Genio Ryan Tan @ryantanoutd2511 - Tumblr Blog

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My final takeaways from this course

Three Things I know for certain about outdoor recreation research:

The Importance of Ethics and Protecting the Confidentiality of Participants

From this course, I learned about the importance of ethics and being an ethical researcher. Ethical researchers might not get many rewards and little praise, but that is better than the long list of consequences an unethical researcher can face when caught (Neuman, 2018). The best preparation for ethical behaviour is to internalize a sensitivity to ethical concerns, to adopt a serious professional role, and to interact regularly with other researchers. Moveover, the scientific community demands ethical behaviour without exceptions” (Neuman, 2018). The ethics tutorial by TCPS-2 also taught me a lot about ethics, such as the level of confidentiality needed with participants of many age-ranges, mostly children. The textbook explains what scientific misconduct is, and two forms of it, research fraud and plagiarism. I had heard of plagiarism before, from my other University classes and that blurb in all the syllabuses, but also from an Academic Integrity Matters (AIM) course I did last year.

Invisible Backpacks in Research

Every person has an invisible backpack that affects their life. A person’s invisible backpack can affect, not only other people’s opinions and views of them, but also their own ideals, ideas, and opinions about the world around them, including any research they partake in (Hooykaas, 2022).

My invisible backpack affects and impacts my views and opinions on the things around me.

My Invisible Backpack Photo Credit: Drew Miller, made on Canva

Bad Science: How to spot it

Another thing I learned from this class was Bad Science and how to spot it.

Photo Credits: Hooykaas, 2022

The 12 tips to spotting bad science are:

Sensationalized Headlines

Misinterpreted Results

Conflict of Interests

Correlation & Causation

Speculative Language

Sample Size Too Small

Unrepresentative Samples

No Control Group Used

No Blind Testing Used

‘Cherry-picked’ Results

Unreplicable Results

Journals & Citations

I used these tips for spotting bad articles when writing my final paper for a different class this semester. I searched for keywords and read the abstracts for each one that came up, along with also avoiding the ones with “sensationalized headlines [and titles].”

Three Things I’m still confused about are:

How I will use this knowledge I have gained from this class in my future, as right now I am not planning on going into a career in the research field; I’m leaning more towards the outdoor education field.

Some of the research-related terms and phrases. I have learned many terms from this course, through the textbook and the slides. An example of a phrase I’m confused with is ‘Axial Coding’, which from the textbook is defined as “a second coding of qualitative data after open coding. The researcher organizes the codes, develops linkages among them, and discovers key analytic categories” (Neuman, 2018). Another phrase is ‘Alternative Hypothesis’, and when I looked up the definition in the textbook, I didn’t know one of the words, ‘null hypothesis’, that was part of the definition, so I had to learn what that term meant to figure out what my original confusing term meant. This occurred many times throughout the assigned textbook readings for me.

How to use Tumblr. Before this class, I had never used Tumblr or any blogging platform. I have learned how to post, and repost and reply to other’s posts. One thing that still confuses me about Tumblr is how sometimes when I click on someone’s post or repost to read it, it pops up on the side in a smaller area; I’m not sure why, but it only happens randomly, so it is not too bad.

Three things I know for certain about me as an outdoor recreation researcher:

I prefer to analyze and use qualitative research over quantitative when researching. I don’t mind analyzing numbers and more concrete data, but qualitative data, with its information in words, pictures, sounds, visual images or objects (Neuman, 2018) is more my style.

I currently plan to not go into a career in the research field, more aiming for the outdoor education field. But I have learned that if I am interested in and like the topic I’m researching, whether outdoor-related or not, I will be more excited and passionate about it. For example, when I was writing the script for my podcast group, I was much more excited about writing the sections about ghost towns and shipwrecks over the rest of it.

Three areas I need to spend time developing/learning in order to feel more confident in my skills:

Taking time and having more practice with writing research/survey questions, whether the questions are quantitative or qualitative. I don’t have much practice writing either type of questions, or really any survey research questions before this class.

Organizing my research notes better. I need to spend some time improving my note collecting method, which right now is to put everything in one doc, under general headings and with a certain note to remember which one of my references it came from. This works for some assignments and projects, but for others, that have a lot of research and notes, it is a little confusing.

More confident in myself, in my researching skills and in general. I’m not the most confident person, with my skills and knowledge, or sharing them with others. I have gained some confidence over the last year and a half, as I am still often very quiet, but now I will sometimes offer my opinions and thoughts, more than just when I have to, like after being called on in class.

References:

Neuman, W. L., & Robson, K. (2018). Chapter 2 Theory and Social Research. In Basics of Social Research Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches (4th Canadian Edition, pp. 21 - 40). essay, Pearson.

Neuman, W. L., & Robson, K. (2018). Chapter 4 Reviewing the Scholarly Literature and Planning a Study. In Basics of Social Research Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches (4th Canadian Edition, pp. 62 - 79). essay, Pearson.

Neuman, W. L., & Robson, K. (2018). Chapter 5 Designing a Study. In Basics of Social Research Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches (4th Canadian Edition, pp. 79 – 102). essay, Pearson.

Neuman, W. L., & Robson, K. (2018). Chapter 14 Nonreactive Qualitative Research. In Basics of Social Research Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches (4th Canadian Edition, pp. 305 - 327). essay, Pearson.

ryantanoutd2511

Hey Drew,

Definitely felt the same way in common with your confusing points. In the first hand, using Tumblr is a whole new thing, despite having former experience with social platforms like Facebook or Instagram, but those were significanlty different than Tumblr which is primarily for blogging. I have little experience and practice for posting blogs. It took me some time to discover its features and barely got to manage the basics. It will bug me if any thing occurs and I had to look up for a post or a comment to either reply to or share for example. Also for Coding of data, this one sub-topic within the lesson contains a lot of complex, abstract concepts and terminology. Not to mention those strange terms you just listed above, none seem to be straight-forward in term of understanding!

I strongly feel the same for preference of research method to be qualitative rather than quantititative. It is more of a common sense way to do researches, your questions asked often can be easily understood by participants or at least easier by interpretation. An up side is that data can be collected via interview, questionnaire, and surveys, many times these do not neccessarily contain heavy numbers, statistics or diagrams, where cumbersomeness is huge.

After all, great reflection over the course content, keep it going!

Ryan

OUTD 2511 Blog Prompt 9-10

These three things I know for certain about outdoor recreation research:

1. Quantitative research method

2. Qualitative research method

3. Choosing a hypothesis

It was introduced in the very beginning of the course that there are two ways of approach for researchers to achieve their goal, which are through either defined as quantitatively or qualitatively done. It is fairly clear about the difference between the two: 1)Qualitative studies focus on understanding and describing the world of human experiences (Hooykaas, Research design week 2 student copy, 2022). At which the source of data is mainly from subjective experiences like emotion, feelings; follow up with questions of ‘how’ and ‘what’ to a selected phenomenon the researcher is willing to study of (Hooykaas, 2022). 2)Quantitative questions about “how much”, ”what effect” or “why”, similar to that back in high school when performing introductory scientific research. Both an independent and dependent variable to be addressed for managing the scope of the topic. Qualitative research identifies connections, relationships, and comparisons between variables BEFORE data are collected (Hooykaas, 2022). Most source data for qualitative research includes interview, survey, and sorts of questionnaire. Statistics, charts, and diagrams are usually common for works done by performing quantitative standards.

