Research Planning Template
Research Question:
How can we work to dissolve pre-disposed notions on gender binaries within the writing center? How does identifying outside of the gender binary or as a queer person in general affect one’s writing? How can we work as a writing center to make our space home to those who exist outside of the cisheteronormative culture?
What is my goal?
My goal is to study how differences in gender identity affect one’s writing and to make sure that people of all types of gender and queer identities can feel safe and welcomed as they enter the writing center for a session.
What method will I use and why?
I think I will use both empirical and theoretical methods of research in order to pursue my topic. Theoretical through studying more in-depth the concept of queer theory and its implications within the writing center. I will use empirical methods to most likely conduct a survey and/or series of interviews to see how gender identity is reflected within tutoring sessions. Perhaps even observing tutoring sessions to see how gender can contribute to levels of comfort and discomfort, familiarity and unfamiliarity, within the writing center sessions.
What is the best way to share this research?
I believe we will be presenting this research at Undergraduate Research Day.
What are the expectations of the venue in which I’ll share my research?
Physically, I believe Undergraduate Research Day happens in the multipurpose rooms, so I anticipate it will be loud and filled with excited energy. Being surrounded by other undergraduate students presenting research and proud professors/faculty will probably bring another element of excitement as well.
What audiences am I likely to reach in this venue?
I believe other undergraduate students, perhaps some grad students, faculty, and probably some writing center staff members as well.
How can I best present my data?
At this event, we are bringing posters. For my poster, I would, of course, make it super creative and fun to look at. I believe I would incorporate different definitions and explanations of gender identity within the writing center, and perhaps an overview of gender identity and queerness as a whole. The main focus is the research and plans for research projects in the future.
Does my planned research seem reliable?
I think my planned research seems reliable. It feels like a pretty straight-forward project, involving only a little anonymous survey and probably anonymous interview as empirical research gathering.
Does my planned research seem valid?
Yes! Gender identity and queerness within the writing center is something that hasn’t been researched as much as it deserves!
