Step Two
My personal research for other topics has been slightly different than my research process for Core II. When it comes to developing a research process for other subjects, honestly, I can say it is very lackadaisical and effortless. In History, I would rarely received research paper assignments, but when I did I solely relied on websites. I blatantly ignored using books, journals, and other scholarly sources. I don’t know why, but I just felt the internet had everything I needed. Why waste my time going to our school library-which basically was a deserted graveyard of books- when I could simply use internet search engines? That research process pertained to other subjects like chemistry, physics, and other sciences.
However, when it came to English research everything changed. Teachers assigned papers where not only did you have to look up background information, but you had to search for literary criticism. The internet was little to know help when it came to the latter. I motivated myself enough to adventure and explore other libraries rather than our obsolete one. Books and other scholarly sources now came into play. The local library helped, but it was the nearby college’s library where I conducted my best research. This probably sounds like something that doesn’t make sense and you would be right. English research papers required more time and dedication compared to that of the science related category.
Incorporating the information explained in my second paragraph into my research for Core III will be crucial. I have already been to the library more than once during my time here at UCF, so I can say that I am familiar what lurks there. In terms of researching particular topics, I will use the help of the database and card catalog to narrow down my search and specify my topic. Insurance fraud is certainly a broad topic and by breaking it down into small categories, that will enable me to have success with my research. Books, journals, and database articles are what I am hoping to use for all of my sources. I am going to try and stay away from simply using the internet search engines.
Step Three
1. What is the more prevalent type of insurance fraud, consumer or company fraud?
2. With regulations in place for some states across the country, how will states that do not have any types of legislation against fraud ensure that customers will be protected?
3. Which sector of insurance experiences the most crimes?
4. Has insurance sales affected the frequency of fraud attempts?
5. What is in store for the future of protection against fraud?
Background information:
Advancements in the industry:
Evidence to support claims:
Opposing Arguments:
Real life examples:
Step Four
Cohen, Erika. "Insuring Against Fraud." Business NH Magazine 1 Nov. 2009:
ABI/INFORM Dateline, ProQuest. Web. 20 Feb. 2010.
Hays, Daniel. "High-tech could both facilitate, thwart frauds." National Underwriter
20 Dec. 1999: ABI/INFORM Global, ProQuest. Web. 19 Feb. 2010.
Both of these database articles provide analysis of how insurance companies are dealing with fraud. They are relevant because they target my topic and controversy that I am pursuing. Both have expert information and are beneficial to my research process.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Pre-Review Reflection for Core 2
I think I just have to work on my conclusion of my argument. I honestly ended the paper just with a bunch of words that I threw together. That is my major focus going into the revision process. Other than that, there are other corrections like citations and grammar that need to be proofread again. I also have to go back and make sure my personal narratives are clean and well polished so that I can relate my stories to the reader effectively. Overall, I am going to go back into my paper and do a good deal of "construction."
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Journal 5: Reading and Research
Analysis of the Reading
Buzzell from the beginning of his article makes it clear of what the subject is. He states the research question, of course, but then he goes on to describe himself. Blatantly, he tells us that he wants medical marijuana for technically “the wrong reason.” His personal narrative is a chronological piece that explains his trials and tribulations of trying to obtain the medical drug for his PTSD. Throughout his thought process, Buzzell uses flashbacks as well as excerpts of certain documents that further validate his personal accounts. The description and language that he effectively uses makes it appear that he is telling us the story in person. Attention to detail is a device that he is well equipped with. He never bores the reader with his narrative. For example, the time he spends on each new “story” is never too drawn out, which is because he keeps everything flowing with new, constant information. Even though he convinces the audience of his position on medical marijuana, he also mentions the complete opposite end of the spectrum. Toward the end, he begins to wrap everything up by introducing his fellow war veterans. The ending is what I personally found most ironic. After Buzzell receives the marijuana, a veteran says to him “Welcome home.” To the audience that can be a phrase that can be taken in more than one direction. As a writer, that is a perfect way to end, in my eyes.
Personal Research
Before jumping into the whole process of getting books from the library, I had to organize myself and determine which topics I would pursue. I needed to narrow down my research question and figure out the angle as to how to approach it. The insurance industry as a whole is immensely broad, which is why I chose to research the topic of fraud inside the sector. My research question explains my methodology in completing this Core II, “With the rise in corruption, can the insurance industry remain clean of fraudulent crimes?”