These three things I am still confused by:

1. Coding

2. Data management

3. Designing questionnaires

I am doubtful about the details on how to code the data collected into an actual useful representation(can be charts, diagrams, etc.). Despite having some knowledge with how to manage data editing software like Microsoft Office in an electronic device, it is still complex in term of picking up the right portion out into the appropriate sections. It seems to be the very first step is not the technological component, instead, it is the limit/context of what you tend to gain among all the rest of information. I’m also confused frequently with what and how to manage the data collected since many times this data is of a huge density. Methods are that we will need to break it down bit by bit and systematically organize them into their corresponding area (Hooykaas, 2022). Last one would be about issues with designing a questionnaire, there is no actual perfect system of rules that one will follow in order to create that, but an infinite numbers of ways one can achieve to the same goal through distinct paths.

These three things I know for certain about me as an outdoor recreation researcher:

1. Ethics

2. Developing research questions

3. Interviewing

As we conduct research over humans, we inevitably have to deal with all the ethnical components that come along with before, during, and after the work is done to avoid liability. we do not always satisfy with the existing findings found in public domains; we rather conduct due to different motivations to execute work with our own set standards. However, we can’t simply skip the procedures and get what we want, it is safe to always do some research ahead regarding ethics so we can be free from litigious charges (negligence, wanton). At developing a research question that fulfills our purposes we need to clarify for what the objectives are. Nevertheless, these characteristics (Clear, Focused, Concise, Complex, Arguable) should be implied (Hooykaas, 2022). In addition, multiple steps are designed to help develop strong, suitable research questions: 1. Filter out works done by other people that are related to your chosen rough topic, see what rooms are left or if it is still worthy researching. 2. Decide to whom you want to show your work. 3. Brainstorming ideas for your topic. 4. Evaluate the proposed ideas. 5. Begin research (Hooykaas, 2022). All those were fundamental to start the actual research, after done with the preparation at the time, to gather data we must do interview. Some forms of interview can sound less professional and others not. This is dependent on which way we want our approach based on the need to be accomplished. To build a successful interview we must consider all those factors that would act to affect its completion.

These three areas I need to spend time developing/learning in order to feel more confident in my skills

1. Critical reflexivity

2. Sampling

3. Linking Literature to Research/Literature Review

Speaking of things that I tend to know a bit better than the others while still to practice more frequently in order to fully comprehend the definition and real-life applications. Totally agree with the speaking that, in which depict the fact of knowledge is more valuable when it can be applied. So is what critical reflexivity ask about for researchers, that it is a dynamic and ever-changing social process that would need constant monitoring on new relations and issues (Hooykaas, 2022). It is definitely a long-term effort of thing, accompanied there are other difficulties on the way that are to be overcome with continuing involvement. Consciously reflect on both self and others works, extend observation toward a broader view, seek for any potential outcomes beyond the subject and ask question for “what else”. Once done formulating a questionnaire for targeted participants it is important to know how to organize with the data that you have collected for sampling. Reason for that is because not all the information you receive from the participants are essential to you. Instead, a selective series of adequate and coinciding questions before landing will be ideal. The main point is to incite for concise, controlled answers that minimizes unwanted results, since not always is true that the more questions asked, the more satisfying outcomes will be. As for university level of studies we must borrow knowledge from precedent scholars and thus we also are taught to credit their contribution to our eventual work. It is bothersome and lengthy at browsing through pages and pages of texts and find the piece you are looking for. Nonetheless, learn to know how to effectively use others’ works can really help backing up your own.

References

Hooykaas, A. (2022, 3 21). Research design week 10 student copy. Retrieved from Mycourselink: https://mycourselink.lakeheadu.ca/d2l/le/content/93758/viewContent/1326433/View

Hooykaas, A. (2022, 1 22). Research design week 2 student copy. Retrieved from Mycourselink: https://mycourselink.lakeheadu.ca/d2l/le/content/93758/viewContent/1304242/View

Hooykaas, A. (2022, 2 7). Research design week 3 student copy. Retrieved from Mycourselink: https://mycourselink.lakeheadu.ca/d2l/le/content/93758/viewContent/1316810/View

Hooykaas, A. (2022, 2 7). Research design week 5 student copy. Retrieved from Mycourselink: https://mycourselink.lakeheadu.ca/d2l/le/content/93758/viewContent/1316810/View

OUTD 2511 Blog Prompt 8

https://quizizz.com/join/pre-game/running/U2FsdGVkX19dKA4awbNAf3C3BOYyF8GxKfCPcXuiqAbZRiWovVPEWCzl0KBnMn3gMZWpbW4%252FFi8yoERSGigdaQ%253D%253D/start

I randomly run through a whole set of available options in Quizizz, a platform/website one can create simple and fun modified tests, often used by mid-high school people. I end up picking a quiz with the title Articles of Confederation and Daniel Shay Rebellion and it is about part of the history of the United States regarding law, farmer, and tax. Despite I don’t necessarily need to know about any of the background story, the format of the quiz was set up mostly in multiple-choice, with only a few questions requires numerical or verbal input, that way I can even randomly select an answer regardless of whether it’s true or not. When talking about the potential research method used for making up this quiz, I would say it is based on a qualitative measurement, constituted with real historical events/knowledge and person rather than numerical values or statistics (Hooykaas, 2022). In addition, it should be also an reactive research, since the quiz is mainly aimed to test the students’(or whoever’s) knowledge on a certain topic about American history, definitely respondents are conscious that they are being questioned (Hooykaas, 2022).

Like mentioned, the majority of the composition of the quiz is multiple choice questions, at least two possible answers are given, and you select the correct one, also the types of answers can be either true-or-false or a list of the answers related to the question. The advantage for doing this is really limit the context of the quiz, where questions are not open-ended type that will lead to extended thinking, so is the answering becomes limited to a specific range. The reason for why this is good is because you can manage the finite amount of outcomes as expected that satisfy for counting purposes. There were differences in the answers’ variation, for example, to answer a question with four possibilities that lacks specification on the number of choices you need to decide. This increases unpredictability; however, the content of the answers would not be out of the context anyway. There is one question that leaves empty blank for free writing, which I would consider beneficial to lead to critical thinking, creativity, and diversity. The question asked on this one is quite focus still on the subject, simultaneously disadvantageous to the person who made the quiz because he/she may receive answers completely deviated by others attend the quiz. Another possible down is the limitlessness of response length of writing the author can get, some people may write down just a single word, others may come up with a long paragraph, together add up the difficulty for at the moment of assessing these answers.

If I were the author of the quiz, I would have specified on things like the maximum amount of words one can input into if it is an open-ended or short-answer question. I would have control over the acceptable range of answers received. Limit the context of the questions asked solely drawn from the knowledge required to attend this quiz.

References

Hooykaas, A. (2022, 1 24). Research Design. Retrieved from My course link : https://mycourselink.lakeheadu.ca/d2l/le/content/93758/viewContent/1306297/View

OUTD 2511 Blog Prompt 7

Magdy Alanani - Towards efficient future housing against climate impact

As we may have heard about that the recent sustainability cost of living and housing had been fluctuated significantly by influences brought with Covid and other globally economical or political factors. House rents, groceries, and especially gasoline fuels just faced a huge burst in prices, forcing people lot more pressure to maintain their life quality. Alanani in his 3 min presentation is focusing on trying to create an algorithm model driven by AI for some sort of renovated way to build more reasonable, steady, and affordable houses for the market. Since it’s barely a 3 min oral presentation and he could only provide a very general view of his research topic, I’ll have to relate by self the contents beyond being presented. In the panel it did not mention from which faculty does Alanani belongs, but assuming from the topic and the bare information, there is a high possibility of he is in computer science or engineering related programs. It actually makes me think hard of Alanani’s major, because his topic seems to involve studies from Computer science(Artificial intelligence), Housing (Socio/economic, business, statistics), and Engineering(Building structure, design, material).

