Discussion 9: Academic Writing — Argument
Read Bowman et al.’s “Chapter 7: Research in Transformative Game Design” in Transformative Role-playing Game Design.
Read Laurel Nesbitt’s “The Toulmin Method.”
Watch Jessica Liu’s “Develop a Theoretical Framework in 3 Steps | Scribbr.” (3 min).
Then, answer the following questions:
- Describe the major steps of the Toulmin Method in building a good argument. Provide a step-by-step example of how you might apply the Toulmin Method steps to try to build your argument based on your claim.
- Propose a one-sentence hypothesis that you plan to explore in your research paper, i.e. your claim. Make it specific to your particular project, design process, and research goals, not generic like, “Role-playing games can be transformative.”
- Introduce one (1) theory and/or concept that you are using to support your reasoning for your design choices.
- Your playtest feedback and iteration can be considered your evidence. Consider what evidence you hope to see from your playtests. How will you know if your claim has been supported?
- Note: In research through design, discovering your claim is actually not supported by your playtest findings is a valid result. You would then propose a new hypothesis or plans for future research in your conclusion.
- Address any counterarguments someone might make against your claim, design process, and/or your method, which in this case is Research Through Design for a small group of student peers.
Finally, respond to at least two (2) of your peers in Ask a Question, Answer a Question format.