An Introduction to Research Processes

Back to Finding Sources in the Field

Intriguing possibilities for writing lie in the media. For a research paper about television, radio, movies, or contemporary theater or music, you may find yourself doing original field research. Because your material lies close at hand — in the case of television, it may be yours at the click of a remote control — our only advice to you is to get plenty of it. Watch (or listen to) a large amount of it and draw conclusions. Buy a stack of videotapes and use your VCR to keep track of what you discover and to review the information later.

For easy reference, the transcript or a tape of a broadcast or telecast may be available on request (or for a small charge) from a station or network; if the end credits do not proclaim that it is available, you can write or call to inquire.