I don’t recall that in the video the methods for researching are stated clearly, instead, I may need to put myself in his place and try to reflect upon potential outcomes. Alanani points out at the beginning that the number of houses built is not the most important for filling the market’s needs, it is that the methodology of building and designing these houses that matter. And for that the reason behind was that of the frequent natural disasters like wind and climate changes. By that, constructors needed to consider about safety or risk management of those buildings, thus increases the cost for construction at one hand, meanwhile also affecting the costs for who are willing to purchase these houses. Structure optimization is the concept Alanani wants to introduce to us in his presentation, with the objective of solving the above problems associated with extreme environmental events such as wind events. With Structure Optimization means “finding the best distribution of materials within a design domain (Alanani, 2022)”, as Alanani explains. He further compares that to the traditional methodology of construction with a Jenga assimilation. Generally, the rule is to reach the highest altitude avoiding failure, so is with the new concept. So far as I understand, his methodology aims to optimize/maximize the use of materials with AI assessed results. An image of that is when you take off blocks from the Jenga skyscraper, it reduces density/dimension/waste but does not bring down the overall quality. Therefore, I think some of his challenges can be deep dive into the study of materials, their characteristics and functions and others, testing out whether they are suitable or not for such purposes. The values of cost with replacing or upgrading these new materials to that of the conventional ones would need to be investigated. Once he has successfully completed the goal, he may bring revolution to the current construction system. I’ll say he is going to conduct a quantitative research method, since he probably need to do much research where numbers, charts, and diagrams are what to determine if his hypothesis is feasible (Hooykaas, 2022).

I will say this is certainly quantitatively based and is the right option. The author has a clear focus for his research topic and knows how to achieve the goal with all the resource he needs.

References

Alanani, M. (2022, 3). 3MT - Towards efficient future housing against climate impact. Retrieved from Research & Innocvation Week Lakehead University: https://pheedloop.com/lakeheadri2022/virtual/?page=showcase&section=EXH6HRR6I7GCYDS25

Hooykaas, A. (2022, 1 24). Research Design. Retrieved from My course link : https://mycourselink.lakeheadu.ca/d2l/le/content/93758/viewContent/1306297/View

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Interviewing Cory Halverson

I will be interviewing Cory Halvorsen the manager of parks and open spaces in Thunder Bay. I am interviewing Cory Halverson because he is in charge of the skating trail project in the city. Cory plans and coordinates projects to improve the parks and other open spaces for recreation. He has a background in engineer design, project management, business development, surveying, construction inspection, and staff supervision and management. Cory is a very qualified man with a lot of knowledge about parks and recreation. He is also the man who makes the decisions on what projects go forward, so doing the interview would be a great chance to gain some valuable information on my research topic which is skating trails in Thunder Bay.

-The questions I have planned to ask Cory are as followed:

-What motivated you to start the Vickers park skate trail and why did you choose Vickers Park to be the destination?

-You stated that you will be taking feedback and suggestions on how to improve the rink. How are you going to meet the expectations of the public?

-Why do you think adding a skate trail to Vickers park is beneficial to the city?

-What are some plans that you have for the future of skate trails in thunder bay?

-How do you make sure the skate trail stays in good condition?

-What are your goals to make the skate trails more accessible for people across the city?

These questions are intended to better understand Cory Halvorsen’s process when planning outdoor recreation projects. I want to know why he chose Vickers park as the destination when maybe he could have done it somewhere else where the skate trail could be bigger. Or if he has any plans to build more skate trails around Thunder Bay. I have been to Vickers parks and when I went, the skate trail was not in great condition. This is why I want to ask how Cory is going to make sure the skate trail stays in good condition so that it can meet the expectation of the people. Overall I want to find out how Cory plans to improve the city’s outdoor spaces much like what he did with Vickers park.

ryantanoutd2511

Hey Griff,

I am pretty much convinced with your chosen interviewee, Cory Halverson. He seems to be a professional with strong engineer design academic background and is proven by the local government to be in charge of the lead of the trail project. Moreover, he has former experiences at field so surely, he is qualified for park and recreation construction and/or improvement. I like how you started up with a question basically letting the audience know that what was the intention of the whole thing. Giving a reason to why the project, an overview. Then you progress with asking for more detail from Cory such as How and What about the project and accomplishment. Proceed with whether the fundamental of the construction is beneficial or not to the city development. Looks like you can get an open-ended answer while with a controlled number. Once again when you land the question such as ‘what are the plans’ or ‘what are the goals’ you are expecting to receive not a numerous outcome but a fair amount of them with explanatories of each. In conclusion, Griff, I say your interview questions are well made to adjust with the real-world situation and keep your focus deep into the city-run ski trail building project. The right picked person to ask about your concerns, too.

Ryan,

OUTD 2511 Blog Prompt 6 Interview a key thinker who represents your field of inquiry (for the podcast project)

I decided to have Thunder Bay’s Tourism Development Officer, John Cameron as my guest for the interview. Reason for that is because our podcast research subject is highly connected to their job. As my group is intrigued with the benefits brought by tourism socially affecting the local community, to be specific, high school to post-secondary students. John, whose job consists of “assist with long-term program planning and development by identifying tourism industry development requirements, establishing branch priorities and making recommendations in meeting the needs of the industry (Manitoba)” becomes very suitable subject who are keen about information related to tourism in Thunder Bay and certainly able to offer quality response.

Interview questions:

1. What is tourism for you? How do you perceive tourists and their influence on the industry?

Since our podcast subject is more of a qualitative method, less likely of requiring statistics counts, open-ended questions are useful to incite from the interviewee to speak without a finite limitation for a subject. These are interrelated questions to be considered answered with continuity. Here I am looking to depict the concepts of tourism, tourists, and industry all at once to save room for the rest of questions while audience can also have ease with understanding.

2. What tourism programs contributed the most towards the local economic/cultural/social development. List few of them.

Here I aim to keep providing information but specifically organized list of available options that Thunder Bay offers. This can include 2 to 3 examples per types of development so we can have a broader understanding of its resources. Things like what are Thunder Bay famous for, materialistic or cultural.

3. Can you mention some of the social benefits one can obtain by visiting Thunder Bay? And by which do tourists most satisfied for? Rank them accordingly.

Invite for another open-ended question but with restricted possible outcomes. Social benefits is the main part, comes after with rating and comments with respect to the answers provided.

4. What are your suggestions for potential visitors such as foreign students/tourists that Thunder Bay is the place for them?

Asking for an authority-perspective opinion that is certified, valuable, and professional, all together convincible source of information.

5. What would you do as a change to the current tourism statues and policies in order to improve the future?

Invite John to reveal projects or acts that are planning that can be an attraction for the future interested.

Summary

The method used in this interview is aimed to be more of a conversation/chat kind of style. As we as a group decided our mood of the podcast would be relaxing and peer-level speaking, which is why we hope the tone of the interview also be like that. Most questions asked are based on qualitative approach, we demand open-ended answers with a limited range of feedback depending on the need. Also questions that are seem to be more than one at once actually share connection interactively; dynamic.

