Short Assignment #4

How does our textbook define research?  Please quote from the text for support.

My textbook defines research as, ‘’ (…) may even take the form of interviewing experts or hunting through archives and public documents, such as birth, and death records in the country courthouse.’’ (Writing In The Works p. 399, Blau & Burak, 2017)

‘’ Research has formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose’’. (Hurston, cited in, Writing In The Works p. 399, Blau & Burak, 2016)

Which of the sources captured your interest?

I was drawn the most to the topic  “Gaming Can Make a Better World” by Jane McGonigal.

What question or questions does the author explore?

The author is exploring what exactly are gamers getting good at. She exemplifies giving insight to the reward aspects of players, and then questions us about the possibility of harnessing this ‘’gamer power’’ and be able to apply it into solving real-world problems. In other words, how can we better express ourselves when addressing real-world problems using what we know of and about games.

Why is this question so important to the author (and, presumably, readers)? 

It is so important to the author, because she clearly expresses her passion revolving games and gamers throughout the whole presentation. Jane McGonigal even goes to the extreme of mentioning that if we want to survive longer (the next century) on planet earth there is this need for more gameplay: she also devoted many years of her life researching, studying and developing the subject. Jane McGonigal which is an American game designer and author actively advocates for the use of mobile and digital technology. In fact she defends that it is possible to channel the positive attitudes driven from games to collaborate in a real world context. She believes there is a need of increasing the numbers of players and playtime, developing, therefore, games that are bigger and better oriented, allowing faster, creative ways to access our full potential, better in thinking, solving making and better stargazing. 

The second part of your post, respond to these prompts:

What question or questions are you interested in answering through research? (Examine and review the existing research on online-games benefits and disadvantages)

I would like to, trough research, acquire a better understanding of how the game industry approaches real life issues. ''Are games ''killing'' our youth? '', ''How can we do better using games?'', ''Are we learning from using games? or are games learning from us (with us)?''

Please reflect on what inspires the desire for further inquiry, including how you came up with the question, why it might be important, and how you plan to explore the question in your research.

The inspiration behind this paper is driven by my curiosity in a market that grew exponentially over the years. Technology makes all these alternative game realities so much more fun, besides, they have been improving the lives of so many of us in more ways than I could have ever thought possible. I was particularly drawn in looking at this paper under the lenses of those that are, in some left feeling lonely, and impaired. Moreover, I intend to highlight the importance and role of games providing useful researched-based content about those games that have been proving to be an added benefit. In addition, I will also explore the negative side effects regarding specific games, examining and reviewing the existing research into the many ways gaming has improved some people’s lives, according to different settings and circumstances.  Furthermore, I will also address the negative aspects of the game industry, presenting arguments and research-based materials. In organizing this paper, I will be reviewing the existing research into the game industry and after drawing on the findings of this research, I will proceed to discuss some issues and implications  such as how they create ''addiction''. Also, regarding this research paper, I will be analyzing ways the game industry has been an asset with medical professionals and governments drawing upon based research studies.  Lastly, I will highlight the gamers needs and behaviors, considering the significance of the findings and conclude the paper by summarizing the salient points raised in the earlier segments.

Sources:

< https://www.ted.com/talks/jane_mcgonigal_gaming_can_make_a_better_world?language=en#t-736551> 26/09/2020