Qualitative research will be essential to developing our
collaborative projects. Qualitative research uncovers answers to questions
beginning with words such as why and how, which is the type of question that will guide us while compiling our findings.The data that my group collects will be an assortment of information from various sources. The information we find that helps answer our question, whether from an interview, web-site, or Food, Inc. itself, will help us determine how we wish to put the project together. Without qualitative research, our project will lack support and evidence of all kinds. Although the question may revolve around an abstract idea, qualitative research can help guide us to the information we need.

Most importantly, qualitative research embraces direct interaction with an individual or group. Therefore, Conducting at least one meaningful interview will be our truest form of qualitative research. According to Hancock in section 3, "The benefits of using these approaches include
richness of data anddeeper insight into the phenomena under study."
Interviewing someone with an expertise or unique viewpoint regarding our topic allows us to make a stronger argument and showcase a possibly more respected opinion. 


Narrative inquiry is essentially a form of qualitative research which focuses on other people's experiences and the stories that they tell. This way to obtain information can be very useful, especially concerning the collaborative project. One challenge that we (the researchers) must be aware
of is to remain objective. As Clandinin states, "What is important at this point in the turn toward narrative inquiry is that the researchers still maintain a belief that in the interpretive process they can relate to the research in such a way that they can provide “valid” and “generalizable”
interpretations in their research projects." As long as the person has one or more strong qualities or skills that make them a relative information
source, the narrative inquiry approach should work well for us. It will
strengthen our argument by portraying real life examples about the question at hand.

Do you think healthy eating should be a right, responsibility, or a privilege?

Healthy eating should be a right of ALL humans. Our country has protection agencies who are supposed to be the voice of the citizens, such as the FDA, who are expected to ensure that the food we eat is produced and manufactured safely. It seems that the interest is centered around money, business, and efficiency, rather than the well being of the people. Prior to watching this video, I knew that many government departments are corrupt, but it is shocking to see how much is actually tolerated, ignored, or even endorsed by our government. These massive and powerful companies, along with federal support, are violating the rights of healthy eating for everyone.



In the film, Noel Kramers of the California Farm Bureau says that the bureau is against labeling because it "creates unnecessary fear in the consumer's mind." Do you agree with this reasoning? Why or why not?

Since when should people need to fear what they are eating? If the labeling reveals nasty secrets about ingredients or food processing, then there is obviously something terribly wrong with the way its being done. Unfortunately, we are at the point where we have no idea what we're actually eating. Therefore, labeling would establish the NECESSARY fear in the consumer's mind to show possible health or safety concerns.

Kevin's mother says, "Sometimes it feels like industry was more protected than my son." What do you think of her words?

This a sad, but true statement. I feel like industry will always be protected more than the rights or concerns of individual people. Big companies, especially those supported by the government agencies, have the most power and control of what happens in the country. Hopefully, Kevin's mother will eventually have some justice for her tragic experience and continue fighting for the rights of American consumers.

First I want to say that I appreciate the compliments as well as the suggestions for improvement. I was worried that without presenting it to the class, I wouldn't get the answers to some questions I had. Thankfully, most of the questions were referenced to in the feedback anyway. 

I am definitely going to post a video at the end, but now I'm thinking about posting two. I asked Analisa if I could video-tape her and she declined, so I have to sneak it. That's why it has taken so long! I think that once I include the video(s), it will tie any loose ends together and make my twitterive stronger. 

I loved the comment that Michael made about reading the book before watching the movie. I never thought about that and I feel like that analogy really is effective in this case.

Rebecca suggested that instead of including the research of the benefits of reading I should write my own. I think I will make that page a hybrid page- meaning to provide the expert opinions in combination with my interpretations. Her comment helped me to make this argument more powerful.

I also liked how Samantha talked about incorporating aspects of reading in my childhood. Although I'm unsure about how to approach it, I think that it's something I should definitely include somehow.

Thanks again everyone!

Most of the twitterives presented on Tuesday were especially emotional, powerful, and thought-provoking. Although some student chose a sensitive subject matter to explore, personality and creativity helped to make each Twitterive even stronger. In total, all four presenters had original ideas and used creative ways to approach them.

Stephanie- Her twitterive revolves around the place of dancing. She's been dancing for most of her life, and she looks to it as an escape, especially from her Tourette's Syndrome. I loved the way she arranged it like a show to pull the audience closer to the place. I also think Stephanie's video confession worked very well to help convey the importance of dance in her life. The photo gallery was also an effective genre to include.

Darren- His twitterive focused on a man wishing he could become a child again. The man misses the simplicity of childhood, dreams about being a child, and then wakes up to realize he was only dreaming. The place is very relatable because many adults reflect on the benefits of being a child once again. I liked the way he interviewed the preschool students at the end of the twitterive. I also liked how he used micro-fiction to show the reader what was happening throughout.

Dave- Dave's twitterive showed his recent battle with Cancer and how his strength and humor helped him through it. I ;loved the Prezi he used to show many facts and then tying his own beliefs into it. I also thoguht the images he used were powerful in conveying the effects the disease had on his life. His saracsm and wit helped to make this twitterive interesting and inspiring.


Kate - Her twitterive illustrated the unfortunate problem that her father has with alcohol, and how it effected her family, childhood, and the person that she became today. I like how she incorporated the large role that her grandparents played in her upbringing, but I definitely want to see more of her mom in it as well. I think the prologue is well-written and she uses a lot of effective genres that give her piece strength.

Technology has played a critical role in developing ideas for my twitterive and the presentation itself. Although I'm not a huge fan of using technology for projects, this assignment forced me to experiment with different websites, genres, and resources that are digitally-based. It gave me an opportunity to learn about more tools which can help me with writing and creative pieces for years to come.

Due to my lack of interest and ability with technology, I feel like I've struggled more with incorporating creative genres into my piece. But as I move further along, I feel more comfortable with taking risks and experimenting with ideas that could work.

I love using Weebly to work on and display my twitterive. I think it's user-friendly and reduced a lot of the stress and pressure that could have occurred from doing this assignment. Uploading images and videos are simple, along with rearranging pages and playing with the organization. I will definitely use Weebly for future assignments which technological aspects are expected.