References

Manitoba, P. o. (n.d.). Typical duties. Retrieved from Government of Manitoba: https://www.gov.mb.ca/csc/labour/program/pubs/pdf/t/tourism_development_officer.pdf

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Blog Prompt 5 (OUTD 2511): Analysis of “Deforestation in the Amazon hits a record high for the month of January” by Katie Nelson

Chosen Article: “Deforestation in the Amazon hits a record high for the month of January” by Katie Nelson

https://www.greenpeace.org/usa/news/deforestation-in-the-amazon-hits-a-record-high-for-the-month-of-january/

What was the key message?

The key message of the article “Deforestation in the Amazon hits a record high for the month of January” by Katie Nelson is that deforestation has increased five times higher than that of January 2021. This is concerning because January is typically the month where deforestation is at its lowest due to the rainy season and that deforestation has increased by that much in only a year.

What might their sources have been?

Weather observation system.

Brazil Precipitation Observation System - INPE: Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais (National Institute for Space Research [English Translation])

http://clima1.cptec.inpe.br/monitoramentobrasil/pt

Online journal platform.

America’s Quarterly: Brazil’s Amazon is Under Threat from Proposed Land-Use Laws

https://www.americasquarterly.org/article/brazils-amazon-is-under-threat-from-proposed-land-use-laws/

U.S.-based non-profit conservation and environmental science news platform.

Mongabay - News and Inspiration From Nature’s Frontline: Brazil’s ‘land-grabbers law’ threatens Amazonia (commentary)

https://news.mongabay.com/2020/05/brazils-land-grabbers-law-threatens-amazonia-commentary/

Diana Ruiz

Senior Forest Campaigner for Greenpeace USA

Christiane Mazzetti

Spokeswoman for Greenpeace Brazil

How might they have been evaluated?

Brazil Precipitation Observation System - INPE

The location of the weather observation system is designated for Brazil.

America’s Quarterly

Award-winning publication dedicated to politics, business, and culture in the Americas.

Launched in 2007 and based in New York City, AQ is an independent, not-for-profit publication of Americas Society/Council of the Americas.

Readers include CEOs, senior government officials, and thought leaders, as well as a general audience interested in the Americas.

Mongabay

Nonprofit environmental science and conservation new platform that produces original reporting in English, Indonesian, Spanish, French, Hindi, and Portuguese.

Has 800 correspondents in 70 countries.

Dedicated to evidence-driven objective journalism.

Their main focuses are forests, wildlife, oceans, and the conservation sector.

Undertake special reporting projects, which are deep dives on specific topics and geographies.

Articles are syndicated by dozens of local, national, regional, and international outlets such as the National Geographic Indonesia and Smithsonian Magazine.

Mongabay’s readers consist of officials in development agencies, natural resources management ministries, scientists, business leaders, and civil society.

Diana Ruiz

15 years of experience.

Senior Palm Oil Campaigner for Greenpeace USA

Leading to make zero deforestation in Indonesia a reality.

Worked to make change and hold U.S. corporations accountable in countries including Indonesia, India, Peru, and Ecuador.

Diana has focused on a range of issues that draw from industrial chemical systems to pesticide regulations, climate mitigation and adaptation measures.

Communicates with federal, state, and international policy makers across a range of issues from public exposures to toxic chemicals, human health risks of climate change, and natural resource management.

Builds strategic partnerships to position strong dialogue and negotiations across coalitions, corporations, and policy makers.

Conducts needs assessments/survey design and synthesizing complex technical data into language that is accessible and compelling.

Christiane Mazzetti

MSc in Environment and Development at LSE

Chevening Alumni 2018/2019

Senior Forest Campaigner at Greenpeace Brazil

How were they validated/verified?

According to Brown (2006), the five criteria for evaluating the validity of literature are purpose, scope, authority, audience, and format. For the validity of Diana Ruiz and Christiane Mazzetti we will be looking at authority and scope.

Brazil Precipitation Observation System - INPE

Purpose:

To provide the public with information and diagrams regarding Brazil’s precipitation and climate.

Scope:

Brazil’s precipitation, temperature, waves, and climate.

Authority:

Government of Brazil

Audience:

Those who want/need to know the climates of Brazil.

Format:

Maps and diagrams for the different categories.

America’s Quarterly

Purpose:

To share news regarding politics, business, and culture in the Americas.

Scope:

Politics, business, and culture in the Americas.

Authority:

Publication of Americas Society/Council of the Americas.

Audience:

CEOs, senior government officials, and thought leaders, as well as a general audience interested in the Americas.

Format:

Online newsletter, print magazine, and podcast.

Mongabay

Purpose:

Dedicated to evidence-driven objective journalism covering special topics regarding the environment and geographies.

Scope:

Forests, wildlife, oceans, and the conservation sector.

Authority:

Articles are syndicated by dozens of local, national, regional, and international outlets such as National Geographic Indonesia and Smithsonian Magazine.

Audience:

Consists of officials in development agencies, natural resources management ministries, scientists, business leaders, and civil society.

Format:

Online newsletter.

Diana Ruiz

Scope:

Climate change, deforestation, human health risks of climate change, public exposures to toxic chemicals, issues of industrial chemical systems, issues regarding pesticides, and climate mitigation.

Authority:

15 years of experience.

Senior Palm Oil Campaigner for Greenpeace USA

Christiane Mazzetti

Scope:

Deforestation, climate change, and environmental issues/concerns.

Authority:

MSc in Environment and Development at LSE

Chevening Alumni 2018/2019

Senior Forest Campaigner at Greenpeace Brazil

What expectations/responsibilities might the consumer have in reviewing this article?

The expectations/responsibilities might the consumer have in reviewing this article and ensuring its validity is to check its purpose, scope, authority, audience, and format. In addition, they can check if the article contains credible sources, factual information, no spelling or grammar issues, the date the article was published, and who the article was published by.

Reference List

About Mongabay. (2022). Mongabay. Retrieved February 20, 2022, from https://www.mongabay.com/about/

America’s Quarterly (AQ). (2022). America’s Quarterly. Retrieved February 20, 2022, from https://www.americasquarterly.org/about/

Brito, B. (2021, April 8). Brazil’s Amazon is under threat from proposed land-use laws. America’s Quarterly. Retrieved February 20, 2022, from https://www.americasquarterly.org/a

Fearnside, P. M. (2020, May 25). Brazil’s ‘land-grabbers law’ threatens Amazonia (commentary). Mongabay. Retrieved February 20, 2022, from https://news.mongabay.com/2020/05/brazils-land-grabbers-law-threatens-amazonia-commentary/

Diana Ruiz. (2022). Greenpeace USA. Retrieved February 20, 2022, from https://www.greenpeace.org/usa/bios/diana-ruiz/

Diana Ruiz. (2022). Linkedin. Retrieved February 20, 2022, from https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcruiz

Nelson, K. (2022, February 11). Deforestation in the Amazon hits a record high for the month of January. Greenpeace USA. Retrieved February 20, 2022, from https://www.greenpeace.org/usa/news/deforestation-in-the-amazon-hits-a-record-high-for-the-month-of-january/

Precipitacao Observada. (2022). INPE. Retrieved February 20, 2022, from http://clima1.cptec.inpe.br/monitoramentobrasil/pt

ryantanoutd2511

Hi Ashley,

I have just read your article with the link provided about this heartbreaking notice. It is hard to believe that 430 km² of forest get cut off in just one month and worse we don’t know yet where these raw materials are going and for what purpose. Especially compare the data from last year, which was five time less! It is incredible the harm caused to the Brazilian natural resource, moreover, the famous “Earth’s lung” Amazon Forest by removing this more and more from its surface. Not to mention that it is one of perhaps the biggest oxygen producing body on the planet and way back in earlier years we had already heard about its decay. A series of shocking events will follow after taking away from it in addition for being part of the chain of causes to global warming.

