Report on my Interview

This post highlights key concepts I gained knowledge about during my interviews.

Genre Examples

By far, the most commonly used genre in my field is the scientific article. The other two genres mentioned are the poster presentation, and emails; though neither are nearly as significant as the aforementioned.

Differences

These genres differ greatly in conventions, surrounding context, and, therefore, rhetorical strategies used. To expand, scientific articles require specific, identified sections within the text that describe the study and its findings in necessary detail. These sections are predetermined and are included in every scientific article. Additionally, the audience is typically people in a similar field conducting similar research, so the rhetorical strategies are molded to appeal to the specified audience.

In poster presentations, it is common that research is not complete and studies still have experiments to conduct and results analyzed. Because of this, the genre has less formal conventions than those of the scientific article, while the audience and rhetorical strategies remain the same.

Lastly, in emails, the conventions have a much more laid-back, yet urgent and professional tone. The audience of an email varies much more than that of either of the other two genres, so the rhetorical strategies may be adapted to appeal to differing audiences.

Challenges

Challenges that commonly present themselves in science-related fields are the raw dismissal of emotions and bias and the sole focus on the logic behind the information being presented. It can be difficult when writing an article on a study that you conducted, but not being able to tie yourself personally to the finished text.

Rewards

Both of the interviewees expressed that the biggest reward in publishing works in the science field is seeing them get published. It is an honor to be a published writer in science, as it carries an implication that the work one has conducted is not only timely and relevant, but that it provides a significant development and deeper understanding of the field in which it was published.

Location of Genres

Scientific articles are not commonly found on social media, with the exception of groundbreaking discoveries, but can be found on news websites, in scientific journals and on science-based websites. Poster presentations are not commonly found outside the conferences and fairs at which they are presented. Emails can be found within individuals' email accounts and are not commonly provided to the public.