Ex 5.6

This exercise refers back to the Dave exercise earlier. Its the same idea just wrapping up loose ends.

Dave: Hey you, I think you can't really say that one option is better than another one. Don't you agree?

Me: Of course, as the writer, it is important to give all the information about both topics and allow the reader to choose whichever option that they need to choose. It's not right to have a biased paper to have other readers read your view as the right view.

Dave: There's all this stuff in the book about research as a process of discovery. What did you discover?

Me: I discovered a lot. That's the incredibly short answer. Research is a lot of fun. It takes a lot of digging but pays off in the long run because you find tons of information and facts about the topic that allow you to become well rounded on the topic and can educate people likewise.

Dave: What do you figure was the most challenging problem you had to solve while working on this research project? How did you solve it?

Me: The most difficult part of the research project was finding biblical sources to use on the topic of nature's health benefits. The easiest way to solve this problem was to develop a purpose of nature to give background to the research which helped a lot.

Dave: After all this work, what do you take away from this experience? What have you learned that you can use?

Me: This experience has given me a lot of  knowledge on how to go about starting a research paper and seeing through to completion in some form of a five week plan. In relation to that, I will definitely use the five week plan to develop my writing in the future.

Exercise 5.3

This exercise has us cutting our essay into individual paragraphs and seeing how they fit with our thesis individually.

Before completing the exercise, were you a skeptic or believer that disassembling your essay (as described in Ex. 5.3) would be beneficial?

I was skeptical when it came to disassembling my essay, I wasn't sure how it would be beneficial at all. Personally, going into this exercise, I thought it was all about the big picture and didn't care how much each paragraph related to the thesis.

How did you feel about disassembling your essay? Nervous? Excited? Ambivalent? Worried? Determined?

I was concerned that this assignment would leave me with nothing but a thesis statement. Confidence in my first draft wasn't high and left me feeling worried about what would be left

What was the outcome of completing this exercise? Did your essay survive mostly in-tact? Did you discover significant changes are needed? Did you have more paragraphs in your "Keep" or in your "Discard" pile? Did you realize a new way to organize your paragraphs?

I was surprised by the outcome of this exercise. My essay is mostly intact. I don't need a whole lot of change to my essay. My essay has a decent flow however some rearranging is necessary.

Overall, what did you learn from this exercise?

I learned that essay restructuring can be very beneficial to rethinking my essay. In addition, it is very important to see how each paragraph relates to the thesis statement.

Exercise 5.1

This exercise is all about finding the balance of voices in a rough draft. This exercise is all bout highlighting your whole draft with two different colors. one color to highlight your voice, and the other color to show sources and other voices. 

The color that dominated my paper was my own voice. That being said, my sources are not taking over my writing. I think that I used  a good balance of sources so that I don't rely too much on my own voice or on other peoples voices. All my sources are relevant to my paper.

Finding the Perfect Lead

For this assignment, three introductions or leads are to be written and evaluated to determine which of the three works best for an introduction to my research paper. Once the right intro is chosen, some questions will be asked to evaluate the intro further.

1. Like a lot of people these days, I enjoy being outside. Its a great feeling being able to get fresh air and get some exercise. In addition to the exercise, there are lots of psychological and physical health benefits of being outside and experiencing nature. Its incredible how much nature has to offer us and how many people fail to get out and enjoy what it has to offer. It's incredible to think about how much our life can be improved by going outside, sit down and just be silent for a little while. Stress melts away, the mind is clearer and  we can think more clearly; all with just a little bit of fresh air. If that doesn't make things simple I don't know what does!
2. White sandy beaches, snow capped mountains, herds of elk moving across an open plain; these are just some of the sights that can be seen all around the world, waiting to be experienced by anyone and everyone that is willing to take these sights in.  An incredible view isn't the only thing that is gained by these settings. Our health is actually improved by these experiences. Life, stress, and distractions are all put aside for a few moments and our bodies and our minds can breathe for those few precious moments. 
3. The experience of a lifetime, some would say, an incredible journey to get humans to return to nature as others, including Daniel Fox (the man on this journey), would describe it. Fox understands how much nature has an effect on the human condition and knows how important it is for people to get outside and experience nature. This is a journey where every little boy's dream comes true. Fox's experiences are something from a nature documentaries but can be achieved by anyone with a little bit of initiative. 

I find that I like the second intro the best and I'm choosing this one to evaluate to see if it fits into my research paper.

•    What do you predict this paper to be about? What is the focus? The paper is about how nature and its landscapes effects people health.
• Can you guess the central question I'm trying to answer? Not so much a question but I will be exploring the health benefits of nature
• Can you predict what my thesis might be? Yes
• How would you characterize the tone of this paper? The tone of this paper is investigative and exploratory in nature.

Sharpening Your Point

In this assignment, I have been asked to develop a thesis statement for my unfolding research paper. Though I am looking to do a more exploratory research paper, a thesis is a great guide to creating the main idea of any paper. With out a main point, a paper becomes meaningless and won't hold a readers attention long. So thesis statements are always a good exercise to use.

