Phase B—Background information

Goal

"I know what others have done before, either in the form of writing or action, that informs and connects with my project, and I know what others are doing now."

Background

Once you have an initial formulation of your proposed project (Phase A), you can start to find out what others have done that informs and connects with that project. This research can influence your project in several ways: You can build on what others have written and done; You can make connections with others in your area and cultivate them as supporters of your work; You refine your project formulation after noticing what grabs you and what turns you off about what others have written and done; and You expand your view of what your project entails.

Processes

Background research in the library, on the internet, and by phone to find out what others have written and done that informs your evolving project and who is doing what now. This research includes:
Allowing for interplay among the 5 Fs,
Locating a Key Article,
Connecting with initial guide to guide your inquiries in their early unformed stage,
Digesting and annotating readings and conversations to clarify how they connect with your project.

FiveFs|5 Fs: All through your background research allow for a continuing interplay among the 5 Fs: Find, Focus, Filter, Face Fears, File.

In session 2

• Learn or refresh bibliographic searching skills.
• Use databases to locate articles or sections in books that provide what you need to move forward in your research. In order to identify the range of publications relevant to your project now—rather than when it is too late in the project to be useful—look especially for a Key Article that provides you with a rich set of references to follow up on (and thus move you towards meeting the goal of Phase B).

After session 2

• Establish off-site connection to the University or local library.
• Establish your on-paper and on-computer Research Organization, including your bibliographic and note-taking systems, your workbook, organization of research materials and any other handouts.
• Continue background library, internet, and phone research to find out what others have written and done that informs your evolving project and who is doing what now.
• Actively digest what you read (using the Five F's, annotating your bibiliography or, sometimes, spelling out a Sense-making response). Digestion is essential because, if your project is to progress, you have to sort out which of the many articles that you locate provide information that you need.
• Work on both "creative" and "critical" aspects—opening up your topic to more and more considerations, and seeking order and priority in the overabundance of material produced by the creative aspect. As Elbow (1981, p. 8-12) recommends, alternate these aspects, so as not to let one stifle the other, as you define and refine a manageable project.
• Do not give up on finding written material on your topic. Even if what you are doing turns out to be unique, searching for the work of others will clarify the ways in which your topic is unique. (It is a common trap to say you have tried and failed to find something when, actually you are protecting yourself from unarticulated fears and self-doubts by not trying very hard, making time, asking for help, following leads... It is better to face your demons now rather than have them limit what you can do.)
• Identify an initial guide to guide your inquiries in their early unformed stage. Arrange to talk with that person.

By session 3
For an article or section in a book you have found, submit a sense-making response to show how it affirms and extends your thinking about your proposed research.

By session 4
Have the following assignments ready for your advisor and peers to hear about or read: Initial guide, Key article, and initial version of your Annotated bibliography.

Follow-up

By session 4 the materials that you have located and digested may have led to a number of revisions of your Governing Question. You may also be overwhelmed by how much you are finding out, in which case you are ready to clarify direction through the activities of Phase C. At the same time, you cannot expect to meet the goal of Phase B without also continuing to locate and digest what others have written and done.

Reference

Elbow, P. (1981). Writing with Power. New York: Oxford University Press.

All Phases | Next: Phase C--Possible directions and priorities