This term was a very valuable learning experience for me. I was able to form a more concrete idea of what I would like my terminal research project to entail, and what direction that I would like to take it in.

At the start of the term, I was torn between two budding research ideas. One being the analyzation of how technology (specifically personal devices such as smart phones and tablets) affects authentic participation within museums. This approach would have analyzed the benefits and restrictions that personal devices might pose, ranging from creating a participatory experience for the visitor, to the distraction that personal devices create.

The other topic that I was considering was the development of an activist art project, created by Melissa Brooke DeHart titled Stripped Strong. DeHart is a personal friend, and has approached me on helping her develop an approach to market and develop this project in hopes to spread the Stripped Strong message to the public. This project has been an interesting endeavor, as the message has changed since its creation. The fluidity of this project is interesting to me, as I feel that it aligns with my own personal research approach.

The Stripped Strong project can be looked at from several different angles. Currently, I am interesting in how to bring this project into the public sphere, and to create a higher level of exposure and accessibility. However, when developing a research question, I am also interested in analyzing other activist projects and how activist art can inspire social change. Through this lens, Stripped Strong could also be looked at as a case study, instead of a practical, hands-on project.

Through the course of this term, I have been able to narrow down my research interests towards the Stripped Strong project. However, now I am faced with the challenge on how I would like to build the framework for this topic. I would like to work with the project, not only as a promoter, but also as a participant, but feel as though that directly participating in the project may influence my ability to have an unbiased approach to research methods.

I look forward to narrowing my approach over the coming term with the Research Reading course.