Blog 2

In your own words, define analysis  What is it? How does it work? Describe how you might use analysis and Gee's building tasks to study one of the areas of interest you mentioned in your first blog.

To me, 'analysis' is making sense of a concept, whether it is new to you or a new way of looking at something you're already familiar with. It is also trying to determine how or why something works. Analysis is the active form of learning.  Analysis works by taking the information, and breaking down its components so that we can assess and explore its aspects and characteristics. This is done by making note of aspects that interest you, or making a list of observations and asking those "why" or "how" questions and setting out to find the answers. In reference to Gee's list of building tasks, I've noted that 'significance' 'identities' and 'connections' are the most applicable when conducting research. Significance is used in analysis when a new idea is introduced. When introduced to a new idea, the individual must determine what this information means to them. So in reference to my first blog, I identified the differences between book and movie, and determined that the differences are meaningful to me. Therefore, I must ask "why" are these differences significant to me? (Because I am passionate about reading.) 'Identities,' which refers to the identity we take on as writers and speakers, can also relate to the interpretation of the information presented, which is why literature can be understood so many different ways. The way we write, analyze and research is also a reflection of who we are as people. Finally 'connections' refer to the meaning we attached to what we take in from our world, as well as what we interpret, learn or gather during research and analysis.