Proposal: Reaserch Tutorial for the AA

[Halfdan]

So I just now thought of this:

I was looking through the forums at various questions people ask, and I thought, "Geez, don't you know how to look that up?"

Then I had a little epiphany about myself; I'm a graduate student who is not too far from getting his MA in English Literature. Of course I know how to look things up better than someone who does not have the ability/inclination to go through the years of training in research and extrapolation that I have been priveliged to experience!

So I'm thinking that maybe a few of us who have been fortunate enough to have experience doing this sort of thing could put together a tutorial on how conduct a research project. I could do a section on medieval literature; I know there are several high-caliber historians who frequent this sight as well. who could contribute a lot.

My eventual goal would be to have an article on how to research posted somewhere here on the Archive for anyone to use.

(Note: I'm in no way implying that someone who does not have a college education is necessarily unenlightend, unintelligent, or unmotivated! I'm just trying to share the benefit of years of experience doing this sort of thing. )

[knitebee]

Sounds like a great idea. I know it would be helpfull at times. Though I mayself cheat since I have a freind that is allmost done with her degree in library sciences who picks up all the class she can on medieval history.

Brian

[Mord]

Sounds like a great idea. I know it would be helpfull at times. Though I mayself cheat since I have a freind that is allmost done with her degree in library sciences who picks up all the class she can on medieval history.

Brian

Been there; done that; have both.

Sigh...I have been trying to formulate an answer.

This is not a simple idea. One of the things medievalists in and out of the profession argue about is the method of research. Qualitative? Quantitative? What school of thought? What academic discipline?

In my opinion, research is dependant on what you are trying to examine or what your trying to do. I could probably find information on Viking Ship building and even prepare a bibliography. I could also ask Capt. Atli what he thinks. The question is, which is more useful?

There is no one method; there is a method that fits the question asked. You don't look in the MLA bibliography for articles on the Bayeux Tapestry, but you might look in the Art Index. Conversely, you won't look in the Art Index for articles on Beowulf, but you would certainly look in the MLA bibliography. On the other, other hand (I'm beginning to feel like Hindu Goddess Shiva or Vishnu) you might want to look anyway. On still the fourth hand, you might want to junk to whole idea of looking at an index in the first place, and simply patiently browse the shelves (or the webpages) of a universities library--this is not only pleasant, but occasionally surprising.

Still, yet, you might want to do all of this...in fact, I've found that is the best way. Really.

In the end, all you really need is patience and the ability to write what you've seen down. I use note-cards. I use note books. I read a lot.

Mord.