Research and Methodlogy: Inscription as a liberating practice

      Dr. Dana Williams presented on Research and Methodology: inscription as a Liberating practice. She began the presentation first by discussing how we as students should seek knowledge and how free we can be intellectually by performing research. Then Dr. Williams went on to discuss the ways in which the basic components of research  are performed. First state the problem/challenge by consideration. Consider the purpose of your research by asking if yourself if you're planning to inquire, advance knowledge, or solve a problem. Consider the reasonableness of your research by asking if it requires special types of skills or if it is specific enough. The second basic component that was touched on was  the current state of research. In this state of research one is to ask what has already been stated about the current subject, if the information will reveal new knowledge, and what information is needed to complete the research. The third component of research was the Methodology, in which one is to conduct research by conceptualizing a research design, determining a method of data collection, and considering which disciplinary approach should inform the research. The Framework was the fourth basic component that was described as the structure and the way in which data was displayed from the research. The stucture may be expository, informational, or persuasive. Data may be displayed by power point, handouts, charts, graphs, videos, and depending on the audience that the information is being presented to. The fifth component of research was the thesis- how it is articulated, details are provided, and the structure of the thesis. The last component of research was the conclusion- what new insights were available after the research had been conducted and what future study should the study undertake.