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Education Masters: Curiosity

One important facet of doing your research is recognizing that the research process is seldom linear or neat. In fact, most researchers move through the process experiencing turbulent afftective responses from elation to satisfaction. This is a phenomenon studied and theorized by an information researcher named Carol Kulthau. From her research, she established a model known as the "Information Search Process." The process is illustrated in the diagram and video below. As you view and review the model, do you see a resemblance to your own experiences of researching? 

 

As learners transition through stages of research the affective responses are fluid. 

Crafting Curiousity

This module is titled Crafting Curiosity deliberately. Many learners engage in research projects primarily to complete the outcomes of a course or degree requirement. While those goals are understandable, research and inquiry can be rewarding when we respond to authentic questions and curiosity, particularly when our research aligns with questions that are relevant to our professional practice as educators. 

Your inquiry begins with you and is founded on the desire to learn more. To contribute to knowledge. To answer a question. To fix a problem. As your inquiry takes you in unexpected directions, as you find new and surprising information, as you question assumptions, both your own and those of others, STAY CURIOUS!

 

Hopefully, this module has encouraged you to reflect on the research process. It is an exciting adventure and will bring complexities, messiness, and surprises. The good news is that there are lots of resources and communities here to support that process. We'll start to explore those in the following modules. 

For now, perhaps you'd like to browse some sources that might spark your curiosity: