There’s nothing new under the sun.
Your research? Your answer? Your story? Someone has thought of it. Someone has attempted it. Maybe what’s been done isn’t exactly your idea, but it’s probably close enough that there is a foundation to be built on, a lesson to be learned or a path that can be followed. That’s a good thing! Starting from zero rarely makes you a hero.
For this activity, use the Curated Library (or the Internet more broadly) to find two examples of research or stories that are similar to what you’re trying to accomplish – one should be a success; the other should be a failure. Investigate the process behind each example to understand why one succeeded and one failed. After all, there are lessons to be learned from both examples.
Part One
Analyze your two examples to create a case study of what works and what doesn’t work when using story to highlight new research. Use the following questions as a guide:
- What is the focus of the research? What’s the style and tone of the story used to highlight the research?
- What’s the goal of each example? Who is the main benefactor?
- Is the story well told? Are there strong supporting elements to back-up the research and give credibility to the story?
- Are experts interviewed and quoted in the story? Are diverse viewpoints considered and included?
- Is the research addressing a gap in knowledge or is it improving/deepening existing information?
- Is the story’s guiding question big enough? Is it focused? Does it include enough context?
- Is the story and research well-sourced? Are the sources reliable?
- Is the story’s presentation of the research fact or opinion based?
- Is the story or research missing any important elements?
- How have the examples been received by the public?
- Is the work free of cultural appropriation, as well as ethical and legal problems?
- Why do you think the research and/or story ultimately succeeded or failed?
- Is there a template that can be used, or one that should be avoided?
- What would you have done differently, if anything?
- Could the successful story have been more successful in hindsight?
- What are the five main takeaway lessons from each example?
Get together with someone who is analyzing two different examples. Compare notes and jot down their lessons learned. Reference these notes as you work to develop your story.
Resources:
What Are The Major Causes Of A Research Paper Failure?
How to talk about “failed” research projects
Part Two
Select two podcasts from the Podcast Pool.
- Who do you think communicated their ideas and perspectives more effectively? Why?
- Did the podcast you enjoyed better convey a positive or negative message? Were they thoughtful? Why?
Part Three
As you now know, the research and story creation process is long. And though you might have a clear understanding of what success looks like, it’s hard to measure success when you’re in the weeds. Use this guide to help you find different ways of measuring success as you work towards your goal.