Aggressive Language Research Paper

Context

This is a research paper that proposes for more analyses to be done about aggressive language in academic settings. I originally submitted the IRB proposal on this topic in my Spring 2019 semester in the Research Methods class I took with Dr. Fredlund. I was unfamiliar with submitting IRB proposals prior to this class; as such, I took the time to study the format of the proposal and what sort of information I would need to provide. I wrote an initial draft of the proposal, and, after Dr. Fredlund approved it, I used my draft and my research notes to write more details into the separate sections of the actual proposal website. I was also required to complete a brief virtual exam that tested my understanding of the ethical concerns regarding scientific research.

Later, in the Fall semester of the same year, I took a course on Scholarly Publishing with Dr. Duffy. For my final project in that course, I conducted further research to expand upon the ideas I explored in my initial IRB proposal. I then wrote a full paper with the intent of calling for more research to be done on the topic of aggressive language in academic settings. I included much of the same information that is in my IRB proposal; as such, I have combined these two projects into one sample.

In writing this paper, I used a critical discourse analysis methodology, which analyzes language use in terms of how it reinforces or challenges societal structures and power relations (Fairclough). Additionally, I suggested that the use of quantitative research methods, such as coding the language used in classrooms, would provide crucial data for connecting aggressive language usage in teachers and students.

Some strengths that my paper has is that it has a clear call to action, an in-depth literature review, and a thoughtful example of what future research could look like. Naturally, I used the research I had already done for the IRB proposal as a foundation for the paper; but, I also decided that more research would have to be included in order to further develop the subject.

When I completed my IRB proposal, Dr. Fredlund suggested that, if I moved forward with the project, I should more thoroughly define what aggressive language is in order to strengthen my call for further research. So, when I wrote my paper for Dr. Duffy’s class, I made sure to include more solid definitions and examples.

Lessons Learned & Future Plans

An important skill I learned through these research endeavors is how to write and submit an IRB proposal. The process was certainly more complex than I initially expected, as I needed to account for not only the research basis of the project, but also the practical materials and processes relegating how the study would be conducted. I needed to explain in detail how I would ensure ethical practices at every step of the study, and I was required to justify how the project would benefit the field of research.

Another thing I learned is how to follow through with a project. In undergraduate research papers, I would analyze the existing literature about a topic, come up with a hypothesis or theory relating to the literature, write the paper itself, and then be finished. However, in graduate school, I learned that it is vital in academic circles to return to topics that I previously researched and explore further ramifications and possibilities. This skill is crucial because it allows me to reevaluate how I initially analyzed a specific research area, as well as read new publications about that research area.

I think that the topic of aggressive language in written text, such as those found in assignments given to students in academic settings, is simply not well-explored in the fields of communication or pedagogy. My proposal and paper contribute to these fields by bringing to light what could be a major issue in academia. Aggressive language could have significant effects on power balances in classrooms, and it could be intersectional with structures such as racism, classism, sexism, and other forms of discriminatory systems.

As an aspiring technical editor, I believe that this particular research subject has built a strong foundation of how empathy in both my communication and my professional practices is absolutely essential. As my literature review suggests, aggressive language can influence how others perceive a written work, an individual, or an organization. In my future editing experiences, I know that clients I work with will prioritize how effectively their documents or other written works communicate their intentions and goals. Thus, I will be sure to use this research basis as a stepping stone toward both empathetic and professional editing.