used databases in the library like ProQuest, Academic Search Premier, CQ Researcher, etc. However, the most efficient database that I’ve actually used sources from in early assignments for my research paper, have been from ProQuest. I’ve also looked on Google Scholar as well, they have a lot of helpful articles that pop-up. BUT the downside is that a lot of the results you have to buy to get the whole article.
Furthermore, research that I will be doing from this point on, will probably entail: extensive research in wildlife and animal foundations (for news, supporters, and protection efforts), CNN and other major news companies for government information, also, again, more thorough/ narrowed searches in Lewis D. Cannell’s library databases.

(* = Sources listed in my links to informational articles/websites/etc, that I’ve found [and used] information from for my research paper)
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I HOPE EVERYONE ENJOYED MY RESEARCH PRESENTATIONS, AND I WELCOME AND LOOK FORWARD TO EVERYONE’S COMMENTS, QUESTIONS, AND SUGGESTIONS!! Thank you for visiting my Blog…

Note Taking Skillz

mystifylogic — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 07:14:25 +0000

NOTE TAKING:
A) What has been you system for taking and keeping notes while you research for you essay? Are you using the two-column system we learned the first week, or some other system? What are the benefits and drawbacks of your technique so far?
So far, when I’ve had to do any research for an assignment (writing, informational, argumentative, etc) I’ve pretty much stuck to the same method of writing down websites that interested me and seemed important as an addition to my paper. However, as I’ve had more experience through the different levels of English classes I’ve taken, we exercise better ways of notetaking and researching information in a more meaningful way. Through English classes I’ve, also, learned to exercise the processes to validate a website/source’s authenticity and benefits to my topic/paper. Furthermore, the benefits of my note taking techniques so far, sometimes put me at a dead end when it comes to filtering important, and non-important, information from notes. More so, this ends up leading to my drawbacks of my technique. Having such an overload of notes and sources, takes up too much time and effort, that could’ve been minimized from the beginning if I exercised different techniques. But after reading Ballenger’s overview I’ve become acquainted with some new note taking skills.

B) What ideas for searching did you get from Ballenger’s overview (p. 155-163)?
New note taking ideas that I indulged from Ballenger’s overview, were very accommodating to my current style of note taking, yet they’ll better my process, and guarantee more efficient sources, in the end. I learned that note taking of sources helps you better comprehend it’s information. Which then goes to show how when you take notes, you should paraphrase, summarize, and quote crucial sources in your research journal to exercise you thought process on the topic. NOTE: Keeping a research journal throughout the search process is very helpful, and efficient **New technique I wasn’t ever aware of!** Another note that Ballenger put out there the better sense you have of the information in your notes, the easier it makes it to explain it from your own words (i.e. making paraphrasing a snap!).
An idea that interested me in trying while researching, was taking the Jay Leno approach. But, more so, in a fashion that’s external. After I understood the Jay Leno approach, I realized that I already do that when I search for topics, take notes, etc. But, in a different sense, I do it mentally. I feel if I try this approach writing it down on paper, like Ballenger did, and answer all the questions, it’ll be a very effective technique for me– which I’m anxious to try.
Lastly, taking thoughtful notes stood out to me, because I’ve always consider doing that when taking notes, but I have that anxious feeling of maybe leaving something out. So, I result with a whole slop of notes. But if I’m to start taking more thoughtful notes while doing my research my end result will be smoother, and easier to transition from my notes to my paper.

3 Points of View…

mystifylogic — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 04:44:27 +0000

The three points of view I will be exploring in my exploratory essay (on ’Why Polar bears should/shouldn’t be on the Endangered Species list) will be:

· People who are for/support the Polar bears enlisting on the Endangered Species List (and are against any harm to them and/or their environment).

· People who are against Polar bears being enlisted on the Endangered Species List (because they have personal prejudices against the species, or see them as just an animal with no rights to life).

· People who are in between/ can’t decide (because they don’t know the entire situation threatening the species/or the endangerment they are incurring).

Research Proposal

mystifylogic — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 02:53:05 +0000

Answering the 3 questions Ballenger asks when conducting a research proposal, I resulted with the following:
1. Why doesn’t the government put Polar bears on the Endangered Species List as “Threatened”?
2. Additional questions that intrigue me on the subject are: ‘why isn’t the importance of science, including Polar bears within that, being taken more seriously?’, ‘why can’t the government overrule individual governor’s of each state’s rules?’ My thesis is: Polar bears should be put on to the Endangered Species List as “threatened”. The theory that my topic is testing is that of Polar bears, and their living conditions, not being reduced to a minimal of none, and that not being important enough to help them seek refuge on the Endangered Species List.
3. Prior beliefs, assumptions, ideas, feeling, or prejudices that I had before beginning research on this topic were supporting my thesis. I feel no animal should be in harms way. I feel if a government goes through all the time to make up an act to save animals in danger, then they should follow the rules. Just because an animal has the coincidence of living on the same turf as one of our globe’s critical resource (gas/oil) shouldn’t be a reason to deny them life (i.e. putting them on the Endangered Species List). Also, I feel with me being an animal owner, it’s made my heart and beliefs of animals rights, sensitive to the well-being of whichever that specie is.

