Reflection on Inquiry

Prompt 1: The topic of inquiry that I explored for my research paper was the relationship
between climate change and hurricanes. Specifically, I focused on whether or not global
warming is contributing to increased tropical cyclone activity within the Atlantic region. I
wanted to choose this topic because it is a topic that has divided researchers in the field of
meteorology. Ive been interested in meteorology for quite some time now, and I wanted to find
some way to relate this research paper to the field that I currently plan on majoring in, while
being sure to relate it to one of the five axioms of sustainability in CNRE.

Prompt 2: As a member of the AMS and NWA societies, I was able to have access to different
research articles that focus on my topic of inquiry. What I gathered from those articles was
confirmation that this is definitely a divided issue among researchers. I was also able to gather
other sources from Summon that shed even more light on my topic. The information that I
collected was credible and relatable to my topic. The only trouble that I encountered with
Summon was that I was still obtaining too many search results with what I considered to be even
more narrowed search statements than the ones I previously thought of. What I would try
differently next time would be to use a greater variety of resources other than Summon and have
more specific search statements. The handouts that we were given, which include the
Information Research and Search Statements, were very helpful in the planning and research
stages of the paper, as well as with maintaining organization.

Prompt 3: When it comes to common knowledge, the boundary is a little distorted and hazy.
However, what I would define common knowledge as would be facts that are widely known,
such as the molecular structure of water or that George Washington was the first president.
When you come across information that is unfamiliar, new, or not widely known, then that
would be a clue that you would need to cite that information and give credit where credit is due.
Throughout the research process, I found sources that support my thesis statement as well as
refute it. When I come across sources that refute my thesis statement, I become aware of other
possibilities and solutions. These sources are mostly research based from scientists in the field
of meteorology. While gathering information, I made sure to create notecards in which I
paraphrase a thought from the author, while writing the authors name on the card in order to
give credit where it is due.