Beginning Your Research Project

Analysis: Part I

An analysis is an argument in which you study the parts of something to understand how it works, what it means and why it might be significant.

What is an analysis?

A principle or definition on which an object, an event or a behavior can be divided into parts and examined.

To Write an analysis you need an analytical tool

The Writer’s choice of analytical tool creates and limits the possibilities for analysis

How could you limit an analysis of the following work of art?

Lab reportsResearch papersProcess analysisLiterary analysisExamsGrant proposalsReviews of the artsBusiness plansMedical chartsLegal briefsCase studies

Where do we find written analyses?

Difficulty is convincing the reader that you have something worth reading

The analytical tool being used is legitimate and well matched to the object being studied

The analytical tool is being used systematically to divide the object into parts and to make a coherent, meaningful statement about those parts and object as a whole.

Convince your readers the following:

Locate where Winn defines key elements of addiction

Locate where she uses each element as an analytical lens to examine television viewing as a form of addiction.

What function does paragraph four play in the analysis?

In the first two paragraphs, how does Winn create a funnel-like effect that draws the readers into the heart of her analysis?

Complete Exercise 4.1 on page 101

Formulate a thesis: an analysis is a two-part argument

Part I: Principle “X” or Definition “x” is valuable

Part I can be a theory or a definition

Part II: apply specific parts of your principle or definition to the topic at hand

Claim #2: by applying principle (or definition) “X” , we can understand (topic) as (conclusion based on analysis)

Library session begins next week, you need a topic for your research project

Brainstorm topics—submit in comment box

Develop a principle or definition to analyze your topic

Formulate a rough thesis