English 402 – Fall 2022
Assignment 2: Extended Definition & Technical Description, Pitch Proposal Memo, Video Pitch Proposal Presentation
Duration: 2 weeksIndividual assignment
Context
For the next two weeks, students will complete three deliverables for Assignment 2 which will prepare the class for Assignment 3. Assignment 2 asks each student in the class to propose a problem, and then based on all students’ interests in the problem topics, the professor will place students in small teams of three or four (3 to 4) students. Beginning in week 7, students will work in their teams to carry out a collaborative research study on a team member’s proposed research problem. During the initial team meeting, members will have a chance to adjust the focus of the problem or choose another team member’s problem to carry out the team’s research study for Assignment 3. Before we can move forward, however, we need to propose problems that need to be better understood – but NOT SOLVED!
Learning Goals
By doing Assignment 2, students will learn how to:
Write an extended definition and technical description for a specific problem
Distinguish between the main types of technical descriptions involved with the problem: object, mechanism, process
Integrate ONE table or figure to support explanations or represent a concept (use APA formatting to place and reference the table or figure: see APA Instructions for Inserting Tables and Figures).
Pitch your problem for research in a 3- to 5-minute video recording to your peers and professor using Zoom, Panopto or VoiceThread.
Write a 1 ½ to 2-page internal proposal memo to initiate a new project.
Prepare for a project kick-off meeting.
Choosing a Problem
As you consider a problem for Assignment 2, many general topics may come to mind such as climate change, recycling, mental illness, and racism, which are all excellent topics for investigation, but they are simply too large and general for this small research study. You can, however, investigate a narrowed aspect for one of these issues by limiting the scope to a specific population or geographical area. Consider the following problem topics students have previously investigated.
Research shows that WSU students suffer from mental illnesses at a rate nearly double other US universities, so do WSU students have the same resources available as other universities and are WSU students accessing and utilizing resources they believe they need?
Consider more localized problems in your major area of study or your community. For example, past students have looked at elementary age student nutrition and the success of the process used to feed elementary children in her hometown during the pandemic.
Another student studying environmental engineering looked at the effects of increasing wildfires in the Okanogan Valley, and how people in the area prepare for the yearly fire storms.
A political science student looked at the problem of homelessness in Pullman, what was causing it, and the resources available.
As you consider a problem, keep in mind that if yours is chosen to investigate for the remainder of the semester, your team will carry out secondary research FIRST to determine what others have already learned about the problem, and then primary research in which the team will either survey a small group of participants whose perspectives are relevant to the problem.
Assignment 2: Extended Definition and Technical Description, Proposal Memo and Pitch Presentation Video is asking students to create three deliverables that will help peers determine which problem they are interested in further investigating for the second half of the semester.
Choosing an Audience and Problem
Coming up with a problem and an audience that are a good match is a challenging asoect of this assignment.
Avoid a trivial problem or a trivial audience.
Choose a problem that you are interested in.
For example, if we are studying access and the Americans with Disabilities Act, think of an audience from your world that might connect with that problem. Do you know teachers who work with students with disabilities? Business people who need to make very old buildings more accessible? If you start by thinking about an audience that has a real need or interest in the broader subject, they will lead you to a problem.
You can work it the other way, too. Say we are studying “Living, Learning, and Working from Home During a Pandemic.” Maybe you are not certain about an audience, but you know a lot about technology, and you know how important it is to have the right set-up for video conferencing. In that case, start with the problem you are interested in, and then think about what sort of audience might need to understand that problem. College students with no budget? Business people trying to shift their whole office to remote work permanently?
Overview
For Assignment 2, you will create four deliverables.
An Extended Definition (of the problem) and Technical Description of a concept, object, mechanism, or process that plays an important role in the problem you are proposing. The document is 3 to 4 single-spaced pages including formatting, design elements, and visuals. See below for specific content, format and required sections/headings.
Audience Planner 2 to describe the audience for the proposed problem.
A 1 ½- to 2-page Proposal Memo that proposes your problem for study in Project 3. See below for specific format and required sections/headings
A 3- to 5-minute Pitch Proposal Presentation Zoom Video with slides you record to share with your group members to propose your problem. See below for specific required information.
Example
Shelby is a marketing major who plans to work in marketing her family’s winery in Prosser after she graduates. She’s environmentally conscious and is interested in seeing her dad employ more environmentally aware winemaking processes. For the team project in English 402, she wants to help the company determine the best, most environmentally friendly use of wine pomace, a by-product of the winemaking process her family’s winery is currently throwing out through the county’s waste management company.
