Saturday, 21 December 2024

Research and Writing | ThAct

Hello, this thinking activity is based on the first unit of Research Methodology, titled 'Research and Writing.' This activity has been assigned by our mentor, Prakruti Ma'am.

Q) In your opinion, should research always strive to achieve something new and creative or is it ok to pursue an existing direction and arrive at newer understanding of the same? In which one of these two categories would you classify the topic that you have chosen for your dissertation?

In my opinion, research does not always have to be necessarily about groundbreaking inventions. One can also pursue research on existing theories and fields, arriving at new conclusions that provide a deeper understanding of the subject. Even within the same research field, two individuals may arrive at different findings, both of which can be valid and acceptable.

My chosen topic, 'Hyperreal Narrative in Postmodern Hollywood,' has been explored by many scholars in recent years. However, I believe that through this study, I can contribute a fresh perspective to the existing body of knowledge on postmodern narrative and hyperreality.



Ask a chatbot of your choice to paraphrase the following passage. Check the paraphrase it gives you by answering the questions attached below the paragraph:


"There is little to be gained from seeking to isolate any artistic form or movement from its antecedents and counterparts. Myopia is the product of critical segregation, wherein readers disengage practices from those contexts that have forged their contours. This might seem obvious, but there is value in rearticulating the axiomatic in times of transformation--when something "new" emerges, many of us fall into the trap of isolating our darlings, whether old or young, from all those other contexts that play a significant role in their construction. How does one look at electronic literature without considering the literary, the ludic, that which we can see, touch, and hear---how does one look critically at anything without such frames of reference, and how do we overcome natural limitations in capacity when attempting to do so? The best we can do is look to those who have gone before, build upon their foundation, and indeed, emphasize those aspects of an exploration we deem worthy of greater emphasis." (Sullivan)


Paraphrased Passage 

'It is unwise to isolate any artistic form or movement from its historical influences and related fields. Critical segregation, which disconnects artistic practices from the contexts that shape them, leads to a narrow perspective. While this idea may seem self-evident, it is worth reiterating during periods of transformation. When something "new" emerges, we often make the mistake of separating it from the broader influences that contribute to its development. For instance, how can one analyze electronic literature without considering its connections to traditional literary forms, games, and sensory experiences? Similarly, how can we approach anything critically without acknowledging these contextual frames, and how can we address the natural challenges of doing so? The most effective approach is to learn from the past, build on its foundations, and highlight the elements we find most significant for further exploration.' (Sullivan)


1) Is the paraphrase approximately the same length as the original passage?

The paraphrased version is roughly the same length as the original passage.

2) Has any part of the passage been copied word for word?

No, not any part of the passage is been copied word for word.

3) Does the paraphrase have the same meaning as the passage?

Yes, the paraphrased version has the similar meaning as the original paragraph. The major difference is that, the paraphrased passage gives more clearer and lucid understanding than the original one. 


Q) What is the full form of CIS? Discuss some of the types of searches which can be employed to search for sources in a library equipped with CIS.


CIS is stands for Central Information System. Finding appropriate resources is the most important stage of conducting any research, and digital libraries are the most important tool for it. There are multiple ways of finding articles, journals and materials through these kind of libraries. 


Here are some examples,

  • Firstly, we can find the resources via using the keywords, phrases, and author's name in search bar.
  • Secondly, the library provides a catalog of books, periodicals, electronic sources, and audiovisual materials. It also provides information on whether the books have the latest editions.

  • Thirdly, it also gives the bibliographic information.
  • Lastly, one can search using the Boolean method, which operates on the principle of "This and Not That." For example, if you are looking for the specific work "Hamlet" by Shakespeare, your search prompt could be "Hamlet AND NOT Othello."

Thank you...

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