Memo43+Seed+Research--sferguson

=**Memo43: Seed Research**= This memo should describe potential seed research that would help you prepare for the proposed research. Try to come up with a number of possibilities. You could aim to do some interviewing, on whatever topic, perhaps with a mentor (faculty or grad student), to gain a sense of the dynamics of interviewing. You could do some interviewing that tests the interview questions in your proposal. Or you could do content/discourse analysis of media coverage or policy documents related to your topic. Be creative and expansive (not worrying, for now, about time requirements) in what you come up with.

There are few individuals that I have already been in touch with that seem like they might be useful for both practicing interviewing as well as helping me develop a perspective on what questions need to be asked.

I need to get an idea of the history of social movements on recycling programs, EJ involvement, and continuing discourse in this area

I have some information on the state of the bioplastic industry through research done in my internship, I want to extend this outward.

I want to do an overview of local, state and national policies and regulations on plastic recycling and the introduction of biobased goods

I want to see if there has been research performed on public perception of bioplastic, if not I wouldn't mind putting together an online survey and see how far it might travel. This would go into an IRB I suppose (it this necessary with just surveys?)

I know very little about the theoretical promise and background for my project. The field is so big I have simply been working out what the problems and questions are based upon basic understanding of past class work. I need to find my muse...