For Assignment 2, she creates:
An Extended Definition and Technical Description that helps her future teammates understand what wine pomace is, how it is created in the process of winemaking, and why it’s a problem/opportunity for winemakers.
A 1 ½ to 2-page Pitch Proposal Memo that summarizes the approach she would take to Project 3.
A succinct 3- to 5-minute Pitch Proposal Presentation video with slides that explain her problem proposal and she will post to her team’s group space, where others can review it before their first team meeting when the team chooses their problem for the Assignment 3 research study.
Task
To complete this assignment, you should:
Select a problem you are interested in, preferably one in which you are already an “expert.”
Identify a particular audience that has an interest in the general focus of your research problem. Use the Internet to find a company, organization, institution, community, etc., and then find an individual person who might oversee the funding of the research position.
Identify an object, mechanism, or process that plays an important role in your problem to use for your extended definition.
Read about Audience Analysis and complete the Audience Planner keeping in mind your purpose, problem, and audience (don’t forget to select “send a copy” at the bottom when you submit the planner at the bottom of the page).
Plan your document, which must include the following:
An Extended Definition of the problem.
A Technical Description of the object, mechanism, or process involved with the problem.
ONE relevant, not decorative, visual/graphic that contains details discussed in the Technical Description section. If you do not create the visual/graphic, then you will need to cite the source of the visual/graphic, as well as list it in your References list.
Write your Extended Definition and Technical Description.
Write a 1 ½- to 2-page Pitch Proposal Memo
Record your 3- to 5-minute Video Pitch Presentation to share with your prospective teammates.
Prepare for your team’s project kickoff meeting by viewing your teammates Extended Definition and Technical Description, Pitch Proposal Memos, and completing the pre-meeting worksheets.
Requirements of the Deliverables
Your goal is to present a problem that you can be considered an “expert” in. You will serve as the Subject Matter Expert and provide expert information for your team if your problem is chosen to further investigate. The problem you pitch should be one of that you have done previous research on or one you are an expert in outside of the academic setting. Your goal is to convince others to join your team and work to develop your problem.
Extended Definition and Technical Description
Written for a non-specialist audience with an interest/need to understand the problem.
Between 1 ½- to 2-pages of text organized into:
A title reflecting the focus of the document is provided first.
Introduction that introduces the problem and narrows the focus of the document to a single final sentence that states your specific reason for writing (thesis).
Body of information containing several paragraphs with each focused on a specific idea – note that you need a section (and heading) for the Extended Definition, as well as another section for the Technical Description.
Conclusion that restates the purpose for writing (thesis), briefly summarizes the body of the document before ending with a single sentence that looks to the future of your purpose for writing (possibly investigating the problem you are proposing).
References (not included in word count)
APA format
Teams will find all they need through The ONLY general Internet site teams may use are those for local, state, and federal government agencies. All sources must come straight from the source (first-hand or primary resource) or someone who is reporting the information from the source (second-hand or secondary source) without bias. Teams will not use any tertiary sources (third hand; e.g., Wikipedia, Statista, etc.) because they are a summary of all the relevant information on a topic. However, tertiary sources, such as Wikipedia, will reference the primary or secondary source used to write the articles. Avoid taking all sources from one specific source or database; the goal is to select a variety of sources.
Because students need to demonstrate their skill with utilizing information technology, for all parts and exercises required for Assignment 3, students must use a variety of sources from found through a variety of WSU Libraries’ databases.
Students will employee ONLY the following forms of sources:
Newspaper articles (e.g., New York Times, Spokesman Review, WSU Evergreen, etc.),
Professional/trade/career magazines and journals (e.g., Forbes, MacWord, PCWord, Atlantic, Scientific America, Discover, Newsweek, Time, etc.), and
Academic journals (e.g., JAMA Psychiatry, Journal of Mental Health, Chemical Engineering Journal, etc.)
All sources must be located through ONLY the following WSU Libraries’ databases: SearchIt, Academic Search Complete, JSTOR, Access Washington, and US Government, Newspaper Source Plus, Nexis Uni. Students may also use local, state, and federal government websites for reports and statistics. No other general Internet website or library databases may be used!
All sources listed on the References list must be first introduced in the text of the document with an attributive tag BEFORE paraphrasing, summarizing, and directly quoting the source.
An attributive tag consists of the author’s last name ONLY followed by a set of parentheses with the year of publication inside.