Early Searches

mystifylogic — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 02:52:28 +0000

When using what I learned off of IRIS it helped me navigate easier through the databases. The boolean operators helped me the most, because adding those in the search field made a difference in the number of results I got– a lot! The three terms I typed in when doing research on each database (EBSCO, CQ Researcher, and ProQuest), I used: ‘Polar Bears on Endangered Species List’, ‘Polar Bears AND Endangered Species List’, and ‘Threatened Species’. On the CQ Researcher, on the first term, I mostly got information, solely, about the Endangered Species List itself. On the second term, I got the same results. On the third, I got a drastic change of way more results– all that seemed beneficial! On EBSCO, for the first term, I got no results. For the second, I came up with 9 search results of articles, and websites. On the third term, I got an overwhelming amount of 992 results. I feel that this term may be too broad for this database. For ProQuest, on the first term, I got a search result of 65, containing documents from journals, articles, newspapers, etc. I had way more to choose from with this database– I know, personally, I will use this database prominently throughout this whole research paper. On the second term, I got 92 results. For the third, again, I got an extreme amount of 2,547 results– that term, obviously, is way too broad for use on this topic.

‘Reflections’

mystifylogic — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 02:21:13 +0000

On reflecting to Ballenger’s insightful information pages 38-58, I learned a myriad of things that will help me, essentially, with writing my research paper. I learned about: What makes a question researchable? It has to not be too big or small, focuses on some aspect of the topic, raises more questions, and interests the researcher. I also learned, when searching for a topic, if you look at a possible topic through different “lenses” (i.e. through a different point of view, inclusive to all aspects of the topics background). Looking through the different “lenses” helps you see from the different aspects of the topic, through: people, trends, controversies, impact, and relationships (all aspects crucial to a topic). Ballenger, also, stresses the importance of, “a living reference source” in the library– the Librarians (who woulda guessed? LOL)!!
I also learned about the 5 steps to finding questions. In addition to finding questions, Ballenger also exudes the tips to find ‘focusing’ questions. When writing a research paper, you’re writing it to explore, argue, and analyze a topic or situation happening that intrigues you enough. If you have a topic or situation that is able to be explored, argued, and analyzed, then you got yourself a research paper!

Diagnostic Writing– 9/26/08:

mystifylogic — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 02:50:18 +0000

Previous Research: My previous experience with researching has been very vague, but at the same time plentiful. I remember back in middle school when we had to do a research project (except it was less inclusive as our 102 papers) we were just simply answering questions about a specific animal/plant/object which required research to develop knowledge to answer those questions; no extensive writing needed. When having to use sources in essays, you have to do a little research hare and there, to figure whether or not that source is credible. And, in doing this, you must have knowledge of what is, and isn’t, credible. When you gain the skills to determine what is credible (or not), you then decide what is crucial to add to your paper (i.e. you’ll have to research a little to find sources). Once you find a source that seems important (also, credible), you scrutinize the document (website, article, etc) a little more thoroughly to verify that all the important aspects are legit, and you can make use of the source (to your advantage). Basic knowledge of researching for me, includes: the internet, library databases, newspapers, magazines, encyclopedias, etc.– basically what all colleges have to offer in the library. When browsing through all those options, I lookfor anything that involves my topic some how, and in a way that is beneficial to my point of view that I’m trying to get across to my audience. Advice to prospective researchers (i.e. fellow classmates)– when looking for sources and information, keep in mind, you can never have too much. Think, if you over-exceed the requirement (given by teacher) of how many sources you’re supposed to use for the assignment, your inventory will be overflowing, and you’ll have more to choose from. • • • • • • • • • • • •
IRIS: When I went through the tutorials on IRIS, although having taken an English 101 class previously, much of the things went over were pretty much were already imprinted in my head. A few subject categories that stuck out to me that i actually learned something from was: Research Team- finding out all the members that were on it, Exploring Topics- all the effective ways of searching and maximizing and minimizing results, Call Numbers- where to locate them on books and what each system of catalog uses to look up books, and Boolean Operators- the AND, OR, and NOT words that maximize and minimize results.
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Ballenger’s Essay: The Ballenger’s essay, was an exquisite piece for an ideal research paper that includes all aspects required of an exceptional paper, and stands as a great example of what to do. This essay is exactly what I expected a research paper to interpret like. Ballenger does an even distribution of thoughts and/or values from, both, the opposing, and supporting side. This levels out a steady argument amongst a targeted audience, addressing (thoroughly) both side’s viewpoints, as well as many questions that can arouse because of the values, viewpoints, etc. The many questions asked, make up the research paper, and working to answer them all completes the paper, as well as lets you voice your opinion and, somehow, relate it to your everyday life or and experience you’ve encountered–relevant to the subject. Ballenger supported the viewpoints of what makes a pigeon so unique and magnificent, from the aspect of pigeon-lovers. Alike, he interpreted the viewpoint form the opposing side, and, also, added a personal experience that he encountered with a pigeon that would, logically, make him despise of the creature too. But he went back and forth to keep the argument and viewpoints level, and, at the same time, relating to the topic, and thoroughly explaining the legitimate research done on this situation/topic.