Course Reflection

Over the course of the semester, I would have to admit that my writing and research skills have vastly improved. Coming into this class, I already knew and understood how a research paper (such as the one that we wrote for this class) was written and the processes necessary to conduct research effectively. However, due to ENC 1102, I have realized that the research paper I have written in the past was only sub-par compared to the one I have written this semester. Longhany (as any professor would) demonstrated what an effective paper would be and what elements were needed to show the whole picture; something that my previous teacher did not do. Thanks to this class, I feel that I am fully equipped to write any paper that any teacher asks of me.

The work I have produced for this course is the evidence I have to show that I have met, and conquered the course objectives.

Outcome 1 focuses on addressing the audience of your written work and using language and ideas that will appeal to them as a whole. Outcome 1 can be seen throughout the various stages of my work and can be best seen in an excerpt from my original research proposal:

"I want to research a topic that may help other only children feel like there is someone who can relate to them, or help the parents of only children raise them. I want to show what it is really like to be an only child and to show that we are all not just a bunch of stereotypes."



Outcome 2 discusses how a student will conduct and work with various types of in-depth research while working on their paper. I believe that Outcome 2 can best be seen in my literature review, as well as my research analysis.


"According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of families with only one child has risen significantly since the 1970’s (Frank, 148). This rise in single child families is due to many factors such as the economy, divorce rates, and selfish parental desires (Frank, 148; Sandler, 34; Sorensen, 38)."

From this example we can see that a single sentence has a variety of sources referenced; this demonstrates that several pieces of research was analyzed and used to make a broad claim. 

"More formal research would allude to only children being anti-social or something similar, but my research shows that that characteristic does not ring true for all only children. In fact, one subject stated that they are “completely comfortable with being alone and working independently,” but also, “happy to be with others,” displaying the ability to adjust to social situations."

This example of Outcome 2 shows that without analyzing the original, formal research, I would have not been able to gather evidence from my survey to make a claim that opposes what researchers have already said.



 
Outcome 3 discusses gathering, analyzing, and utilizing data in a way that supports the claims made in a research paper. I think that an excerpt from the stereotypes section in my literature review.

"What happens when that only child grows up though? Do those stereotypes still follow them? According to research conducted by Mancillas, adult only children are still affected by stereotyping because researchers do not differentiate their studies or findings based on age (271). One can assume then that to most researchers, no matter how old you are, you cannot grow out of being an “only child.” However, a more recent study conducted by Rosenberg shows that stereotypes in only children (as children) don’t necessarily last into adulthood."

Here, it is evident that multiple sources have been analyzed in order to support claims. This excerpt also displays how the research sets up the next research question talked about in my paper.

Outcome 4 wants students to produce arguments and ideas that will be upheld in an academic view / standpoint. My entire paper is evidence to this; further, I give an example from my final paper that shows how my argument is upheld academically.

"There are several factors that affect the way an individual develops their personality; for only children however, there are fewer, more impacting factors. The development of personalities in only children is closely linked with their parents and how they were raised. With no other children to constantly interact with, only children really only have their parents to constantly socialize with. Studies state that “the parent-child relationship can be effectively isolated as the primary socialization force,” (Polit (1), 309) and that only children become “extensions of the parent” (Sorensen, 39)."

This argument that only children develop their personalities from their parents can be reinforced with research and direct quotes. In an academic viewpoint, this section may be considered strong; the claim was made in such a way that very exact evidence would have to be produced to prove my overall claim false.

Outcome 5  discusses the review and revision process of the written work. For this outcome, I use my entire paper as an example. With every step of writing this paper, I have also revised my work. Several additions and changes were made and I feel that my work is better because of it. I feel that the language used in my work is direct; the sentences are worded in a way that is easy to understand; and the composition of the paper is effective is demonstrating the research done and the evidence given.
 

This semester long course has taught me that it is not how you write the paper, but it is how you go about writing the paper that is the key. Simply writing a paper to get it over with is not acceptable anymore. It has become apparent that to be a successful writer, you have to study and know what you want to talk about rather than tastefully regurgitating what you think you know onto paper.