Radiolab is a widely popular podcast hosted by Jad Abumrad
and Robert Krulwich. In chapter 49 the book mentions them briefly, but I could
go on and on about their incredible skills in making research intriguing. Facts
become stories in their podcasts, and human emotion is shown in even the driest
of subjects. I remember driving from Boone to Washington, D.C., listening to almost
nothing but their podcast. One of the ways they keep me engaged is by proof of
thorough research on a topic presented. Their facts are solid and they
typically have guests on the show who are experts on the particular subject in
discussion. Though it might not be common in research, they frequently play on empathy, and
it has the power to make me second guess things I have believed all my life. If
I can model their form in relaying facts to others, I will be doing well.
I liked the section on field research and know how
applicable real life situations are. My friend did a paper on sorority groups
and why girls join them. She and I share a less than enthusiastic view of
people in such groups, but what she found after putting herself in their shoes and undertaking interviews, caused us both to have a
slightly different perception. It is easy to make judgments or assumptions when
I do not look into a situation or invest time trying to understand. Research
should be done with intentionality and cultural relativism, hopefully leaving
myself and my readers with a new perspective.
I invite you all to do as Radiolab and play on empathy. The element of pathos is incredibly powerful (please look to this year's presidential candidates for evidence). Also do as Radiolab in then scaffolding that pathos with the power of logos.
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