I like how you bullet-point all the questions and answered perfectly accordingly. Offering more than one outcome to each clearly shows that you have made in-depth research throughout the process, impressive! Your work thoroughly responds to each of the points needed clarification and reflected further upon that. All source of information properly referenced and in order. Overall, amazing and well done!

Ryan,

OUTD 2511 Blog Prompt 5 CBC News: How 3 young Islanders have negotiated the pandemic job market

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-youth-unemployment-pandemic-1.6356503

Since the pandemic burst up earlier back in 2019, influences had been caused differently but inclusive to a worldwide range. One of the most noticeable effects of that is unemployment. Health departments issued restrictions had made job options that were formerly available undergo suspended, leading to labor shortage among different regions. In Prince Edward Island, statistics reveal that youth age among 15-24 had gone through 26% unemployment chances (Yarr, 2022). It’s been a harsh period of time of young people in P.E.I. in search of job opportunities, get adapted with the workplace, and job delivery format impacted by the pandemic. Popular positions for many were those of food service and retail, which at the same time received a severe disruption.

Three young workers, McKenna Moore, Lily Balderston, and Sasha Weekes were interviewed about their struggles during this specific time. They are students of UPEI of a variety of year levels, and similarly experienced the workforce situation differ from pre-pandemic and current days. Moore used to at the athletic facility on campus until the provincial restriction applies and the university closure. She then found a job at GoodLife Fitness, however, additional public health restrictions created obstruction on its operation, while the shift also contradicts with Moore’s course schedule, eventually leading to her resign. Moore regularly checks job posting sources multiple times a day but the lack of variety of jobs limits her availability at picking. A story from Balderson states she was fortunate enough to keep all her 3 part-time jobs since the beginning, however, she finds that connection to her study has been poor due to the last two years’ online delivery format of classes. Not until recently she was able to attend an in-person class and had the opportunity getting into an internship recommended by visiting to the professor, which was unlikely to happen earlier in the pandemic. So has been interactions to others, Lily points out she hasn’t able to because everyone is virtual and having black screens on. Sasha Weekes also lost previous options and had to reluctantly apply for a full-time job instead of self-employment as well and the part-time waitress job as did before.

Key message: Unemployment rate increases 26% in PEI, at the same time, job market remains pessimistic, removing job positions for many young islanders of age range from 15 to 24.

Source of information(suggested):

· CBC journalist,

· Public Health of Government of Prince Edward Island

· Statistics Canada

· Jim Sentence, UPEI economist

Evaluation of sources: the article clearly stands out the points answering to questions like what and who are being discussed. Target audience presumably PEI residents, Canadians, then whoever is concern about. Also narrowing down the focus specific to young people of our similar ages and profession, which attract more of attention.

Validation of sources: A combination of sources from governmental sites, reputable journal company, and scholarly trusted expert altogether gives this article persuasion and trustworthy. Approach of data done both qualitatively and quantitatively by face-to-face interview to the subjects and numbers obtained from the statistics provided by the government. Measurable factors found in the article like age, rate of unemployment, and profession have had been addressed.

Expectation/responsibility of readers: Provided to the readers about the current employment situation in PEI and how has the impact by the pandemic shifted operations in people’s income and study statues. The author may hope about whoever sees this this article can get a better understanding of what actions must be taken in order to get over through these obstacles and improve his/her quality of life.

References

Yarr, K. (2022, Feb 19). How 3 young Islanders have negotiated the pandemic job market. CBC News. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-youth-unemployment-pandemic-1.6356503

sjwoutd2511

A Bother and a Brother: A Thanks for Advocating

A cheerleader to push you to new levels. An annoyance to bug you with love. A friend to adventure and explore with. An expectation to live up to. A defender of your choices. An advisor to help decide.

Having the privilege of growing up with an older brother is something I am endlessly thankful for, especially in my current point of life. We grew up together, but also apart with our 6 year age difference. My brother, Asa and I were going through very different stages of life at the same time which gave us both an only child but also the older/younger sibling experience. Our parents also had the ability to respect our separate life stages in a way that gave us the freedom to experience it fully but also connect with each other, it is something that I find difficult to put into words.

Asa and I, Early 2002

Once Asa completed a stage in life, I entered it. We never were in the same age group in school or social groups which made it challenging to have a close friendship when we were young, but became easier as we both grew. Especially once I was able to start working and was in my final years of high school. It is also really interesting to see how we both had similar interests throughout our life. We both are extremely passionate about outdoor recreation and are pursuing careers in the field. Growing up we both were (and still are) avid climbers, hikers, snowboarders, and much more. It is also interesting to see where our individuality becomes a factor in our passions. Asa is a major participant in outdoor climbing and highlining, even travelling around the world to festivals and gatherings. Whereas I am much more involved in hiking trips and outdoor education with pursuing the Outdoor Recreation and Education program at Lakehead. We both have supported and participated in the other’s individual areas with interest and love while not trying to take over/assume the other’s area.

Asa Highlining in Elora, Ontario, July 2020

My brother is actually one of the main reasons why I am in this program at all. As I mentioned in an earlier post, it was difficult to convince my parents for this program, but Asa was a major help. He had been pushed to decide on a field of study because of the career potentials following it, rather than his main passion which is regarded as a “hobby” to western society. Because of this, Asa hated the schooling he was pushed into and he decided to drop out and follow his passion. He is now much happier and genuinely enjoys life. He didn’t want me to experience the same thing and he defended my desire to follow my passion of outdoor education to our parents. Asa supported me so strongly that I no longer had doubt in myself for my career choices. He proved to me that being passionate about something is much more important than being successful in terms of finances. While financial success is important, there is a line between having a career purely for money and having a career that I genuinely enjoy participating in every day. My brother’s support helped me to believe in myself and advocate for the things that I love and am passionate about, not just including my career, but in all areas of my life.

Asa and I, August 2021

I could not be more thankful for having him as an older brother. Despite our differences and disagreements, we are able to connect through our passions of outdoor recreation and support each other with love and respect. He has taught me so much about life and living, I hope that I have been able to do the same for him.

ryantanoutd2511

Hi Sarah!

It is nice to see you and your brother are in such a good relationship. It must be lovely for you when time goes on and look back at the stories you guys had gone through together. Having such brother taking care of you, provide you with advises and love, he’s definitely an amazing older brother. Despite that not always need to live closely, that brotherhood and friendship between you two will never fade away! In my case I am the older brother in the family, I do feel connected with the things you share. Though I would rather have a younger sister instead..., but a brother does give a different experience(probably). Mine was naughty and sturdy, we often have a fight or insult, lol. But anyway, he is part of my life and there are moments of warmth.

After all I am glad that both of you share many common lobbies and are enjoying them. Let’s keep this going!

