Sunday, September 16, 2007
Rethinking My Question
Working on whittling down my dissertation topic, I’ve begun wondering on what topic I want to be an expert. The question I have been focusing on is close, but I’ve realized it still focuses on dis-ease despite coming to the topic from a positive angle. Although the approach is not problem-centered, the background literature and general premise hover over typical negativity toward media. I do not want to spend my time rebutting other research, I want to research strengths and continue exploring applications. By strengths, I mean those applicable to individuals or groups from a positive psychology standpoint rather than strengths of media outlets, programs, or campaigns.
My topic now is something along the lines of whether the skill of media creation alters attitudes. I am still very interested in media creation as the foundation of my research, but rather than centering on attitudes toward media I may turn to media as a creative outlet. Self expression, self efficacy, creativity. Positive psychology studies those who are well to determine what makes them well. Do I study those who already use media in a positive way and benefit from it, or do I study whether learning to use media positively influences self efficacy or creativity. Playing with too many undefinable terms could make things messy ... media, creativity, healthy.
In any case, I am going to move into reading about creativity and art now, and away from media literacy and attitudes.
