By “blue-sky” research, Sir John Vane means researching and spending time partaking in activities that a person is genuinely interested in, not wasting time on activities with a goal of reaching an end-product or result. Rather than using research as a means of self indulgence, Sir John Vane uses the notion of blue-sky research to instead participate in what one is interested in. Advantages to blue-sky research include the development of Bayer aspirin and its’ effects on society today. Through genuine interest, Felix Hoffman was able to stumble upon the creation of aspirin, something beneficial to millions today. Ian Frazier connects blue-sky research to playing in the woods with an explanation of marginal activities. Marginal activities are activities that certain members of society, depending on their place or age, participate in with genuine interest and enjoyment. For example, an adult would not be seen playing in the woods, as opposed to a child. Inversely, a child would not be seen studying about the stock exchange. With these supposed cultural constructs, Ian Frazier reminisces about when he would play in the woods with genuine interest and satisfaction. Ian Frazier’s marginal activity connects to Sir John Vane’s blue-sky research through the fact that both include genuine, satisfying activities that enrich the community. As explained in Sir John Vane’s essay, “Blue-Sky Research,” such research “[holds] great promise for the community,” helping reverse today’s “urgency to show a return,” (346). Because of Frazier’s enjoyment, playing in the woods was not a rushed activity, connecting to blue-sky research and helping push Sir John Vane’s philosophy.
I agree that without such research, society would indeed be poorer, as would be our health. Blue-sky research is needed for the betterment of society today. Without a genuine interest or satisfaction in an activity, one would not have a place or fit in society. Going to work somewhere dreadful may be possible through the eyes of some, but those same people still go somewhere after work fueled with enjoyment and genuine interest, ready to be partake in a hobby and start the highlight of the day. The specific activity, however, is usually up to the person
He portrays scientific research as dangerous by declaring that a “single step can also take one of a cliff.” This further emphasizes the courage prerequisite to scientists and hearkens back to the fear of the unknown. The fact that all of one’s work may be dashed into pieces by a single finding in the laboratory conveys the tenacity of researchers. Barry’s description of the process by which a scientist decides which “tools” are appropriate to the task at hand, exemplifies the tedious and often inglorious labor involved in most scientific research. Barry finally predicts that if a scientist is successful a “flood” of colleagues and others will “pave roads” over the paths so painstakingly laid, taking one within minutes to the very place the scientist spent so long searching for. This suggests that in the wake of major discovery, the actual pioneer of this breakthrough may be forgotten. Countless researchers have made valuable contributions to the human understanding of the world, and faded into obscurity over the course of the history of science. Barry’s conceit conveys the fact that, like exploring uncharted wilderness, scientific research can be both treacherous and thankless, but all the more noble for
In his nonfiction text, The Great Influenza, John M. Barry explains that scientific research is an uncertain process. Barry supports this explanation by using rhetorical strategies such as repetition and a metaphor. Barry’s purpose is to prove scientific research is a confident process that allows one to be courageous on the side of uncertainty. Barry uses formal tone with his audience that goes beyond researchers.
This essay depicts a relationship between society and nature, referring to the woods. Society is changing rather quickly which prevents an individual from truly seeing everything around them. It has destroyed nature and the clarity that the woods provide. Berry notices how people do not see where they are anymore. Many are going through life never actually looking to see what is around them or observing closer. He goes into the woods and immerse himself in nature. As Berry states, “The faster
John M. Barry, the author of The Great Influenza, writes about scientists and the obstacles they face. He claims that scientists are explorers in the wilderness that is science. There is no charted path to go down and no one to follow. Scientists will always be uncertain, however scientists should possess certain characteristics to overcome the doubt. He appeals to our emotions to explain the necessary characteristics a scientist has to posses. John M. Barry uses anaphoras, motifs, and pathos in his definition of what scientists do.
“Seek happiness in tranquility and avoid ambition, even it be only the apparently innocent one of distinguishing yourself in science and discoveries” (Shelley 193).
