Becoming a Writing Researcher

by Ann M. Blakeslee, Cathy Fleischer (Contributor)

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 tools, conducting the research, and interpreting and reporting the findings. Authors Ann M. Blakeslee and Cathy Fleischer describe various qualitative methods and provide readers with examples of real-world applications. Exercises and activities, as well as anecdotes from both novice and seasoned researchers, serve to acquaint readers thoroughly with the practice of carrying out research for scholarly or professional purposes.

The textbook introduces students to research methods in a gradual and contextualized manner. Each chapter opens with a discussion of general issues regarding a particular portion of the research process, followed by a consideration of the various physical, conceptual, and strategic tools that allow a beginning researcher to conduct that part of the process. Sections within each chapter also Becoming a Writing Researcher is an essential text for all novice researchers, and is well suited for use in graduate-level research methods courses in composition and technical communication. It is also ideal for use in other disciplines with strong qualitative methodology research programs, including education.

244 pages, Paperback

First published March 28, 2007

Reviews

[Michelle Lewallen]

Extremely helpful

This book helped me negotiate my methods of research class after being out of the academic research game for about 20 years. It is relevant, and the real-world examples help it all make sense.

[Jonathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have loved this book when I was an undergrad and didn't know how to do research. I think it is a good text for teaching new researchers how it's done- to a point. The writers want the prospective student to write about how they feel about research nearly after every paragraph. They do have helpful insights, but they are overshadowed by the Dr. Phil delivery of the text.