I often find it difficult to pin down a topic to explore in research. It’s not that I can’t find anything of interest to me but rather that I find that TOO much interests me. I often write down interesting topics in a note entitled “i’d like to think about that more” but many of these ideas are incomplete or too broad. Reading Murchison this week reminded me of how important it is to choose a topic that can sustain your attention and interest while also being focused and attainable. Out of all the reading, I think the most helpful piece to me was the suggestion to consider the gatekeepers who may impede upon your ability to access the information you would like to collect. I believe this aspect is often overlooked. I wish I had this resource before starting some of my previous research endeavors!
My initial research interest was centered on exploring the dimensions of women’s reproductive health and pregnancy. However, the gatekeepers here are the covid19 protocols that have been keeping students out of the hospital. Instead, I am taking a different approach. It may sound backward, but for this project, I first envisioned the type of participant-observation that I would like to undertake then consulted my notes to see if any of the topics would fit with my desired method of observation. I like the idea of apprenticeship and have been wanting to take an art or fitness class either on campus or here in Nashville. I think it would be interesting to explore the impacts these have on health and wellness as well as the gendered dimensions within them. Things still to consider are time commitments and accessibility. Either way, I’d like to focus on a topic that will also offer a new experience.