For example: According to Smith et al. (2019), the number of students…
Similarly, you need to show where your use of the source ends with a parenthetical citation that includes the page number(s) where you found the information.
For example: … their study shows the numbers are now starting to decline (p. 7).
When no page numbers exist (like for a web site), then you will put the titles of the article within quotation marks and place it within the parenthetical citation.
For example: … their study shows the numbers are now declining (“Mental Health in the US”).
Placement of Punctuation
When paraphrasing, summarizing or directly quoting just one sentence, the parenthetical citation goes before the punctuation of the sentence.
When more than one sentence, the parenthetical citation is after the punctuation. Includes at least the following elements
1 formal sentence definition (see chapter 5.11 in textbook)
3 short definitions
1 technical description of an object, mechanism, or process (see chapter 5.11 in textbook)
3 techniques for articulating technical information (see Chapter 5.4 in textbook)
1 visual/graphic that illustrates the object, mechanism, process or concept
Formatting and style (see the template at the end of this document)
Title
Headings
Lists
Direct, succinct, reader-centered writing with shorter paragraphs and sentences and strong transitions
Business/technical style format and design: 1-inch margins on all sides, 12-point Times New Roman Font, left-aligned only, no paragraph indents, single-spaced with an extra row after all headings, subheadings, and paragraphs, etc., but no additional points of spacing (check the paragraph menu – Word’s default is 8 points after paragraphs, as well as 1.08 spacing, so you may need to change the settings).
Pitch Proposal Memo
Addresses class peers and the professor (English 402 Students on the first line and the professor’s first and last name followed by a comma and Professor on a second line – single spaced between names, but an extra space before the From: section). (see the template at the end of this document)
Follows conventions for memos including proper formatting of memo headings (i.e., Memorandum, To:, From:, Date:, Subject:) and body, use of direct business style, use of APA style headings and subheadings (see list below), use of numbered or bulleted lists as appropriate, entire document is single-spaced with one row after all single rows of text (headings, etc.) and paragraphs, but no additional points of space (see paragraph menu – Word’s default is 8 points after paragraphs, as well as 1.08 spacing), 12-point Times New Roman font, and APA citation of sources within the text and at the end in a list of References.
Organizes the content according to the following sections (be sure to use each as the heading for the necessary information, so your readers easily can access and utilize the information – two hallmarks of strong technical writing):
Introduction that introduces the focus of the memo and ends the paragraph with your specific purpose for writing: in one sentence, what is the problem you want to investigate and why?
Statement of the Problem and Background that clearly states the problem in one sentence and then goes on to provide the background of the issue.
Statement of Objectives uses a bulleted list of phrases beginning with an active verb that clearly state what you need to learn about the problem: include what you want to learn from others who have likely written on the problem already (statistics, company reports, etc.), as well as what you want to learn about the problem from your study’s participants. Review “How to Write Research Objectives” video for assistance with developing the study’s objectives. Remember, the goal of the research study is to better understand the problem – you are NOT attempting to solve the problem or test a solution!
Expected Results considers how the results of the research might help answer questions or develop deeper understanding for your intended audience and any secondary audiences. How might your results lead the team to recommend a solution?
Your Qualification and the Qualification Needed discusses your knowledge of the problem and the skills you have for carrying out research, as well as the knowledge and skills the team will need from other members to carry out the research study.
Conclusion refocuses the reader’s attention on your purpose for writing, summarizes the body of the memo in a sentence or two, and then ends with a sentence that looks to the future of the proposed research.
Pitch Proposal Presentation VideoYour oral Pitch Presentation Video will be recorded in Zoom, Panopto, or VoiceThread, and the presentation must be at least 3 minutes long, but no more than 5 minutes. Students will utilize between 4 and 10 well designed PowerPoint slides with bulleted points to guide the attention of the audience. Students will include their personal picture in the gallery while presenting, as well as record the presentation with the automatic live captions turned on. The presentation must be persuasive and present the following content:
An introduction to and overview of the problem you are proposing.
A rough outline of the steps the team will do to carry out the research: review the class schedule, as well as Assignment 3 projects for a good understanding of the semester.
Your personal expertise with the problem and carrying out research, and the expertise you will need from your research team.
An overview of what team members will learn from conducting the research with the team.
The goal of this presentation is to persuade class members to join you in investigating your chosen problem. Your presentation must be delivered extemporaneously; although, you may speak from a key-word outline. Student CANNOT read their presentation from a computer screen or manuscript. Moreover, presentations must be more than simply reading the slides. Dress code for this presentation is business casual. Please take off coats, hats, and anything that is obscuring your face; your audience wants to see you! The professor will evaluate presentations based on the four main goals listed above, as well as professional demeanor.
