Research and Writing | ThAct

Hello, this thinking activity is based on the first unit of Research Methodology, titled 'Research and Writing.' This activity has been assigned by our mentor, Prakruti Ma'am.



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?


Research doesn’t always have to create something completely new. Sometimes, taking an existing idea and looking at it from a fresh angle can be just as important. By studying something already known, we can uncover new insights, see things in a different light, and add depth to what’s already there. After all, every discovery builds on what came before it.

My dissertation topic, "Animal Narratives in Indian Myths and Contemporary Literature," fits into this approach. Animals have always been an important part of Indian myths, often carrying deep meanings or teaching us lessons. But by comparing these old stories with how animals are shown in modern literature, I want to explore how these ideas have changed over time and what they say about our relationship with animals today.

This kind of research doesn’t need to invent something brand new—it’s about making connections between the old and the new. By doing this, I hope to bring out fresh ideas and show how these narratives are still relevant in our world. It’s not about changing the direction of research entirely, but about looking deeper into it and finding new layers of meaning.

Ask a chatbot of your choice to paraphrase the following passage. Check the paraphrase it gives you by answering the questions attached below the paragraph:

"There is little to be gained from seeking to isolate any artistic form or movement from its antecedents and counterparts. Myopia is the product of critical segregation, wherein readers disengage practices from those contexts that have forged their contours. This might seem obvious, but there is value in rearticulating the axiomatic in times of transformation--when something "new" emerges, many of us fall into the trap of isolating our darlings, whether old or young, from all those other contexts that play a significant role in their construction. How does one look at electronic literature without considering the literary, the ludic, that which we can see, touch, and hear---how does one look critically at anything without such frames of reference, and how do we overcome natural limitations in capacity when attempting to do so? The best we can do is look to those who have gone before, build upon their foundation, and indeed, emphasize those aspects of an exploration we deem worthy of greater emphasis." (Sullivan)

Paraphrased Passage:

It is unwise to view any artistic style or movement in isolation from its origins or connections. Separating artistic practices from their broader contexts leads to a narrow perspective. While this might seem evident, restating such principles becomes crucial during periods of change especially when something "new" emerges. During such times, many of us tend to focus exclusively on certain works or movements, ignoring the broader influences that shape them. For example, examining electronic literature requires acknowledging its connections to literature, games, and sensory experiences like visuals and sounds. A critical perspective on any subject must incorporate these broader contexts, even if our ability to do so is limited. Ultimately, the most effective approach is to learn from past efforts, build on established foundations, and highlight the aspects we consider most important in our analyses.



1. Is the paraphrase approximately the same length as the original passage?
 
Yes, the paraphrase is roughly the same length as the original. While some phrases are simplified, the overall content and detail are retained, leading to a comparable word count.


2. Has any part of the passage been copied word for word?
 
No, the paraphrase does not copy any part of the passage word for word. All ideas are rephrased with different sentence structures and vocabulary.


3. Does the paraphrase have the same meaning as the passage?
 
Yes, the paraphrase conveys the same meaning as the original. It retains the central ideas about the importance of contextualizing artistic movements, avoiding critical isolation, and building on established foundations, even though it uses simpler language in some instances.

What is the full form of CIS? Discuss some of the types of searches which can be employed to search for sources in a library equipped with CIS.


CIS stands for Computerized Information System. It refers to the use of computer systems to organize, store, and retrieve information efficiently. In a library context, CIS often encompasses digital catalog systems, databases, and other tools that facilitate easy access to library resources.

Types of Searches in a Library with CIS


Keyword Search
  • Users input specific words or phrases related to their topic of interest.
  • This type of search scans titles, abstracts, and metadata for matches.
  • Example: Searching "Poststructuralism in literature" retrieves materials tagged with these terms.


Author Search
  • Focuses on works by a particular author.
  • Example: Searching for "Salman Rushdie" lists all his works available in the library system.


Title Search
  • Locates items by their exact title or partial title.
  • Example: Inputting "Midnight's Children" will direct users to the book by Salman Rushdie.

Subject Search
  • Allows users to explore materials categorized under a specific subject or topic.
  • Example: Selecting "Deconstruction" as a subject reveals related books, articles, and essays.


Advanced Search
  • Combines multiple criteria such as keywords, authors, publication dates, or formats.
  • Example: Searching for articles on "Digital Humanities" published after 2020 by a specific author.


Boolean Search
  • Employs operators like AND, OR, NOT, and parentheses to refine searches.
  • Example: "Poststructuralism AND Derrida" will yield results that mention both terms.


Full-Text Search
  • Searches the complete text of digital materials available in the CIS.
  • Example: Locating passages discussing "cultural studies" within e-books or research papers.


Browse Search
  • Offers a list-based navigation through predefined categories such as author names, titles, or subjects.
  • Example: Browsing through the "Literary Theories" section to explore all related materials.


Call Number Search
  • Locates items based on their library classification code.
  • Example: Searching for "PN 98" in the system could retrieve works on literary criticism.


Citation Search
  • Users search for resources that cite a particular work or author.
  • Example: Finding articles that reference "Beginning Theory" by Peter Barry.

Benefits of Using CIS for Searches:

Efficiency: Quick and precise retrieval of information.
Customizability: Searches can be tailored using filters and criteria.
Accessibility: Enables remote access to resources, such as e-books and journals.
Integration: Connects users to inter-library loans or external databases for extended resources.


Thank You!!




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