As of December 7, this website will be archived, which means that all interactive features will be turned off (comments, blogs, logins) and that anyone can access all of the content of this website.

So, before the semester is over, I need you to do the following to ensure your privacy.

1. Go to the "My Account" link in your Navigation Box;

2. Click on the "Edit" tab;
3. Change your username to the following: "Student-Your initials" Example: StudentMG
4. Un-check the "Personal Contact Form" option near the bottom of this page;
   

Part 1: Introductions

If you're still writing your report's introduction, here are some good examples to follow:

Example 1

What is a research methodology?

From TCT: "a plan that describes how you are going to collect information, answer your research question, and test your hypothesis...A step-by-step procedure that you will use to study your subject" (150).

Since you're doing a non-traditional research project, this part of the definition will be useful to you, too:

Just a reminder that classes are cancelled this week. Please check your email for a more detailed message from me.

Progress reports...

1. Inform your reader of the status of your work in 3 sections: summary of completed work; discussion of ongoing work; and forecast of work to be completed.
   
   

2. Reassure your reader of the success of a project using objective language without interpretation.

Five things your introduction needs to do

1. State the purpose
   Yes, your users already know why they're reading your instructions. You should mirror that knowledge to reinforce and reassure them that they're here.
   
   

2. State the importance of the task
   This is your opportunity to reflect users' attitudes, give any cautionary warnings, and describe the importance of doing the task correctly. This is where you tell users they need your instructions, and need to follow them carefully.

Be sure to upload a copy of both your novice and expert instructions drafts to one of your group members' blogs by the beginning of class today. We'll be doing peer reviews and you'll need yours to participate.

http://www.io.com/~hcexres/textbook/instrxx4c.html

Instructions graphics and photos...

1. should never distract the user from a step;

2. should never replace a step;
3. should reinforce a command, if placed within a step;
4. should be consistently colored, formatted, labeled, and designed;
5. should be drawn to scale whenever possible;
6. should be as 3-dimensional as possible when showing the finished product.
7. should be as universally known as possible.

   Here's a link for downloading common symbols you might need in your instructions: http://iws.ccccd.edu/acano/lectures/ARTC1305_Logos.htm

Questions to ask...

To determine if your instructions idea will fit this project:

1. Can a novice audience complete their task with only your instructions?

2. Does an expert audience need your instructions?
3. Can your written instructions realistically take the place of personal instruction?

If you can answer "yes" to ALL 3 questions, then your instructions will likely be fine for this project. If not, your group might want to adjust your plan.

Consider whether the following can meet the 3 questions criteria: