Alexa's Research Blog

The people I'm planning to interview

2009-03-30T15:30:00.000-07:00

For my ethnography essay, I am planning on writing about what motivates people to do community service. To help me write about the topic, I am planning to interview people who are part of a community service fraternity called Alpha Phi Omega. In addition, I am also planning to interview my great grandmother who is ninety-seven years old and does a lot of volunteer work at an elementary school.

2009-02-13T05:34:00.000-08:00

Felix, Lisa. “Design for Everyone.” Library Journal Vol. 133 Issue 16, p38-40.
Oct 1, 2008

In an article entitled “Design for Everyone”, the author, explains the concept of universal design and how it benefits all people at every stage of life. Examples of universal design might include the removal of stairs or curbs, widening doorways, and installing roll in showers. I believe this article will be useful to my research purposes because it gives some examples of how buildings can be adapted or revised to accommodate all people.

source found in library

2009-02-03T16:48:00.000-08:00

Moakley, T. (1976, January 1). Barrier-Free Design: The Law, Volume 1.. (Eric Document Reproduction Service No. ED166911) Retrieved February 3, 2009, from ERIC database.

Three Topics

2009-01-25T10:27:00.000-08:00

1) Things That Bug Me: The "R" Word
Something I have always wondered about is how people came to use the word "retarded" as an insult to people with cognitive disabilities. At first used as a medical term, this word has turned into a slang word that has the power to significantly insult people with disabilities. I chose this word as a potential topic for a research paper because I feel that if I find out more about why people use it, and teach them why the word is wrong to use as an insult, then they might not use it. How would someone educate people about why it's wrong to use the word retarded as an insult? What compels people to use the "r" word as an insult to people with cognitive disabilities?

2) Things That Bug Me: Inaccessible Buildings
Why are there still buildings that are not accessible to people with disabilities? This frustrates me because I don't understand why a ramp can't be built for every building to accommodate all people with disabilities. I have always wondered why all buildings are not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. This topic personally effects me because I have a disability and it would be extremely hard for me to get into buildings if they did not provide accommodations for people with disabilities.

3) Things I Don't Know Much About (But Would Like to Know More): Behind the Scenes/Special Effects of Movies
What types of things are involved in making movies? I am intrigued with this topic because I am fascinated with what types of things go on behind the scenes. I am also interested in how different types of special effects work. I have recently had the chance to take some theatre classes at Edinboro University, but there are still things I would like to learn.

My First Post

2009-01-21T10:43:00.000-08:00

What types of things are involved in making movies?