Research as an Unending Conversation: A Paradigm Shift in the Academic Research Process
Burke’s "Unending Conversation" Metaphor; Connecting Projects
When dealing with academic research, it helps to approach “research” as a large, continual discussion for which we are present only in part. Thinking this way allows us, as readers and researchers, to see there is no end to the conversation, no finish line; no matter how much research we do, or the lengths to which we explore our topics, there will always be more to learn about the topic. In this way, knowledge constantly evolves.
The work you began in Project 1 and continue in Project 2 contributes to the larger discussion and context surrounding your research topic.
Reading
In 1939, Kenneth Burke created the “Unending Conversation” metaphor about entering a parlor. It goes:
"Imagine that you enter a parlor. You come late. When you arrive, others have long preceded you, and they are engaged in a heated discussion, a discussion too heated for them to pause and tell you exactly what it is about. In fact, the discussion had already begun long before any of them got there, so that no one present is qualified to retrace for you all the steps that had gone before. You listen for a while, until you decide that you have caught the tenor of the argument; then you put in your oar. Someone answers; you answer him; another comes to your defense; another aligns himself against you, to either the embarrassment or gratification of your opponent, depending upon the quality of your ally's assistance. However, the discussion is interminable. The hour grows late, you must depart. And you do depart, with the discussion still vigorously in progress."
In-Class Reading: Research as a conversation: Burke's Parlor Tricks: Introducing Research as Conversation | Library Babel Fish https://www.insidehighered.com/blogs/library-babel-fish/burkes-parlor-tricks-introducing-research-conversation
Once you're done reading, engage in the group discussion concerning the connections you see between the parlor metaphor and the projects (P1 & P2) you've been asked to do. Project 1 can largely be seen as the conversation you listen to upon arriving in the parlor, and Project 2 is when you begin contributing to the conversation in progress.
Seeing research in terms of an unending conversation can help you realize that your project will not be the definitive end of a conversation or topic. Rather, Project 1 introduces you to a research topic and familiarizes you with the tenor of discourse in college-level academic writing. Once Project 1 has been completed, your time “listening” in the parlor ends. Then, as you begin working on Project 2, this is where you begin contributing to the current discourse in and around the topic. Ask yourself, how did the “listening” you did in Project 1 help prepare you to “enter the conversation” about your topic in Project 2?
Assignment
Respond to the following questions -- around 250 words or less.
• What connections did you draw from both the readings and class discussion about the potential connection (or lack thereof) between Burke's metaphor and your research process?
• Did you gain any insight about research, the research process, or the evolution of ideas? Explain
• What was one quote, either from the reading or a classmate's post to the discussion, that stood out to you and why?
• How do you interpret this statement in the context of Project 2: "research is an iterative process."
Research as an Unending Conversation: A Paradigm Shift in the Academic Research Process
Introduction
In the realm of academic research, it is crucial to adopt a mindset that perceives research as an ongoing conversation rather than a finite endeavor. This paradigm shift, inspired by Kenneth Burke’s “Unending Conversation” metaphor, encourages students to view their research projects as contributing to a larger discourse surrounding their chosen topic. By embracing this perspective, students can gain valuable insights into the nature of knowledge, the research process, and the evolution of ideas.
The Parlor Metaphor and Research Projects
Burke’s parlor metaphor paints a vivid picture of entering a heated discussion in progress, where participants are deeply engaged but lack the ability to provide a comprehensive overview of the conversation. Similarly, when students embark on research projects, they are stepping into an ongoing dialogue within their field of study. Project 1 can be seen as the initial stage of listening and familiarizing oneself with the tenor of the discourse. It serves as an opportunity to gain a foundational understanding of the topic and acquaint oneself with existing research.
Project 2, on the other hand, marks the transition from a passive listener to an active contributor in the conversation. Building upon the knowledge acquired in Project 1, students begin to engage with the existing discourse and add their unique perspectives and insights. This shift from observer to participant demonstrates the iterative nature of research, where new ideas and arguments emerge through the continuous exchange of information.
Insights Gained from the Unending Conversation Perspective
Adopting the perspective of research as an unending conversation offers valuable insights into the research process and the evolution of ideas.
The Relativity of Knowledge: Viewing research as a conversation highlights the relativity of knowledge. Just as participants in a parlor discussion bring their own biases and perspectives, researchers contribute their interpretations and findings to the ongoing dialogue. This realization emphasizes that no single project can provide a definitive conclusion but rather contributes to the ever-growing body of knowledge.
The Continuous Evolution of Ideas: Recognizing research as an unending conversation underscores that ideas are not static but rather continuously evolve over time. Researchers build upon previous work, challenge existing paradigms, and introduce new perspectives, leading to a dynamic and ever-evolving discourse within their field.
The Iterative Nature of Research: Research is an iterative process, wherein each project builds upon previous work while informing future investigations. As students progress through different research projects, they refine their methodologies, deepen their understanding of their topic, and contribute to the ongoing conversation with increasing expertise.
Standout Quote: “The discussion is interminable.”
One quote that resonated with me from the reading was Burke’s statement, “The discussion is interminable.” This phrase encapsulates the essence of viewing research as an ongoing conversation. It reminds us that no matter how much research we do or how many projects we complete, there will always be more to learn, discover, and contribute to the conversation. Rather than being discouraged by this vastness of knowledge, it should inspire us to embrace lifelong learning and continuously engage in scholarly discussions.
Research as an Iterative Process in Project 2
In the context of Project 2, “research is an iterative process” implies that it involves multiple cycles of exploration, analysis, and refinement. Students are expected to build upon their findings from Project 1 and delve deeper into their chosen topic. Through each iteration, students refine their research questions, gather additional evidence, and revise their arguments based on new insights gained from engaging with the ongoing conversation.
By acknowledging research as an iterative process in Project 2, students are encouraged to approach their work with an open mind and a willingness to adapt their ideas as they encounter new information. This iterative approach fosters intellectual growth and allows for a more nuanced understanding of one’s research topic.
Conclusion
Embracing the concept of research as an unending conversation provides a transformative perspective on academic inquiry. By perceiving research projects as contributions to a larger discourse, students can gain valuable insights into the nature of knowledge, recognize the continuous evolution of ideas, and understand how research is an iterative process. This paradigm shift empowers students to engage more deeply with their research topics and contribute meaningfully to scholarly conversations that extend beyond the confines of a single project. So let us enter the parlor armed with curiosity and a passion for learning, ready to join in the unending conversation that defines academic research.