This semester, we have been introduced to a variety of writing styles that are often relevant to science and research. We have explored their benefits, the audience targeted, and the style and structure of each genre. We began with informative reviews which are designed to break down information to a level that can be understood by the target secondary audience. The informative paper provides a summary of the research paper and its findings. The review uses language that is more suited to the target audience and uses less jargon than generally would only be understood by the primary audience, that is the scientific community. These papers are structured in a simple format with an introduction, discussion on the topic, and conclusion. An example of an informative essay would be the New York Times article titled “People who are the most extremely opposed to genetically modified organisms tend to know the least about them, a new study found”.
Secondly, we explored position papers. Position papers are designed to sway the reader’s opinion on a topic in the direction that the offer desires. The paper is aimed towards communities, boards, or theoretically, anybody that would need to be convinced of an idea. The introduction summarizes the sides of the debate topic while also stating the side that the author is taking. The author then goes on to discuss the evidence that supports their position. The author may also use concessions that would agree with one or two points of the opposing view while still supporting their position. An example of a position paper would be Cornell University’s “Methane and the greenhouse-gas footprint of natural gas from shale formations”.
Finally, we reviewed research proposals which are a necessary aspect for anyone choosing to work in the research field. Proposals are meant to share the ideas for research that an author has while attempting to seek backing and support (financial or otherwise) for their research. The proposal sees the formation of the hypothesis, design, and methodology of the research. The author will also use this as an opportunity to convince their audience of the importance of their research. These proposals are generally targeted to review boards that approve and deny research, as well as the donors that provide funding. The proposal is comprised of an introduction section that introduces the topic, the background section that includes previous research conducted in the area while identifying niches that remain unexplored. The methods section provides a description, analysis of the topic while synthesizing the justification for the hypothesis. Finally, the outcome section will describe the expected outcome of the paper, while exploring the benefits of conducting the research.
When communicating with communities, it is important to remember and understand that not all communities are native English speakers. Furthermore, not all English speakers share the same dialect and enunciation. The English language, and by extension all languages, have slight variations from community to community that are evident in both written and oral work. Therefore, when presentations are being made, it is necessary to consider the language and linguistics of the target community. The most informative oral presentation on a topic that greatly affects a community, is useless if the community is unable to understand the information being presented due to language barriers. Authors should always consider the language, and dialect, used by their audience. An author may decide to provide the information in multiple languages and through different formats. The author may decide to create multilingual flyers, radio presentations, television advertisements, all designed to ensure the greatest successful outreach towards the target community.
Specifically, to the idea of flyers, during the class, we were afforded the opportunity to create a flyer targeting a specific audience. We then created voiceover presentations for these flyers which encouraged us to use our native language or dialect. By doing this, I feel that we were able to demonstrate the variety of audiences that would be encountered in the event that we were actually to work in outreach. The voice-over, while it required several takes was an enjoyable exercise. Even considering the multitude of options available really forced considerations that would be necessary when targeting several communities.
Science writers should always consider language differences because of the multitude of cultures around the world. Even in situations where the target audience is specific to one culture, the writers should always consider future research opportunities, as well as entertain the idea that at some point, their research may be used as the basis for other research that is focused on different cultures. The writers should also consider structural racism and aim to not harm or endanger any one community through their research. Writers should be aware of the effects of institutionalized racism, as well as methods by which these could be avoided. This may simply be by expanding their research to include a more diverse sample for example. In the paper I wrote, I drew upon examples of structural and institutional racism in the past while using this to avoid steps that should be taken to ensure that there is not a repeat of these events.
When reading sponsor-funded research, one should always be cognizant of the sponsors to the research. Often, researchers may take a tone in their research that will seek to ensure that the sponsor is not diminished or affected by the outcome of the paper, if not outrightly uplift the position of the sponsor. It is important to review opposing sides as they may provide facts and evidence that may have been omitted by the original papers reviewed. These strategies allow for a better understanding of review in which pros and cons could be analyzed, in a way that would allow for choosing a pair of alternative energy sources that complement one another. In so doing, the sources would support the downsides of their companion to increase overall efficiency.
While deciding on a niche to be utilized for research proposals, I had to consider the existing research and review them in a manner that allowed me to see any gaps in the information provided. I reviewed the research articles and asked myself if there were any questions left unanswered and was able to use this to create a hypothesis within my own niche. I mostly relied on google scholar as a large database containing a plethora of articles. I was able to use this to review the abstracts and determine what articles were of relevance to me. Once I found a relevant article, I would attempt to access it through google scholar. If the article was not available for free, I would then attempt to use the CCNY library database to access the article at no cost. The search continued until enough articles had been found. The peer reviews also aided in providing perspective towards the niche and the additional steps taken to build the proposal.
While developing my informative review, I had to consider the needs of the target audience. I then had to consider the level of comprehension, language, and dialect of the audience. This provided direction for the review. When considering the inclusion of structural racism, I considered wrongs done towards earlier generations of that community that would justify their hesitancies. In so doing, I was able to address the audience directly and provide them with reassurance and thereby making them more receptive to the information being presented.
The sustainability plan provided an interesting assignment. Again, I had to consider the needs of the community, as well as what is important to them. I did so in a manner to ensure that the community will gain the benefits of a sustainable system without having to give up too much in concession. The language used for the community outreach was one easily understood by the community and the design was one that would stand out and catch someone’s attention to spread information. Being encouraged to use my native language was very interesting although I was wary of whether the message would be appropriately received as far as obtaining a fair mark was concerned.
The research proposal presentation was approached as a sales pitch. My strategy was to sell the idea to the audience. The narrative and information were designed in a manner that made the audience want to support the research goals. Although it was not evident in this presentation, oral presentations allow for an opportunity of question-answer, which would allow for a more personable interaction that would be lost in the essay.
After having taken this course, I am still of the opinion that being articulate does not immediately indicate intelligence. While I now understand that focusing on English as the main language of research is a form of oppression towards other cultures, I am still of the opinion that a universal language for scientific research is important.
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