Opening Spaces: Writing Technologies and Critical Research Practices

by Patricia Sullivan, James Porter

This is an examination of writing technologies and critical research practices. It discusses topics such articulating methodology as praxis; postmodern mapping and methodological interfaces; and the politics and ethics of studying writing with computers.

232 pages, Paperback

First published September 25, 1997

Reviews

[Chris Friend · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful, clear, and appropriately organized, this text presents useful thoughts on critically examining a study's methodology. The authors make their case early on, then explain their case, then illustrate their case with their own research.

Most memorable to me as a graduate student and would-be dissertation researcher was the analogy of a basketball game. Explaining how the vantage point and level of involvement of various game observers could drastically change their perceptions of the game has resonated with me ever since.

The authors do take a bit more time to explain their ideas than I think is necessary—I found myself skipping pages, if not chapters, toward the end—but they can't be accused of failing to elaborate.

I recommend this text for others, like me, who are about to enter the field of qualitative researchers, especially those who study computers and composition.