Research Proposal
Overview:
The situation that I’m interested in researching is this: why do people stand in line for 24 hours to buy the latest high tech gadget? I want to know if the demand for a product is created by good marketing, or does a product become a must-have because it showcases an emerging technology that will make our lives easier? Is there a psychological need to have the newest, hard to get item? Is it a power or elitism thing? The recent news coverage on the sales of the iPhone got me interested in this topic.
Focused research question:
What is behind the need to own the latest high-tech gadget? I’ll explore the reasons that recent games, phones and movies have become such a success.
How and why the topic is controversial:
This topic isn’t controversial in that it has a “for” and “against” side. However, in my research of this topic, I haven’t seen anyone else discuss this in a scholarly way, so I think it’s a unique, timely topic to choose.
Reflection on my experiences with this issue:
My girlfriend promised me a Wii for my birthday in June. However, we couldn’t find them in any stores, and we started looking online and in stores in May. One day we ewre shopping in Best Buy and asked a sales person when their next shipment was going to come in. They told us it would be during the weekend. So I called each day until the shipment was confirmed: it was going to arrive Sunday at 10 am. At 9:30 am I joined about a dozen other people in a line outside the store. We got numbers that secured one of our very own new game systems. But my love for new technology doesn’t stop there. I had a new MP3 player when they first came out. I always want a new phone… And when I heard about the new iPhone, I wanted one of those, too. So I see myself as that consumer who always wants the latest, greatest new toy. And I wonder why I want it. Is it because of all the hype? Is it good marketing? Is it because the product comes from a cool company that’s known for producing neat things? Do I just want the latest thing to show off to my friends? Is this a phenomenon that only happens to men? I don’t know, and that’s why I find this so interesting.
My purpose for choosing this topic:
I have a hard time writing papers, so it was important to me that I chose a topic that I’m actually interested in. Choosing this topic means that I can combine writing with a passion of mine—technology and trends. I also think it will be interesting for others to learn about, and for myself to understand. Maybe we’ll all learn a little something about our need (or our significant other’s need) for a cool new “toy”.
My opinion on this issue:
I think it’s frustrating that companies come out with a cool new product that everyone wants, even though it will be obsolete in just six months. These gadgets make them millions, and then we just want something else a few months later. Even knowing that we’re making others rich, we keep on buying. I think it’s a status thing, so others will look at us and say, “Oh wow, look at what he has.” I don’t think that people need these things, they just want them. But why they want them is what I want to uncover.
My audience:
The people who will read this assignment will be my professor, my classmates, and myself. This is different from my “target audience” I’m writing to in the paper; namely, the product developers.
Analysis of wants and needs of audience:
If we’re still thinking about my professor and classmates, I think their wants and needs are basic: they want a well-written, well-researched, interesting paper. They need me to effectively present my findings and be convinced of my authority on the topic.
Limitations of projects:
Well, this project might be difficult because there isn’t an opposing side. It might be harder for me to figure out possible objections to my argument. Another limitation could be a lack of research on this topic: the psychology of consumerism. I may have a hard time finding good, reputable sources to cite.
Research plan and timeline:
Submit final WP #1 on 7/14 (final decision on angle of project)
Continue to look for and research sources that are on going.
July 14-16 finalize sources and put relevant note on note cards.
3 comments:
This sounds like an interesting topic. Are you finding research okay? It sounds liek it would be something that might not ahve a lot of infomration done on it. But then again i've never researched the topic myself =P
While I am not yet guilty of it, I do know people who waited for hours or even days for a ps2 and a ps3 I look forward to reading your report when it is completed.
You asked in your reflection on your experiences with this issue “Is this a phenomenon that only happens to men?” I can confirm it isn’t. A lot of “parents” go through this during the holidays to ensure their kids (ages 2 and up) have the best, new toy(s) (Elmo, cell phones-which are also used by girls/women, game systems-which are also used by girls/women, newest games-which by the way are outrageously pricey, but I still buy them!) on the market. Hope this helps!
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