ENGL 2010
Perspectives

WHOSE VOICES ARE REPRESENTED

It’s not enough to only explore other perspectives when we start our research. We need to examine our research throughout the entire process to ensure that multiple perspectives and voices are represented in our final paper.

Graphic showing identity characteristics including gender and identity, class, education, (dis)ability, sexuality, religion, nationality, political views, age, race, and ethnicity

ADD A PERSPECTIVES ROW TO THE MATRIX

If we add an extra line to our research matrix, we can get a better idea of whose voices and perspectives are represented or missing at this point. Let’s insert a row labeled "Perspectives" under our sources, near the top of the matrix.

INTERSECTIONALITY

For this new row, we can reflect on the different perspectives that each of our sources represents. Different perspectives may be represented by the author(s), individuals interviewed and cited in the article, or by the populations studied. Remember, identity doesn’t exist in a bubble and all elements of identity intersect. Therefore, some of your sources may represent intersecting perspectives.

Graphic showing identity characteristics including gender and identity, class, education, (dis)ability, sexuality, religion, nationality, political views, age, race, and ethnicity overlapping in a Venn diagram

PERSPECTIVE ROW EXAMPLE

Check out the matrix below to see what perspectives are represented in our research so far. 

My Research Question:
What unique mental health and well-being challenges might LGBTQ+ students attending USU face, and how can the USU Community better support them?
 
Title: Heterosexism, Depression, and Campus Engagement Among LGBTQ College Students: Intersectional Differences and Opportunities for Healing

Author's Name: Alex Kulick, et al.

Title: Sexual orientation and differences in mental health, stress, and academic performance in a national sample of U.S. college students

Author's Name: S.B. Oswalt & T.J. Wyatt

Title: Suicidality is decreasing among LGBTQ youths in the U.S., report says. What about in Utah?

Author's Name: Erica Evans


Title: Depression and Attempted Suicide among LGBTQ College Students; Fostering Resilience to the Effects of Heterosexism and Cisgenderism on Campus

Author's Name: Michael R. Woodford, et al.


Title: USU celebrates first Trans Awareness Week
https://usustatesman.com/usu-celebrates-first-trans-awareness-week/

Author's Name: Karcin Harris

Perspectives LGBTQ+ Authors,
White LBGTQ+ Undergraduate Students,
POC LBGTQ+ Undergraduate Students
Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual undergraduate students Utah High School Students
(LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ students)
LGBTQ+ College Students,
Queer Authors
USU event organizers, Inclusion Center interns, self-identified allies

 

YOUR TURN

  1. Add the Perspectives row to your filled out matrix
    • Remember to insert this new row between your sources and your first main idea!
  2.  Reflect on your sources and add all represented perspectives into this new row on your matrix
    • Refer back to the intersecting identities and the matrix example above if you need help!