Once I figured all of my background information out, it was time to head to the library with a purpose. I decided to hit the internet card catalog and search for books on crimes and fraudulent acts in the insurance industry. The moment I found the first publication, the rest was smooth sailing. (I will list all of my books after I complete my library narrative). I knew not only did I need books concerning fraud, but I needed to search for books describing the history of fraud in the industry as well as a synopsis of the insurance career. My thinking was that this could provide concrete support to my personal narrative as well as my opinions and such. The good thing about finding that initial book is that, generally in the surrounding vicinity that I found the book on the shelf, others are not too far away. I felt that I struck gold picking up three additional books in the matter of inches from the first book. Typically, this is my research method in doing “research papers,” which is why I ultimately did not have trouble finding what I needed.
I will admit, the database search was something that was completely new to me. In career as a “researcher” I have never used a database search. I’ll be honest, but I was lost at the beginning of how to use the database that I needed a library assistant to help me with the task. I felt embarrassed, but at the same time I was happy that I knew how to use a database search now. Once I got the hang of it, I decided to use the ProQuest database which helped me obtain four different articles on fraud inside the insurance industry. I was able to find an interview where insurance fraud was discussed which is incredibly beneficial to my research process. After gathering four articles from that database I knew that I had substantial information, for the time being, that I needed to begin my Core II essay.
My overall experience was definitely worthwhile; I learned new things as well as building upon older skills. If there comes a time when I get lost during my compilation of the Core II essay, I will have to travel back to the library to get more fuel for my research.
Books:
1. Automobile insurance fraud study HG9970.35.F6A87
2. Risk management : computers, fraud, and insurance HG8059 .A73 1987
3. Automobile insurance : road safety, new drivers, risks, insurance fraud and regulation HG9970.4.C2A94
4. Handbook of insurance HG8061 .H36
Database Articles:
1. Insuring Against Fraud
2. FRAUD: Interview with John Beadle, Counter-Fraud Manager, RSA
3. High-tech could both facilitate, thwart frauds
4. Protect Yourself From Insurance Fraud
Buzzell from the beginning of his article makes it clear of what the subject is. He states the research question, of course, but then he goes on to describe himself. Blatantly, he tells us that he wants medical marijuana for technically “the wrong reason.” His personal narrative is a chronological piece that explains his trials and tribulations of trying to obtain the medical drug for his PTSD. Throughout his thought process, Buzzell uses flashbacks as well as excerpts of certain documents that further validate his personal accounts. The description and language that he effectively uses makes it appear that he is telling us the story in person. Attention to detail is a device that he is well equipped with. He never bores the reader with his narrative. For example, the time he spends on each new “story” is never too drawn out, which is because he keeps everything flowing with new, constant information. Even though he convinces the audience of his position on medical marijuana, he also mentions the complete opposite end of the spectrum. Toward the end, he begins to wrap everything up by introducing his fellow war veterans. The ending is what I personally found most ironic. After Buzzell receives the marijuana, a veteran says to him “Welcome home.” To the audience that can be a phrase that can be taken in more than one direction. As a writer, that is a perfect way to end, in my eyes.
Personal Research
Before jumping into the whole process of getting books from the library, I had to organize myself and determine which topics I would pursue. I needed to narrow down my research question and figure out the angle as to how to approach it. The insurance industry as a whole is immensely broad, which is why I chose to research the topic of fraud inside the sector. My research question explains my methodology in completing this Core II, “With the rise in corruption, can the insurance industry remain clean of fraudulent crimes?”
Once I figured all of my background information out, it was time to head to the library with a purpose. I decided to hit the internet card catalog and search for books on crimes and fraudulent acts in the insurance industry. The moment I found the first publication, the rest was smooth sailing. (I will list all of my books after I complete my library narrative). I knew not only did I need books concerning fraud, but I needed to search for books describing the history of fraud in the industry as well as a synopsis of the insurance career. My thinking was that this could provide concrete support to my personal narrative as well as my opinions and such. The good thing about finding that initial book is that, generally in the surrounding vicinity that I found the book on the shelf, others are not too far away. I felt that I struck gold picking up three additional books in the matter of inches from the first book. Typically, this is my research method in doing “research papers,” which is why I ultimately did not have trouble finding what I needed.
