The document outlines Elizabeth Taurisani's research methodology for three thesis topics: 1) How Twitter is changing communication and being used as a tool for activism on a local and global scale. 2) The demands of projecting simultaneous self-identity in the physical and digital worlds and how this affects adolescents. 3) Open source software development and how it has affected society and opportunities for collaborative solutions. The methodology provides steps for optimizing the research process, identifying known knowledge, observing responses, charting findings, developing hypotheses, obtaining feedback, and evolving understanding.

1. Research
Methodology
Elizabeth Taurisani | Directed Research
Subject
1
Subject
2
Subject
3

2. Research
Methodology
Elizabeth Taurisani | Directed Research
Thesis
Topics
OPTIMIZE
1
Eliminate distractions
Create archives for documentation
Set schedule/plan

3. Research
Methodology
Elizabeth Taurisani | Directed Research
Thesis
Topics
IDENTIFY
2
Identify and chart known knowledge regarding
problem, audience and conditions at hand

4. Research
Methodology
Elizabeth Taurisani | Directed Research
Thesis
Topics
OBSERVE
Consult trusted resources
Ask indirect questions
Solicit network participation
Observe responses, chart findings
ASK
3
SOLICIT
4

5. Research
Methodology
Elizabeth Taurisani | Directed Research
Thesis
Topics
CREATE
DISTANCE
5
Allow distractions
Clear mind

6. Research
Methodology
Elizabeth Taurisani | Directed Research
Thesis
Topics
CHART
6
Identify and chart overlapping patterns
in observations and findings

7. Research
Methodology
Elizabeth Taurisani | Directed Research
Thesis
Topics
DEVELOP
HYPOTHESES
7
Draw conclusions based on findings

8. Research
Methodology
Elizabeth Taurisani | Directed Research
Thesis
Topics
OBTAIN
FEEDBACK
8
Consult experts and mentors
Document progress and responses

9. Research
Methodology
Elizabeth Taurisani | Directed Research
Thesis
Topics
EVOLVE
9
Re-evaluate hypotheses
Evolve understanding of problem
(Repeat cycle as often as necessary)

10. Research
Methodology
Elizabeth Taurisani | Directed Research
Subject
1
Subject
2
Subject
3

11. Research
Methodology
Elizabeth Taurisani | Directed Research
Thesis
Topics
Topic
1
I am studying how twitter is changing communication
and how its used as a tool to inspire activism on a
local and global scale.
Because I want to understand how digital media
communities form movements for the greater good.
In order to help readers inspire and
contribute to positive change in society.
So that individual acknowledgements of injustice and
the need for change can turn into collective action.

12. Research
Methodology
Elizabeth Taurisani | Directed Research
Thesis
Topics
Topic
2
I am studying the demand of simultaneous self
identity projection in the physical and the digital
world and how this duality of self effects adolescents.
Because I want to know if the opportunities provided
by digital self identity helps to promote
individuality or social conformity.
In order to help my readers become aware of the
pressures of adolescent identity development.
So that ……

13. Research
Methodology
Elizabeth Taurisani | Directed Research
Thesis
Topics
Topic
3
I am studying open source software development,
how it has effected a changed society and
opportunities of collaborative solutions.
Because I want to understand motivations behind
open source development.
In order to motivate community focused problem
solving collaborative efforts
So that …