Reflections

I think I learned that the process of designing a sound research study is mostly limited by your imagination. This is especially true when it comes to designing and proposing research that you won't necessarily be conducting yourself. Otherwise, you might also be constrained by budget, by IRB (usually with good reason) or by other factors. Still, it's best to look at the research gaps and what needs to be done, and just articulate a way to meaningfully contribute to that conversation. I say, the more ambitious you start, the better you still finish with when you're done--"shoot for the moon: if you miss, you're still amongst the stars." That's a part of the philosophy I learned from crafting my research design, and I hope to keep on doing it!

Regarding that future as a TPCer/digital rhetorician, I think this should be far from the last study I propose, and hopefully conduct. I've learned that being imaginative while being grounded, being thorough and specific, and critically analyzing every work I encounter for chances for improvement will help me do a better job with my own studies in the future. I don't know whether I'll do TC work in the private sector, or use TC for my own entrepreneur goals, or if I'll be tempted into academia or what. I do know I enjoyed this experience, this class, my fellow students, and my professor, and I thank them all for making my semester a truly enriching one!