Source Analysis #4
Faculty & Students Disrupt Traditional Research Methods
Expectations:
This course will have regular source discussions throughout the semester. You will be asked to review/read texts, films, maps, websites, or objects. You will analyze these sources to produce reasonable interpretations. You will submit a copy of each SA to me by email on the date that it is due, but I also encourage you to create a digital copy of this analysis as a record for your ePortfolio. Also, I will assign between 2-3 of you to co-lead a discussion about the SA. For students to get credit for the source analysis sheets as a part of their ePortfolio, they must be in class for the discussion.
Source Summary:
For each source that you are assigned, please provide a one-paragraph summary of between 3-5 sentences. Remember, a summary is a brief overview of what the source is about—the main point or idea of the source. If I have assigned two sources to you, you may summarize each source separately. Or else, if you recognize a connection between the two sources, you can incorporate your summary into a single, slightly longer, paragraph.
The article delves into an innovative approach to research within the School of Education. Coined as “CritQuant,” this methodology represents a fusion of critical theory and quantitative research methods. Led by faculty and embraced by students, CritQuant challenges the conventional boundaries of educational research by integrating critical perspectives with quantitative data analysis. This approach seeks to address systemic inequalities and power dynamics within educational systems, aiming for more inclusive and equitable outcomes. By disrupting traditional research paradigms, CritQuant opens up new avenues for understanding complex educational phenomena and advocating for transformative change. Through collaboration and interdisciplinary engagement, faculty and students are driving forward this movement toward more socially just research practices within the field of education.
Critical Analysis:
Here are some questions/thoughts to help you think analytically. They are prompts for analytical thinking, so the idea is to respond to what occurs to you as most interesting, given your own perspective and knowledge. You do not need to address all of these prompts, but I expect you to include some coverage of at least 3 of these in your SA.
What is the creator’s main claim, thesis, or argument?
The main claim or thesis of the creator is that CritQuant represents a significant departure from traditional research methods, offering a more comprehensive and socially just approach to understanding educational phenomena. The creator seeks to prove that by combining critical theory with quantitative research techniques, researchers can better address systemic inequalities and power dynamics within education.
Is the creator trying to prove anything?
Why was the source created?
What was the purpose of the source?
Who was the audience for the source?
The primary audience for the source is likely faculty, researchers, and graduate students within the education, as well as individuals interested in innovative approaches to educational research.
What does this source teach us?
How does the source help us understand something about our problem?
In the context of the problem of the lack of diversity and African American knowledge in the Missouri Botanical Gardens, this source provides insight into alternative research methodologies that could potentially be applied to address similar issues within educational settings. It encourages a critical examination of existing practices and the adoption of more inclusive approaches.
When was the source created and what did it mean to the people during that time?
Consider the creator and what perspective/bias that might bring to the article.
Consider what in the source doesn’t fit or might surprise you.
Does the source remind you of anything?
Why is this source important to us?
Bibliography of Your Source(s):
You should now be in the practice of including a full bibliography of each source for your SA’s. This should appear at the end of your SA. You should make use of a standard bibliographic formatting convention (for example, MLA, APA, etc.). I recommend you use ZoteroBib (www.zbib.org) for this!
Walls, Martin. “CritQuant: School of Education Faculty and Students Join a Movement to Disrupt Traditional Research Methods.” SU News, 6 Dec. 2023, https://news.syr.edu/blog/2023/12/06/critquant-school-of-education-faculty-and-students-join-a-movement-to-disrupt-traditional-research-methods/.
Adapted from Lab Worksheet created by Prof. Spencer, Dr. Jill Anderson, and Dr. Kristine Hildebrandt
Source Analysis Template
Expectations:
This course will have regular source discussions throughout the semester. You will be asked to review/read texts, films, maps, websites, or objects. You will analyze these sources to produce reasonable interpretations. You will submit a copy of each SA to me by email on the date that it is due, but I also encourage you to create a digital copy of this analysis as a record for your ePortfolio. Also, I will assign between 2-3 of you to co-lead a discussion about the SA. For students to get credit for the source analysis sheets as a part of their ePortfolio, they must be in class for the discussion.
Source Summary:
For each source that you are assigned, please provide a one-paragraph summary of between 3-5 sentences. Remember, a summary is a brief overview of what the source is about—the main point or idea of the source. If I have assigned two sources to you, you may summarize each source separately. Or else, if you recognize a connection between the two sources, you can incorporate your summary into a single, slightly longer, paragraph.
The interview “Plants as Liberation: Richard Smith” explores the intersection of plant-based living and social justice. Richard Smith, a prominent advocate for veganism and animal rights, discusses how adopting a plant-based lifestyle not only benefits individual health but also aligns with broader movements for social and environmental justice. Smith emphasizes the interconnectedness of issues such as food justice, climate change, and animal welfare, arguing that transitioning to plant-based diets can contribute to a more equitable and sustainable world. He highlights the importance of education and advocacy in promoting plant-based living as a means of liberation for both humans and animals. Overall, the interview underscores the transformative potential of plant-based living in addressing systemic injustices and creating a more compassionate society.
Critical Analysis:
Here are some questions/thoughts to help you think analytically. They are prompts for analytical thinking, so the idea is to respond to what occurs to you as most interesting, given your own perspective and knowledge. You do not need to address all of these prompts, but I expect you to include some coverage of at least 3 of these in your SA.
What is the creator’s main claim, thesis, or argument?
The main claim of the interview is that adopting a plant-based lifestyle can serve as a means of liberation for both individuals and society as a whole, addressing issues of social justice, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare.
Is the creator trying to prove anything?
Why was the source created?
What was the purpose of the source?
Who was the audience for the source?
The audience for the source includes individuals interested in environmental sustainability, social justice, and public health.
What does this source teach us?
The source teaches us about the interconnectedness of various social justice issues and how dietary choices can have broader societal impacts. It also highlights the importance of education and advocacy in promoting plant-based living.
How does the source help us understand something about our problem?
When was the source created and what did it mean to the people during that time?
Consider the creator and what perspective/bias that might bring to the article.
Consider what in the source doesn’t fit or might surprise you.
Does the source remind you of anything?
Why is this source important to us?
Bibliography of Your Source(s):
You should now be in the practice of including a full bibliography of each source for your SA’s. This should appear at the end of your SA. You should make use of a standard bibliographic formatting convention (for example, MLA, APA, etc.). I recommend you use ZoteroBib (www.zbib.org) for this!
Plants as Liberation: Richard Smith. www.youtube.com, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwEAp4t4EX8. Accessed 20 Mar. 2024.
Adapted from Lab Worksheet created by Prof. Spencer, Dr. Jill Anderson, and Dr. Kristine Hildebrandt