Methods of Inquiry – Blog #2
Hi all,
Thanks to everyone who has posted about my blog thus far and for your feedback and encouragement! I truly appreciate it!
I have been spending a lot of time recently getting all the articles I can find related to cervical auscultation and the diagnoses of dysphagia. I am finding an interesting trend – there has yet to be an article that identifies a specific training protocol for learning cervical auscultation. Perhaps this is because it has yet to be proven as a useful diagnostic tool?
Recently, I had to opportunity to discuss my research topic idea with one of my former graduate school professors. He was great at playing “devil’s advocate” and pointing out how I need to focus and narrow my topic. I did not realize how broad my initial idea was until we started discussing all the variables associated with my topic. I think I will need to pick a one or two variables associated with cervical auscultation and find a way to either quantify or qualify those variables. Most of all, I want my research to be relevant and useful.
In our Methods of Inquiry class we are asked for our next assignment to construct a literature map and review. I am having some difficulty identifying my theoretical perspective but hopefully I will have an “ah-ha!” moment soon after I review more of the literature. To be continued…!
Great Gina! It is always nice when you can bounce your ideas off an old professor or friend that is knowledgeable in the area!! I know that Dr Lowe is working on getting all of you assigned Dissertation Chairs so hopefully you will also have your chair to bounce ideas off of soon. I agree that narrowing your focus to a couple variables is a great idea; keep in mind that you can also used mixed methodologies (combining both quant and qual data). Good luck!!
ReplyDeleteGina, I've found that past professors especially ones you've worked with a lot or did your thesis under are invaluable for bumping ideas off of. You are lucky to still have them available, a lot of mine have retired and moved on with their lives. :)
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