Extended Definition and Technical Description Title Focused on the Problem
Introduction
Provide a paragraph that offers a brief overview introduces your peers and the professor to the problem you are suggesting, provides a brief overview of the issues, and then states your purpose for writing this specific document (the thesis); in other words, state what you want your audience to believe.
Extended Definition
Provide several paragraphs that offer an extensive definition of the problem that includes at least one (1) formal sentence defining the problem, as well as three (3) short definitions.
Technical Description
Provide several paragraphs that offer a technical description of the object, mechanism, process, or concept involved with the process. Remember to use three (3) techniques for articulating technical information, as well as a visual/graphic that illustrates the object, mechanism, process or concept involved with the problem. If you do not create the visual/graphic, then you will need to cite the source of the visual/graphic, as well as list it in your References list.
When you add a visual or graphic, you will need to include the figure label and number, as well as the title of the figure italicized. If you are using a table, then you use a table label and number, as well as the title of the table italicized. As Figure 1 below show, be sure to reference your figure or table in the paragraph above it where you discuss the information in the figure or table.
Figure 1
Percent of the US Adult Population that Received Mental Health Services in 2021
Figure from Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality. (2020). 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health Public Use File Codebook, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Rockville, Maryland.
Conclusion
Offer a brief conclusion paragraph that restates your purpose for writing, summarizes the body of the document in two or three sentences, and then provides a final sentence looking to the future of the problem.
References [green text states the type of source example formatting; remember to alphabetize the list]
Ahmed, S. (2012). On being included: Racism and diversity in institutional life. Duke University Press. [Book example]
Baniya, S., & Weech, S. (2019). Data and experience design: Negotiating community-oriented digital research with service-learning. Purdue Journal of Service-Learning and International Engagement, 6(1), 11–16. https://doi.org/10.5703/1288284316979 [electronic journal article example]
Bureau of International Organization Affairs. (2018). U.S. contributions to international organizations, 2017 [Annual report]. U.S. Department of State. https://www.state.gov/u-s-contributions-to-international-organizations/ [government document example]
Peterzell, J. (1990, April). Better late than never. Time, 135(17), 20–21. [magazine article example]
Schultz, S. (2005, December 28). Calls made to strengthen state energy policies. The Country Today, 1A. [newspaper article example]
Memorandum
To:English 402 Students
Tomie Gowdy-Burke, Assistant Professor
From:Your First and Last Names
Date:September 12, 2022
Subject:Problem proposal for Assignment 2
Introduction
In the introduction, you will introduce and give a general overview of the topic of the memo. The paragraph ends with your specific purpose for writing: in one sentence, what is the problem you want to investigate and why?
Statement of the Problem and Background
Begin the paragraph by clearly stating the problem in one sentence and then go on to provide the background of the issue. This might be a good place to bring in a source to support your ethos or credibility. A newspaper or magazine article might provide a great source to demonstrate you are proposing a real problem. If you choose to include a reference, be sure to include a References list at the end of this document in which you list any sources you use in the memo.
Statement of Objectives
A bulleted list of phrases beginning with an active verb (the best are: identify, define, determine) that clearly state what you need to learn about the problem: include what you want to learn from others who have likely written on the problem already (statistics, company reports, etc.), as well as what you want to learn about the problem from your study’s participants. Objectives are NOT the steps of the research, so you will not say things like: “Survey people” or “Analyze the research data.” Remember, the goal of the research study is to better understand the problem – you are NOT attempting to solve the problem or test a solution! Review “How to Write Research Objectives” video for assistance with developing the study’s objectives.
Expected Results
This paragraph considers how the results of the research might help answer questions or develop a deeper understanding of the problem for your intended audience and any secondary audiences. If your problem is chosen and research is carried out, how might the results lead the team to recommend a way to address, perhaps even solve, the problem?
Your Qualification and the Qualifications Needed
You will likely want to shorter paragraphs (3-4 sentences) in which you discusses your knowledge of the problem and the skills you have for carrying out research, and a second shorter paragraph describing the knowledge and skills you will need from other members of the team to carry out the research study.
Conclusion
The conclusion refocuses the reader’s attention on your purpose for writing, summarizes the body of the memo in several sentences, and then ends with a sentence that looks to the future of the proposed research.
References
Provide this section if you include a source in the background section of this memo.