Thesis Statement:
Based on current research, there is a strong relationship between nature and human health benefits. There are many different aspects to the health benefits that can be explored. The biggest benefits are both psychological and physical and should be explored in depth the most.

Dialogue with Dave

Dave: What's the big deal about this anyway? Why should I care?
Me: Our heath is imperative in this day and age. In order to be healthy in today's society takes a lot of personal motivation and discipline to be healthy. In this case, there are many practical steps that can be taken to be healthier that don't take a lot of effort. It's a no brainer that people are going to take easy steps to be healthier.

Dave: What is an easy step that can be taken to be healthier?
Me: The best example to give of an easy step to take to being healthier is to have a plant or two in your home. This has been proven to lower the stress level and provides cleaner air in your home. Being outside, in general, helps the brain with overall functions and helps people have a better mood.

Dave: Ok, so outside of plants, what proof is there that nature and human health are actually related?
Me: Studies have been done to show that even the sight of nature helps human health. One study shows that recovering patients that have a window in their hospital room heal on average one day quicker than those that are in a windowless room. In addition to the studies, there is an avid outdoorsman who is currently on an "adventure of a life time". the purpose of his journey is to get people for the exact purpose of getting people help themselves by getting out and allowing their mind to be cleared by nature.

Dave: That's pretty interesting, what kind of experiences has he had so far?
Me: Daniel Fox has had many experiences. The experiences that he explains to cherish the most is his encounter of a lone wolf that he watched from his tent. He watched curiously as the wolf investigated his campsite and was clearly startled by the sight. Fox explains that this solitude helped him become more adept to his surroundings and gave him peace. Continuing on the theme of solitude, he talks about how he shared a patch of grass with a grazing black bear for a few hours and neither on of them minded. These kind of experiences only happen when we have a clear and calm mind and allow all stress to become none existent.

Annotated Bibliography

Beukeboom, Camiel J. "Stress-Reducing Effects of Real and Artificial Nature in a Hospital Waiting Room." Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine. N.p., Apr. 2012. Web. 3 Apr. 2014.

This article is a credible source for my research because it is a study done by doctors who are trained in the subject. The author’s credentials include a PhD in Psychology.  Date-wise this publication is important to include because it is current and relevant information. The author’s main goal in this article is to inform about the study done on how plants reduce stress in a hospital waiting rooms. The publishing source for this article generally targets an audience that fits the following description: the educated medical community. This audience would be interested in this subject because it shows that there is a simple remedy to stress and would generally agree with this author’s perspective on the topic. The author incorporates the following types of evidence: stats and research. This evidence builds credibility because it is all based on the study done by doctors but is also limited because it doesn't look into other possibilities that may have caused lower stress . Based on my own opinion, experiences, and research, I agree with this author because this is a reliable source. I think this article is important to include in my essay because it gives proven evidence of nature helping human health.

Brymer, Eric, Thomas F. Cuddihy, and Vinathe Sharma-Brymer. "The Role of Nature-Based Experiences in the Development and Maintenance of Wellness." Asia-Pacific Journal of Health, Sport & Physical Education 2010. SPORTDiscus, 2010. Web. 3 Apr. 2014.

This article is a credible source for my research because this source explains how nature contributes to human health. The author’s credentials include PhD (University of Wollongong), MSc (Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology (University of Liverpool), Grad Cert (Teaching in Higher Education) (University of Wales), Grad Cert (Business) (University of Wollongong), Sports Science (Liverpool Polytechnic).  Date-wise this publication is important to include because it is a recent article. The author’s main goal in this article is to inform/teach about how nature influences health . The publishing source for this article generally targets an audience that fits the following description: Educated medically minded individuals. This audience would be interested in this subject because anyone who reads this article can benefit from its information and would generally agree with this author’s perspective on the topic. The author incorporates the following types of evidence: studies and research. This evidence builds credibility because of the authors background and the credibility of the work that is presented but is also limited because it may not cover all angles of the topic. Based on my own opinion, experiences, and research, I agree with this author because the evidence provided is very credible. I think this article is important to include in my essay because it supports the topic of how nature benefits human health.

Ellens, Herold J. "God's Health and Human Health: A Proposal for the World of Well-being."ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials. EBSCO, Jan. 2011. Web. 3 Apr. 2014.

This article is a credible source for my research because it focuses on the spiritual side of human health. The author’s credentials include two doctorates, three masters and two bachelors degrees focused toward Christianity.  Date-wise this publication is important to include because it is recent article and the information doesn't change. The author’s main goal in this article is to teach about spiritual health. The publishing source for this article generally targets an audience that fits the following description: scholarly Christians. This audience would be interested in this subject because it shows how human and spiritual health relate. and would generally agree/disagree with this author’s perspective on the topic. The author incorporates the following types of evidence: biblical truths and some science. This evidence builds credibility because of it neutrality and use of facts but is also limited because the Bible isn't always considered a credible source depending on the audience. Based on my own opinion, experiences, and research, I agree/disagree with this author because there could be some truth between spiritual and physical health and there may not be. I think this article is important to include in my essay because it gives the spiritual aspect to this paper.