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OUTD 2511 Blog Prompt 4

Some thoughts about the quinzhee

Having just experienced briefly on Friday during the river travel expedition from OSAT II about how a quinzhee is built. It was a very interesting to see the genius use of snow after some procedures. It turned out that a snow cave is being done! Honestly, I have only seen this kind of buildings in cartoon or movie often take place in a winter setting like the north/south poles where people like the Innuits live inside. Did not expect that one day I would have the opportunity to see that in real and, actually have to build(partially) one by myself! Although the fact was that I did not need to do the whole thing starting from zero, the instructors had collected snow and piled up for some time for sintering and we just need to dig it out. About the theory, it makes sense that fluffy snows need to be first compacted by force(in this case by both its own weight and external application) to be denser in order to be stable enough for holding the structure. That is perhaps the stage that takes most of the time. The instructors also mentioned tips such as factors that affect your decision on the direction of the opening/door you want it to be(to avoid wind from entering the quinzhee), the porcupine method(equal thicknesses for the wall), and other improvements that can be applied. Nonetheless, even with all the equipment aside, it still took us a quite amount of time to shove a decent space inside the quinzhee. So far, I can imagine the harsh one will have to face out in a winter journey far from civilization.

After that I intrigued to make some investigation on snow shelters from other regions. I found an experiment done by Thetford Academy students during winter days to compare over the two types of snow shelters: quinzhee vs Igloo(Ellis 2018). By definition, a quinzhee is a pile of snow with dug out hollow space from inside, while an igloo is built up with snow blocks. The result is that, in term of durability and structure stability, the quinzhee wins. In the other hand, the igloo is outstanding in its ability to hold up more heat and space than the quinzhee does. Nevertheless, there are more snow shelter types being used in different regions under different purpose. Snow trench shelter, snow cave, and tree-pit shelter are more examples, each with their own properties.

After all, this is barefly a simple and superficial examination on the quinzhee building experience, I believe there are more incoming chances for us to explore and learn about those essential survival skills.

Reference

Ellis, S. April 2, 2018. DOES AN IGLOO OR A QUINZEE MAKE A BETTER SNOW SHELTER?. Thetford Academy. https://thetfordacademy.org/2018/04/igloo-quinzee-make-better-snow-shelter/

mloutd2511

The Effect of Summer Camps on The Communities They Reside In

*DISCLAIMER: THIS BLOG WAS CREATED FOR OUTD 2511, LAKEHEAD UNIVERSITY. THE OPTIONS EXPRESSED HERE ARE MY OWN IDEAS AND NOT THOSE OF LAKEHEAD UNIVERSITY. LAKEHEAD UNIVERSITY IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ACCURACY OF ANY INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY THIS BLOG.*

Prompt: “If you were to conduct research as a graduate student with limitless resources (but you still require ethics approval!), describe your ultimate research project. What would be the focus (it could be anything!)? How might you propose it? Who might it benefit? Shine a “light” on you as a researcher a decade from now.” (Provided by: Dr. Amanda Hooykaas)

Answer:

I think my ultimate research project would have to be the effects of summer camps on the communities that they are a part of. Meaning the towns that they reside in. I would want to research this because I grew up going to a small camp, just North of Parry Sound in McDougal. I saw how important this camp is to the community especially when the most campers it has had has been 75. Which in comparison to other larger camps is small, especially at camps where you don’t know all of the staff either. Most of the people I went to camp with came from Parry Sound, or people whose parents did extensive research on camps to send their kids to. I have a huge curiosity in how these camps affect the community, especially in small communities like McDougal. From what I’m aware of with my camp, it affects it greatly, my now boss always sees and talks to the campers who return each summer and it seems as though it’s like a second school to these campers.

The focus of the research would be mostly the campers who go to the camps, especially over the course that they attend the camp. I would take into consideration the age range the camp allows the campers to go to, from there I would research the effect, good or bad, it has had. I think the community would benefit from it, especially parents who are wondering where to send their kids in the summer. I would propose it to an REB to help them understand the need and the ethics behind the research. I would take into consideration that campers are usually under age of consent and would definitely figure out the best ways possible where it wouldn’t impose on the campers autonomy. As for right now, I’m not entirely sure how, but I would definitely consult an advisor who knows more about ethical research than I do.

The course of my research, depending on the age range of the camp, I know my camp goes from 4-16. The research would last about 10-12 years, looking into how it adds to their developmental process and the community they reside in. Whether that’s crime rates or just the development of the community itself. Whether that development has improved the community or not.

I would propose it by stating that the purpose of the research would be to look into the benefits that small camps have toward the communities they reside in and those outside them, especially for the campers who do overnight camping. Who I want to be as a researcher, who always takes into account human dignity, consent, and whether I feel comfortable with the information that I’ve been given. I think that it’s an important aspect to consider if you want to continue with the research, if you think that it’s information that people of the community need to know. I think if there’s a certain aspect of safety towards the participant then there is an obligation to report it.

I think any research that involves children should been done where you tread lightly, especially since they are minors and are therefore considered vulnerable.

ryantanoutd2511

Hi Meg,

This is an amazing work. I like your idea of putting in attention to the place where you grew up and looking forward to dedicate something back to make it better. It is seemingly a first option for many Canadians to spend time in outdoors activities, and thus it’s a good idea to start from this. Research on the pros and cons of the camp and further find out solutions that constitute to the change, the well-being of the community, such as in its economy. Having preservation on the local ecological integrity is a way to attract visitors, and with more visitors comes with thrive in the economy and tourism. With this sequence a positive loop is form and continue getting better with time.

It is essential as you mentioned, requesting assistance from a REB expert will help and avoid ahead related potential conflicts if the research involves human subjects. A good beginning for the proceeding steps. In the other hand, I was assuming in some cases you may not need consent from young participants’ parents and/or guardians, but perhaps the degree of risk is none or low as acceptable to the participants. Although recommended to consult for professional answer from authorities.

At last, impressive intention and I am sure you can do it one day.

OUTD 2511 Blog Prompt 3 If you were to conduct research as a graduated student with limitless resources (but you still require ethics approval!), describe your ultimate research project. What would be the focus (it could be anything!)? How might you propose it? Who might it benefit? Shine a light on "you" as researcher a decade from now.

An assumption to a potential research topic that I will be conducting after my graduation in post-secondary institution may be highly linked to the effects of outdoor recreation impact on modernized urban-area citizens. It intrigues to see the outcome of different thoughts and feelings from other individuals like me, who used to be living in cities with rare chances to set foot into wild lands. In addition to current pandemic’s influence, rate of usage of National/provincial/community parks has fluctuated, civilians’ forms of entertainment could have further been changed with respect to that(Jackson, 2021). Therefore, I want to create a series of programs that aim to bring out the subjects out to the nature and let them experience a set of activities, while me as the researcher will record their emotional transformation during and after the trip. First, I will be the coordinator of the project and filter out which activities are into consideration with concern of safety and benefit, at the base of ethic principals ensuring the benefit participants would receive surpass that of danger. Preferably backcountry hiking, camping, and biking that do contain a certain degree of inherent risks but rather acceptable in comparison to the more risky ones like hunting.

I will propose an inquiry online looking out for voluntary participation. All expenses of the entire research are assumed to be funded by an organization so that participants would have to only spend for personal needs. Camera and filming equipment are in place for use. The way to obtain data is similar to a documentary (Netflix, 2019), and we are to look for qualitative data mainly with quantitative supplementary observation. Coordinator will offer introductory lesson of basic risk management and camping knowledges such as building a fire pit and tent setup. Other than that, participants are to expected interaction between them and the nature, intergroup action, and social development among participants. Coordinator team is to monitor the flow of the progress and prepare to intervene in extreme situations, that way we ensure there is no real life-threatening possibility that disobey the measures of ethic doctrines. Throughout the research, all participants would likely to gain their first-time ever experience in this week-long trip and will be share thoughts and thinking of reflection how is this has an impact to their usual routine life in cities. If by this chance they will be more actively engage in outdoors or have a different answer after the trip, as well as any changes in mind once later after. As part of the research, I will see if previous mental/physiological issues on participants whether getting improved or not. This research is also to be expected as being a long-term project, I expect to conduct this research with the theory but then apply different variables by adjustment to gain more results.

