Research & Writing

 Research & Writing 

Hello everyone

In this blog I am going to cover some questions which given by prakruti ma'am based on the Research Writing. Here we discuss several questions which normally engage students in research writing.

Q&A section 

1). In your opinion, should research always strive to achieve something new and creative or is it ok to pursue an existing direction and arrive at newer understanding of the same? In which one of these two categories would you classify the topic that you have chosen for your dissertation?

Response:

Research can follow two meaningful paths, and both contribute significantly to academic and intellectual advancement. One path involves breaking new ground—creating original ideas, inventing new theories, or producing entirely novel outcomes. The second path centers on building upon existing research and exploring familiar areas from fresh perspectives, ultimately offering renewed interpretations and enriched understanding.

My dissertation aligns more closely with the second approach. I am working on topics that already exist within the scholarly domain, but I aim to present them in a new light. For instance, I apply cyberfeminism and postc cyberfeminism to cinema and games —a combination that hasn’t been widely studied. This exploration of well-established concepts through a contemporary lens allows me to contribute to existing knowledge in a meaningful and innovative way.

2) Paraphrase of a given paragraph (from Google Classroom):

Original idea:

It is essential to consider any form of art within its historical and cultural context. Viewing artistic movements in isolation often results in a limited and shallow understanding. Although this may appear obvious, it's worth restating such basic principles—especially during times when new ideas or art forms emerge. In such moments, we may be tempted to treat our beloved artworks as self-contained, ignoring the factors that shaped them. For instance, analyzing digital literature involves examining not only its literary components but also its visual, auditory, and interactive dimensions, along with its contextual relevance. Engaging with any subject critically requires us to refer to existing theoretical frameworks and expand upon them, all while recognizing the natural limits of human understanding. The most productive approach is to learn from history, build upon what we know, and give closer attention to overlooked details.

Paraphrasing Q&A

2.1) Is the paraphrased version roughly equal in length to the original paragraph?

Answer:

Yes, the paraphrased version maintains a similar length to the original paragraph. Both versions offer the same depth of explanation and detail, just expressed through different wording.

2.2) Has any part been copied exactly from the original?

Answer:

No, none of the sentences are directly lifted from the original. The paraphrased passage rewords the concepts using alternative phrasing and structure while preserving the core message.

2.3) Does the paraphrase convey the same idea as the original text?

Answer:

Absolutely. The paraphrased version successfully communicates the same central message as the original: that artistic expressions should always be understood within their broader socio-historical and cultural contexts, and that learning from the past enhances our present understanding.

3) What is the full form of CIS? What types of search methods can be used in a CIS-enabled library system?

Answer:

CIS stands for Computerized Information System. It is a digital system used in libraries to efficiently organize, store, and retrieve data and resources. With CIS, users can access books, articles, journals, and multimedia content through a variety of search methods. Below are the different types of searches one can perform in a CIS-equipped library:

1. Keyword Search

Enter a word or phrase related to your topic. The system will display all materials containing that term.

Example: Typing "mental health" will show relevant books and articles.

2. Subject Search

Search based on specific subject categories designated by the library.

Example: Selecting "Sociology" will bring up all materials categorized under that subject.

3. Author Search

Enter the name of a writer to view all works authored by them.

Example: Typing "Virginia Woolf" lists her published works.

4. Title Search

If you know the title of the work, you can search for it directly.

Example: Searching for “To Kill a Mockingbird” leads to the exact book.

5. Boolean Search

Use operators such as AND, OR, and NOT to refine your search.

Example: "Globalization AND Media" finds items containing both terms; "Media NOT Politics" excludes results related to politics.

6. Advanced Search

Combine multiple filters like author, title, subject, and date of publication for a more targeted result.

Example: Finding books by “Arundhati Roy” published after 2000.

7. Browse Search

Manually scroll through lists of authors, titles, or subjects in alphabetical or thematic order.

8. Full-Text Search

Search within the actual content of digital texts for specific words or quotes.

Example: Looking for a particular phrase inside an e-book.

CIS transforms the traditional library into a more accessible and user-friendly digital resource center, significantly improving research efficiency.

Conclusion

Research and writing are fundamental to the process of learning and intellectual development. Whether one aims to innovate entirely new ideas or revisit existing themes with renewed curiosity, both paths enrich our understanding of the world. The paraphrasing exercise reminds us how important it is to stay true to the original meaning while expressing ideas in our own words—a key skill in academic writing. Similarly, the integration of tools like the Computerized Information System (CIS) into library services has revolutionized the way we access information. With a range of search strategies—from keyword to full-text search—CIS has made research more precise, organized, and convenient. By combining the wisdom of traditional inquiry with the advantages of modern technology, we can truly make the research process more engaging and impactful.

Thank you for reading!