Research is vital in understanding why certain theories are conceived. Essentially, through research I am studying human life and more so studying human
Brilliant author, John M. Barry, once proclaimed, “Uncertainty makes one tentative if not fearful, and tentative steps, even when in the right direction, may not overcome significant obstacles… It is the courage to accept—indeed, embrace—uncertainty” (Barry 3-5 & 9-10). These quotes can be traced back to John M. Barry’s passage of “The Great Influenza,” where he writes an account about the 1918 flu epidemic that struck the world. In his account, he goes into further explanation about the rigors and fulfillment of being a scientist, and simultaneously, discusses the tedious process of their research. Ultimately, society is educated that the life of a scientist should not be absolute, but it should consist of persistence and courage. In John M. Barry’s “The Great Influenza,” the author employs innovative metaphors and unique rhetorical questions to portray scientific research.
Discoveries are everywhere in everyday life and they can impact the way we see the world, either positively or negatively. Because of this, it can be noted that “Not all discoveries are welcomed”. We can explore this philosophy through the examination of various techniques found within both Robert Gray’s ‘Journey, North Coast’ and ‘The Meatworks’, as well Leo Matsuda’s animated short film, ‘Inner workings’. These three texts, although all having visual processes of discovery, offer juxtaposing perspectives on the acceptance (or lack of) towards discoveries.
John makes it clear that scientific research is essential and is not as easy as following step by step. It takes time, dedication, and most of all determination. When someone is determined they will do whatever it takes, especially thinking out of the box, to accomplish their goal. Overall, the essay was presented in a logical and comprehensible way that allowed the reader to understand how essential yet possibly hard it can be to use scientific research.
What is scientific research without competent scientists? John M. Barry’s The Great Influenza, characterizes scientific research as a commendable venture. Barry uses rhetorical strategies such as repetition, compelling diction, and vivid imagery. These tactics aid the reader’s comprehension of the author’s purpose. The purpose is to convince readers that scientists require certain traits to overcome the challenges of scientific research. The passage in reference suggests that John M. Barry holds scientists in high regard.
Like how seasons are the changes on land, they can also be apply to oceans in temperate latitudes. The most productive seas on the planet are the seasonal seas because they border the temperate parts of the world where conditions change throughout the year. The power of the sun is constantly changing; hence there are different seasons even under the seas due to the different in sunlight radiation. In the far north, summers are warm and gentle, while winters are wracked by savage storms. Sable Island, southeast of Nova Scotia in the Atlantic Ocean is home to the world’s largest colony of gray seal, about 100,000 seals come to breed here each year. The climate at this location is heavily influenced by the sea and being located in the path of major frontal storms and cyclones, precipitation is high. Around March, the seas have warmed enough to trigger phytoplankton to appear. Phytoplankton is tiny algae, each smaller than a pinhead. During this time of the year, phytoplankton reproduces with an amazing speed and produces more annual growth than all the parts on land together. They
Our country was founded on certain moral principles. The moral principles which guide our lives are referred to as ethics. These ethics have an impact on how we interact with the world around us and shape our personalities; this happens even if we do not realize their immediate impact. It is for this very reason that ethics in psychological research became necessary. “One may also define ethics as a method, procedure, or perspective for deciding how to act and for analyzing complex problems and issues” (Resnik, 2011). We are expected to behave or be treated a particular way in society, therefore we should be granted certain ethical treatments in regards to research.
The research I have conducted explains the way I grow and think as a human being. It will give reason to my nonsocial habits and my tendencies to focus in on problems. This research not only gives understanding to the basic of my personality traits but it demonstrated my strengths and weaknesses as well. INTPs are very logical people and can do great things. As thinkers INTPs look at wide variety of outcomes in a situation. Clarity is essential to how situations are handled. My research gave a look on how I perceive the world. My ideas sometime don’t fit into reality. Perception,
Psychological research may be undertaken on a subset of society; however the importance of the results may have an effect way beyond the group tested. The value of psychological research varies and the same results can be used in different ways by different groups of society.
Lastly, to address the affective domain, I chose to develop personal values for how I will conduct research. To complete this goal, I participated in class discussions, verbalizing my values and personal opinions on material presented in this class, as well as responding to peers. I feel that I have partially met this objective, as my personal values are not set in stone, but are being developed with ongoing exposure to research methodologies and strategies. Thus, a future goal is to continue to identify my personal values in regard to research, bearing in mind the value of ethics and morals.