Reference

· Netflix. (2019, March 27). You vs. Wild | Interactive Series ft. Bear Grylls | Official Trailer | Netflix [video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwcr3cc0LZM

· Jackson, Stevenson, K. T., Larson, L. R., Peterson, M. N., & Seekamp, E. (2021). Outdoor Activity Participation Improves Adolescents’ Mental Health and Well-Being during the COVID-19 Pandemic. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(5), 2506–. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18052506

etoutd2511

Blog 2

Link to “Surviving in the Siberian Wilderness for 70 Years”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tt2AYafET68

“Surviving in the Siberian Wilderness for 70 Years” is a VICE documentary that takes a look into the life of Agafia Lykov. In 2013, when the case study was filmed, Agafia Lykov was 70 years old and had been living in Siberia’s taiga for her entire life. Agafia comes from a family of Old Believers who fled into the wilderness in fear of Stalin and oppression in 1936. Agafia was born in the Siyan Mountains in 1944 and has lived off the land ever since.

The researchers in the case study traveled to Agafia’s home and stayed with her for several days. The crew used various research techniques to learn about and record Agafia’s unique lifestyle. The research done in the documentary is qualitative as the information is collected through first hand observation and interviews. The researchers helped Agafia with labor around her home which gave them first hand experience of her day to day life in the winter. The research is presented to the audience in a YouTube video which consists of direct interviews with Agafia and a geologist named Yerofei who lives close to Agafia’s home. The documentary also includes footage of Agafia praying and working, as well as reflection from the research crew regarding their time helping and staying with Agafia.

The researchers are from urban civilizations which clearly made it hard for them to understand why Agafia would choose to remain in such harsh wilderness conditions. Their lifestyles are completely different from Agafias. The documentary was sponsored by The North Face which gave them the financial power to use expensive forms of transportation such as helicopters. The technology used by Agafia and the research team is vastly different. Agafia uses traditional technology such as homemade snowshoes, axes, and livestock. On the other hand the VICE team used presumably state of the art cameras, microphones, and winter gear. The difference in technology between the two parties speaks to the power and privilege of the researchers. They were able to leave at their will and collect as much information as they saw fit.

For the most part VICE was respectful of Agafia during the filming of the documentary. Their questions were largely up for interpretation and I felt that they let Agafia paint her own narrative of her lifestyle. However, I do have a couple of ethical concerns. I do not think that Agafia has the life experience to fully understand the reach of YouTube. As of January 23, 2022 the video has 7.3 million views. I am not convinced that Agafia is comfortable with that level of exposure seeing as she lives alone and only comes in regular contact with one other human. Secondly, I am concerned that Agafia had no say in what footage would be included in the documentary. For example, Agafia is asked about her relationship with Yerofei, the geologist who is the only other person in close proximity to her. The researchers are clearly wondering if the pair of them ever had a romantic relationship. The persistent questioning on the topic seemed to make Agafia uncomfortable and I doubt she would want that footage in the documentary.

If I had the opportunity to do the same research I would be interested to learn more about the relationship between Agafia’s faith and her unconventional lifestyle. Is it her faith that keeps her in the taiga? I would also like to learn about her yearly routine. What specific tasks must she get done in each season to insure survival? I would be a student researcher. This gives me the privilege of funding the university may provide. My lifestyle as a student is also vastly different to Agafias and much more privileged. I would try to keep an open mind and be respectful to new ideas while making sure Agafia feels that she is in control of her story. Ethically speaking, I would like to make sure Agafia knew exactly where the research would be presented and what material would be focused on.

ryantanoutd2511

Hello! Evan,

Such in-depth observation and interpretation you have depicted from the video, which is cool! You have also mentioned points that I have missed and now they reminds me. As you said, we live in an urban, modern society where out basic needs are mostly already set or done for us. Of course we still have to offer labour for such as food and shelter, but for Agafia these things might be a miracle before she can visit the cities. Huge respect from me to Agafia, what a brave and strong spirit to be able to survive that kind of harsh environment, and be able to further develop a unique lifestyle totally different than ours in the taiga. I think perhap that really is where she belongs even though after visits to her others alive relatives in the modern world and populated cities. She has been away from those for so long, now she is not going to embrace them.

I see the voiceless moment when she’s being asked about ‘What if the geologists did not find them’, and her expression about things have already happened and she needs to look forward. A tough life she have lived, and I agree with that our ways of questioning can be more mild. We could avoid likely sensitive and/or offensive topics and lead out more encouraging, positive answer.

Finally, very good job.

Ryan

OUTD 2511 Blog Prompt 2

Surviving in the Siberian Wilderness for 70 Years response

After finish watching the documentary, I felt impressed by the story told by a group of VICE interviewers possibly from New York, took time and effort to record about this woman, Agafia Lykov. It is already mind blowing to know that somewhere on this planet, where weather is of eternal snowy and temperature is generally below 30 degrees Celsius, but still having human dwell and active in it. The background story of this honorable woman, her family moved to the Siberian taiga in 1936 due to political/religious persecution and was under this harshest environment Agafia was born and raised, living in this barren land until nowadays. It was no until a day in 1978, for the first time the Lykovs receives visitors from outside since they had moved here. A helicopter carrying a team of Russian geologists spotted their buildings and decided to make contact with them. After that, Agafia’s others elder siblings were sick and eventually died soon. Death suspected to be caused by pneumonia, potentially affected by the disease/bacteria carried in the outsiders. Suddenly Agafia became the only Lykov left in the taiga, she must do the daily routines all by her alone: food, fire, water and even more, she has to give hand to a later neighbor: Yerofei, who’s left with only one leg, incapable to do many basic tasks by himself. Agafia, by the time she was interviewed, was about 70 years old, but she is also a faithful Orthodox Christian believer.

I believe the form of research technique being used out of the film is qualitative. It focuses on Agafia as an individual case study, and based the research around things or stories that happen around her. The visitors filmed her lifestyle and routines; how her social interaction differ from that of the common society’s. The way VICE tells the story is being descriptive, the status of Agafia’s, her relationship with the taiga, Yerofei, and how she feels about the times she had visited cities.

A possible invisible backpack I discovered in the documentary is that Agafia being a religious person of Christianity, apart she’s a woman, does she or the outer world’s think she should keep the lineage going? Also I might have missed but hearing from the comment section that she had been forced to have sex with Yerofei, which did not appeal me so much but thinking they were the only, and heterosexual humans in that wilderness, it is a bit complex in term of ethics.