Miner, Maureen, Martin Dowson, and Kim Malone. "Spiritual Satisfaction of Basic Psychological Needs and Psychological Health." Journal of Psychology & Theology. N.p., Dec.-Jan. 2013. Web. 3 Apr. 2014.

     This article is a credible source for my research because it is a article in a psychology journal. The author’s credentials include being a doctor of medicine and board certifications in pain medicine, physical medicine & rehabilitation, and spinal injury medicine.  Date-wise this publication is important to include because it is based on a recent study. The author’s main goal in this article is to inform and teach about psychological health . The publishing source for this article generally targets an audience that fits the following description: educated. This audience would be interested in this subject because it has information that could improve their overall mental heath and would generally agree with this author’s perspective on the topic. The author incorporates the following types of evidence: studies and medical evidence. This evidence builds credibility because of its prominence in the medical community but is also limited because it is a recent study it hasn't been completely verified yet. Based on my own opinion, experiences, and research, I agree with this author because the psychological studies does support this article. I think this article is important to include in my essay because it provides information about psychological health.

O'Brian, Graham J. "A Theology of Purpose: Creation, Evolution and the Understanding of Purpose." Science & Christian Belief. N.p., Apr. 2007. Web. 3 Apr. 2014.

       This article is a credible source for my research because it will give me a background and look at the purpose of creation. The author’s credentials include a PhD in Cellular and Molecular Biology (Canterbury University), three years postdoctoral experience in molecular virology (Auckland University), and a Masters degree in Theology from Laidlaw College (BCNZ). Graham’s research interests include the dialogue between science and theology, and Christian ethics (especially bioethics)..  Date-wise this publication is important to include because the article was written in 2007 the information is still relevant. The author’s main goal in this article is to inform about creation. The publishing source for this article generally targets an audience that fits the following description: educated. This audience would be interested in this subject because it can beneficial to their lives and would generally agree/disagree with this author’s perspective on the topic. The author incorporates the following types of evidence:Science and Biblical. This evidence builds credibility because it uses indisputable evidence but is also limited because the studies used don't cover all the information. Based on my own opinion, experiences, and research, I agree with this author because the information seems to be unbiased and justified well. I think this article is important to include in my essay because it provides a great deal of background on the subject.

Ex. 2.2

Popular Search Engines

Bing :  http://news.discovery.com/human/health/exposure-to-nature-boosts-human-health-110523.htm

HotBot: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130116163823.htm

MetaSearch

DogPile : http://source.southuniversity.edu/spending-time-in-nature-for-your-health-how-outdoor-activities-improve-wellbeing-102984.aspx

Mamma: http://ezinearticles.com/?Effects-of-Nature-On-Our-Mental-Health&id=888202

NoodleTools

SweetSearch: http://depts.washington.edu/hhwb/Thm_Mental.html

This exercise has helped me find sources and determine a track for my paper. There are a lot of different specifics that can be talked about in my research paper and I have actually found many different topics to talk about in the paper. I will have to choose the best topics to choose and the topics that go together.

Exersice 1.5

What is the relationship between nature and human health? The primary purpose is to find the effects of nature on humans as a whole and in what aspects are most commonly found in people who have been out in nature. I am really interested in finding out why nature is so beneficial to a persons health.

The purpose for this exercise in The Curious Researcher by Bruce Ballenger is to be able to develop a research topic more fully. Using an exercise like this also helps in the research process by providing specific topics to research in a database or other form to find credible sources.

Exercise 1.1 Step 1-3

Places:
Mountains
Forests
Different Ecosystems
Varying Altitudes
Most Remote Forests
Alaska
Seclusion

Trends:
Leave No Trace
Save the Forests
Reduce Pollution
Don't Litter
Pack It In, Pack It Out

Things:
Backpacks
Boots
Dehydrated Food
Pine Cones
Trees
Dirt
Rocks
Wildlife

Technology:
Sleeping Bags
GPS
Tents
Tools
Clothing
Cooking Equipment

People:
Outdoorsmen
"Red-Necks"
Mountain Men
Children
Anybody
Environmentalists
Hunters

Jobs:
Conservation
Hunters
Guides
Pilots
Forestry
Ecology

Where are the best places to get secluded as possible?
What does seclusion have to offer?
Does seclusion have any psychological benefits?
Who benefits from seclusion the most?

CR p#1-12 Response

The Curious Researcher by Bruce Ballenger definitely hits the nail on the head when it talks about the approach and the flow of a research paper. Ballenger outlines a great five week plan on how to sculpt a research paper. This allows a great flow to be found when it comes to starting and working through a research paper. I tend to agree that a plan would be highly effective. Though I have never used a plan, it would definitely be very beneficial and I would see myself using one of these in the future. I think even if you were trying to cram a research paper in last minute this plan would help to organize your thoughts to get a paper done really quick. Ballenger also gives great advice on the topic of formality in a research paper. Though we discussed this in class earlier in the year, it was a great way of having the information re-represented by a different perspective. He goes on to talk about where our opinion fits into our paper and how to effectively portray our opinions. It was great insight to learn that for a research paper the conclusion paragraph is the bast place to put your opinion and thoughts about the topic that was being researched. In conclusion, Ballenger makes some great points in the introduction of The Curious Researcher.