Overview of Academic Arguments

Making an argument academically involves formulating a claim or position on a particular subject and backing it up with reasoning, evidence, and analysis. This begins with creating a clear research question that facilitates the inquiry and ends with a succinct thesis statement that captures the central argument. The research question serves as a guide for the exploration, while the thesis serves as a summary of the conclusion reached that demonstrates the author’s opinion on the matter in question: Overview of Academic Arguments.

Research Question

Research Question

In what ways does literature view and represent mental health, and how does this affect the stigma society has toward mental illnesses?

Discipline: Literary Studies/Psychology/Sociology

Criteria Check

• Personal Investment: This question is personal, as I have witnessed the impact of mental health issues in my own life and those around me, making this a topic I am passionate about exploring.
• Debatable Subject: The representation of mental health in literature is a highly debated topic, with differing opinions on whether these portrayals lead to greater understanding and empathy or contribute to further stigmatization.
• Researchable Issue: There exists a substantial body of contemporary literary works that address mental health, along with critical essays, studies, and discussions that provide ample material for analysis (Guo et al., 2024).
• Feasible: Focusing on a select number of literary texts allows for in-depth analysis without overwhelming myself, making this topic manageable within the given timeframe.
• Contribution: This research aims to contribute to the existing dialogue surrounding mental health representation, exploring how literature can influence societal attitudes. By analyzing various works, I hope to shed light on the complex relationship between narratives and societal stigma, ultimately fostering a greater understanding of mental health issues.

Additional Brainstormed Research Questions

Research Question #1

How does the representation of marginalized groups in contemporary media influence societal perceptions and behaviors?

Discipline: Media Studies/Sociology

Criteria Check

• Personal Investment: This topic resonates with my interest in social justice.
• Debatable Subject: There are varying opinions on the impact of media representation on real-world attitudes.
• Researchable Issue: Enough studies, articles, and media examples are available for analysis.
• Feasible: I can focus on select media examples within a manageable timeframe.
• Contribution: This research can contribute to discussions on diversity and representation in media, potentially influencing policy and production practices.

Research Question #2

In what ways do contemporary novels address themes of climate change, and how do these narratives impact readers’ attitudes toward environmental action?

Discipline: Environmental Studies

Criteria Check

• Personal Investment: My passion for environmental issues drives this inquiry.
• Debatable Subject: There is an ongoing debate about literature’s role in activism and climate awareness.
• Researchable Issue: A variety of contemporary novels deal with climate themes, allowing for text-based analysis.
• Feasible: I can select a few key sources to focus on without overwhelming myself.
• Contribution: This research adds to the conversation on literature’s influence on environmental awareness and action.

Research Question #3

How do the themes of isolation and connection in contemporary poetry reflect the effects of social media on interpersonal relationships?

Discipline: Sociology

Criteria Check

• Personal Investment: I am interested in the dynamics of modern relationships.
• Debatable Subject: Some argue social media enhances connectivity, while others believe it fosters isolation (Winstone et al., 2021).
• Researchable Issue: There is a wealth of contemporary poetry that explores these themes, providing rich material for analysis.
• Feasible: Analyzing a selection of poems within the scope of my project is manageable.
• Contribution: This research can help illuminate how poetry captures the complexities of modern human relationships in the digital age.

All these, along with the focus on mental health in literature, are active lines of inquiry within my preferences and I am able to cross these with challenges posed by the need to fulfill academic requirements of building substantial claims. With every question set, I have had the hope that it would incite the learner to find such answers and approach multidisciplinary ways to understand the most important issues of today’s world.

References

Guo, Z., Lai, A., Thygesen, J. H., Farrington, J., Keen, T., & Li, K. (2024). Large language model for mental health: A systematic review. arXiv:2403.15401. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2403.15401

Winstone, L., Mars, B., Haworth, C. M., & Kidger, J. (2021). Social media use and social connectedness among adolescents in the United Kingdom: A qualitative exploration of displacement and stimulation. BMC Public Health, 21, 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-11802-9

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In this discussion forum, you will provide an overview of academic arguments, including the first stage that you will be turning in this week, the research question.

Overview of Academic Arguments

This week’s discussion forum contains a few different components. First, in a brief paragraph (no less than 50 words), explain what it means to make an academic argument, including developing the research question and thesis statement. Then brainstorm 3 research questions that you are interested in pursuing, checking each one against the criteria on page 82 in our textbook, and identifying each one’s corresponding academic discipline.

Textbook: 

• Reading Literature and Writing Argument.
• Lecture materials