If I am being chosen to direct this research, I will send out the message to my guest first asking for agreement, whether in form of digital or paper letters, or elses. Then once got the initial consent I will visit her, after meeting in person I will clarify for what purposes I am doing this, and if she agrees or disagrees in anything, then I’ll do further adjustments. Take into consideration that Agafia is not raised in the modernized society, some concepts will need to be translated into a language she can understand for moral concern. I, by this point, am the journalist/scholar/friend from the outside world who would like to visit her and be a friend with her, potentially give her a sense of feeling of “this is a good young man”, grandparents feelings. Approach her in a kind, friendly manner. I will let her know that her story can be heard by many, many people in the outside world through devices like in Yerofei’s radio, if she does not like that, we can change details for her. Could not necessary be a documentary but a film based-on-real-event. If she wants to disclose what Yerofei did to her, we’ll respect that, if not, I still respect it.

reference

VICE. (2013, April 9). Surviving in the siberian wilderness for 70 years (full length) [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tt2AYafET68

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Blog #1 - An ORPT student and a Consumer of Knowledge

Blog Prompt

Firstly, what has drawn you to this academic program? Secondly, as a consumer of knowledge, who do you rely upon for information? Consider perhaps three or more “sources”. How do you ensure this information is reliable? How does this relate to this program?

Response

I came to the Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism program at Lakehead after spending a couple years at the University of Waterloo in their School of Environment, Resource, and Sustainability program. I decided to transfer into ORPT as it’s more aligned with what I want to do in the future - building a career in the outdoor industry. Although I am grateful for what I learnt at Waterloo and am still passionate about the environment, I believe ORPT is a much better fit for me.

My passion for the outdoors stems from a childhood spent outside. Over the years I have spent a ton of time front and backcountry camping, in the water or on the water with various forms of paddling, surfing, rock climbing, hiking, snowboarding, and much more. I discovered that a career in the outdoor industry would be possible while spending my summers working in the Muskoka’s, and most recently just outside Algonquin Park for a company called Swift Canoe and Kayak. Working there I was able to meet a lot of amazing people who have turned their passion for the outdoors into careers guiding and instructing various activities. I also met a lot of people who had gone through similar outdoor programs at places like Algonquin College, which is how I heard about ORPT for the first time.

From a sunrise paddle outside Algonquin Park, ON (June, 2021)

In regard to the second part of the prompt, there are three main sources that I get my information from:

1. Lakehead University resources (Lakehead library & peer reviewed articles)

2. Books

3. Word of mouth (casual conversations with family, friends, coworkers etc)

The list above shows my three main sources of information in order of importance and reliability. These sources reflect how I obtain information as a general consumer of knowledge, both from an academic and a personal perspective. As a student at Lakehead University the library provides some great reliable resources. It’s important to always check references and understand what biases the writer may have on the given topic, even in peer reviewed articles. It’s also important to find a few different sources of information when reading peer reviewed articles and not solely rely on a single paper for all the answers. Meta-analysis studies are great sources of information as they examine a number of independent studies to combine results.

Books are one of my favorite ways to consume information and easily take the number two spot in regard to reliability and use. I enjoy reading a variety of non-fiction books on subjects that interest me. I think doing research on the author is an important way to understand where they are coming from and what kind of expertise they have, helping to determine their overall reliability. For example, are they an expert in that field with a PhD, or are they a journalist doing research on the topic? One of my favorite authors as of late is Michael Pollan. He is a professor at both Harvard University and the University of California where he teaches writing. Although he is a well-known and esteemed writer, I think it’s important to understand that he is still a journalist at the end of the day and does all his own research in order to cumulate information for a book. I try to remember that everyone is biased to some degree, even esteemed writers.

Similarly, I am often reluctant to believe everything that I hear through word of mouth despite it being my third most used source of information. I like to do my own research to better understand complex topics and recent events. That being said, since I don’t regularly watch the news and try to limit my time on social media, I get a lot of information from general conversations with friends and family. I think having genuine conversations are a great way to understand a topic from various perspectives. As great as it is to have genuine conversations with people a lot of this information must be taken with a grain of salt.

I believe all three of these sources are valuable when it comes to this program. There are a lot of very experienced and knowledgeable people surrounding the ORPT program that can share their knowledge with students through conversation and shared experience. Furthermore, the Lakehead library provides easily accessible sources of information with peer reviewed articles and books for students to use when doing research. In regard to this class specifically, I will be heavily relying on Lakehead’s resources and books to gather information, and less so relying on casual conversations. I am curious what others think of my sources and how it relates to their own list when it comes to being a consumer of knowledge.

ryantanoutd2511

Hi Tait,

I am glad to know that you have found your destined program for study. I have always admired to those people who have gone through this ambiguous process of finding his or her best-fit program since I was or maybe I am still within this stage. Your childhood experience with the outdoor definitely contributed to your decision to become a rec’er. Surfing, skiing, camping, etc. these kinds of activities were total stranger to me, a city grown up boy. And apparently you also took initiation to participate in it, that’s awesome! In addition, congratulation to you that you have converted your passion into a growing career.

I also totally agree with you about the skepticism in any source of information that we obtain. Especially today’s media are by some degree influenced with political factors; impartiality and transparency being affected; therefore, independent and careful assessment is needed from readers. I see you have mention verbal transmission of knowledge between individuals as a source of information too, it does help, however a common phenomenon is that quality or context of the messages lose over distance, even worse when it became into a rumor. Despite that possibility, words from mouth are the easiest accessible source of information in our daily life.

Ryan

OUTD 2511 Blog Prompt 1

Firstly, what has drawn you to this academic program? Secondly, as a consumer of knowledge, who do you rely upon for information? Consider perhaps three or more "sources". How do you ensure this information is reliable? How does this relate to this program?

First will have to address myself as being a 3rd year undergraduate student, my former programs were Biology and Geology although eventually I kept none of them. It was a frequently asked question since me before graduating from high school: What are you going to study/do for your career? My answer has always been I don’t know. Even for the present days, that question has not been clearly responded. It became a trial and tribulation in the past two years when I had taken those university-level courses and overwhelmed immediately by the quantity and complexity of them. Nonetheless, after a reassessment of the situation I decided for a change. Going through the list of available programs that the university provides, this title the Outdoor Recreation, Park, and Tourism caught my attention. I rather more a craftsman kind of person in regard with the way of learning instead of research-type scientist-ish. At entering to ORPT I had very little of an idea what this program really does and what kind of careers one can pursue with this degree in the future. I have never been in outdoors activities such as camping, skiing, or fishing before until I came to Canada. However, this totally new program gives me a sense that, this is the portal to get in touch with Nature. Many stories and many cool stuffs that I have heard are strongly related to the outdoors’ therefore I want to give myself and ORPT a try to see our compatibility.

As a consumer of knowledge, my point of view is that anything, virtual or not, as long it shows something that you did not know before then it is a considerable source. It is an advantage as well for people who are bilingual/polyglot has the accessibility to break off the language boundaries and get information from a variety of sources by different foundations/countries. In term for academic learning purposes, often simply just need to go and search on your browser and the outcomes are there quick and easy. However, factors are to be considered are that if that information you found: is it out of date? Accuracy? Impartiality? That’s why we prefer getting from reputable media or scholars, by common sense their credibility is higher, although this is not always true. But frankly speaking, we being just ordinary people we hardly have the ability to debunk frauds, if any, that are subjectively concealed.

Under the academic context, most resources are likely convincible. Some that I use are:

l Google scholars/science/journals filter

l University library

l Wikipedia

l Yahoo science

l Baidu

Encyclopedia webpages like Wikipedia and Baidu anyone can edit on its articles, so if possible, check for the last update of that article, it should contain information of who, when, and what has been changed of that article. Medias, including social medias, depending on the category, science-related news are less biased in most of the time, but be mindful at the ones that may contain political inclination. We all want media to be true as it should be, although it is seemingly unrealistic. ORPT is a broad subject, it also involves economy, geography, laws, etc. to build up this huge factory. Thus, we can broaden our views and not just limited by the name.

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