Week 10

Methodology is essentially the study of research methods.  Wikipedia defines a method as a structured procedure in order to accomplish a goal.  Usually, this goal is to gain more knowledge or to confirm already known things. Many sources credit different people for starting methodology, however Michael Halliday is recognized for influencing Social Semiotics

 

Some rules associated with methodology are, description and analysis of the disadvantages and advantages of different methods. This can be done through the comparison between two different methods.  There is quantitative and qualitative approach, quantitative approach is usually tied to natural sciences while qualitative is associated more with social sciences.  This is because quantitative uses numbers and precis measurements in order to find universal laws. Qualitative approaches are centered around human characteristics and behavior and experience. 

 

Week 9

 Online Arguments

Due to my inability to download or create an account for twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or really anything besides youtube and snapchat, I looked up on youtube what the best comment section argument was and came back with a Suprise. In the Comment section of a Nintendo Super Mario music video was a argument that lasted nearly over a year long. 

If you don't believe me watch this video but be aware of some inappropriate language. 

(31) Angriest Comment Thread on Youtube - YouTube

The yearlong argument started with one comment, this comment happened to be an opinion. This opinion was that the person liked this song, as well as stating it was the best final boss fight song. Now i don't know a lot about Mario but one thing I know is never to post an opinion you don't want to hear or see someone oppose or discredit. Now with that in mid my first rule to arguing online is, (1) never state your opinion. Its not worth the time and brain power and if its your idea keep it in your head, i don't think opinions are worth getting cussed out online. Which brings me to my next point, in this really long argument all starting over someone liking the song one person begins to excessively use harsh tones and profanity while other people are being pretty respectful. This definitely shows that the person feels safe enough behind the computer screen to cuss and really try to offend the other person. This brings me to my second rule, (2) Never cuss or use harsh or be-littleing language in an online discussion or argument. This is because its simply not appropriate, cool, or even remotely strong to resort to cussing at your opposing point, and often wont help your arguments credibility.

Soon after the cussing began in the comment section many people tried to make this person stop. They would often resort to trying to put the person down and support the popular opinion. However, this wouldn't work, it was like the one who started cussing in the first place would just wait around for attention or a response. This brings me to my third rule, (3) Never reciprocate their energy, you cant fight fire with fire, and if you did there would be a big flame. At the end of the day I don't think it matters too much but sometimes arguments and comments can have lasting impacts. Which brings me to my 4th and 5th rule. (4) don't argue with someone about something your not educated about. Your simply wasting both of your times. My rule that comes in last but is just as important is, treat others how you want to be treated. A lot of times people will start arguments online because they are bored, so if you remain polite, they may lose interest and you could be spared from getting verbally abused online by a 14-year-old. 

Week 8

 Toulmin's method

The Toulmin method is a multi-step method in which you use to analyze the logic of an argument. (Green 289) I feel like when I try to think of the Toulmin method online, I immediately think of the tv show The Office. If any character on that show would know what the Toulmin method is and how to use it, it would be Dwight. 

Dwight and Jim have formed a relationship where Jim essentially pranks Dwight in many different ways, and in some of these ways it can be through argument. Dwight can assume its Jim but needs additional information to confirm its who he thinks it is. Like Toulmin Dwight analyses the evidence and reasoning behind Jims pranks. 

Sometimes Dwight doesn't pick up on it.