ABSTRACT

Becoming a Writing Researcher effectively guides students through the stages of conducting qualitative writing research, from the initial step of seeing themselves as researchers, to identifying research questions, selecting appropriate methodological tools, conducting the research, and interpreting and reporting findings. Exercises and activities, as well as anecdotes and examples from both novice and seasoned researchers, serve to acquaint readers thoroughly with the practice of carrying out research for scholarly or professional purposes.

This second edition introduces students to research methods in a gradual and contextualized manner. Each chapter offers a discussion of a particular portion of the research process, followed by consideration of physical, conceptual, and strategic tools that allow a master’s level researcher to conduct that part of the research. Sections within each chapter also cover issues of stance and positionality that impact the researcher and the resulting research.

Becoming a Writing Researcher, second edition, is an essential text for all novice researchers and is particularly well suited for use in graduate-level research methods courses in writing studies and technical communications. It is also ideal for use in other disciplines with strong qualitative methodology research programs, including education.

chapter 1|16 pages

Me, a Writing Researcher?

chapter 2|36 pages

What's Your Question?

chapter 3|44 pages

How Do I Find Answers?

Planning Your Qualitative Research Study

chapter 4|34 pages

How Do I Find Answers? Carrying Out Your Qualitative Research Study

Part I—Reading, Observing, and Analyzing Artifacts

chapter 5|43 pages

How Do I Find Answers? Carrying Out Your Qualitatives Research Study

Part II—Using Surveys/Questionnaires and Conducting Interviews

chapter 6|30 pages

What Do I Do with the Information I Collect?

Analyzing Data

chapter 7|30 pages

How Do I Present My Research?

Writing and Disseminating Your Findings