I will admit, the database search was something that was completely new to me. In career as a “researcher” I have never used a database search. I’ll be honest, but I was lost at the beginning of how to use the database that I needed a library assistant to help me with the task. I felt embarrassed, but at the same time I was happy that I knew how to use a database search now. Once I got the hang of it, I decided to use the ProQuest database which helped me obtain four different articles on fraud inside the insurance industry. I was able to find an interview where insurance fraud was discussed which is incredibly beneficial to my research process. After gathering four articles from that database I knew that I had substantial information, for the time being, that I needed to begin my Core II essay.
My overall experience was definitely worthwhile; I learned new things as well as building upon older skills. If there comes a time when I get lost during my compilation of the Core II essay, I will have to travel back to the library to get more fuel for my research.
Books:
1. Automobile insurance fraud study HG9970.35.F6A87
2. Risk management : computers, fraud, and insurance HG8059 .A73 1987
3. Automobile insurance : road safety, new drivers, risks, insurance fraud and regulation HG9970.4.C2A94
4. Handbook of insurance HG8061 .H36
Database Articles:
1. Insuring Against Fraud
2. FRAUD: Interview with John Beadle, Counter-Fraud Manager, RSA
3. High-tech could both facilitate, thwart frauds
4. Protect Yourself From Insurance Fraud
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Insurance Industry
Ever since the beginning of freshman year in high school, I feel that the insurance industry has been part of my life. My uncle, a successful insurance broker for over 30 years, had needed someone to help him out because one of his assistants had moved on from his company. Who would have thought that his Godson would fill a position that required experience and knowledge in the industry? Subsequently, not much time elapsed from his assistant leaving to me filling her position.
Let me just state some background information before I continue on. My uncle and I have an incredibly close relationship and he has played an influential role in my life. Whether it is shooting a round of golf, grabbing a bite to eat at our favorite restaurant, or simply relaxing on the sandy beaches on a family vacation, we have a Godfather and Godson bond that cannot be broken.
Working with my uncle started from a once every other weekend occurrence during my freshman year to a four day a week job beginning my senior year in high school to the present day. A routine of filing away paperwork, organizing insurance policies, and making phone calls is something that has grown on me and continues to intrigue me. My curiosity in insurance has allowed me to embrace it much more than in the early days of freshman year.
Recently during the winter break, my uncle sat me down in his office and decided it was a time for us to have a one-on-one man-to-man talk. Cutting to the chance, he elaborated and opened up that one day after I finish my collegiate education that his business would be handed over to me. After receiving that breathtaking news, I was speechless and jubilant at what lies ahead in my future. Watching what my uncle work as hard as he does every day, it motivated me to work even harder in my journey through college.
Once the news sunk in, I almost immediately wondered what life would be five to six years from now. I was eager to find all of the kinks in the industry and what I was destined for. I, for sure, would not want to spend my life in insurance dealing with a living nightmare.
Research Questions
1. Is the insurance industry one that will be affected by the fluctuating economy?
2. With the rise in corruption, can the insurance industry remain clean of fraudulent crimes?
3. How do you customers react when there is a change in power from one generation to the next?
4. Is the insurance all that is hyped up to be with all of the opportunities it offers?
5. Do larger, more powerful insurance agencies tend to influence the ways that smaller, less aggressive insurance companies operate?
Let me just state some background information before I continue on. My uncle and I have an incredibly close relationship and he has played an influential role in my life. Whether it is shooting a round of golf, grabbing a bite to eat at our favorite restaurant, or simply relaxing on the sandy beaches on a family vacation, we have a Godfather and Godson bond that cannot be broken.
Working with my uncle started from a once every other weekend occurrence during my freshman year to a four day a week job beginning my senior year in high school to the present day. A routine of filing away paperwork, organizing insurance policies, and making phone calls is something that has grown on me and continues to intrigue me. My curiosity in insurance has allowed me to embrace it much more than in the early days of freshman year.
Recently during the winter break, my uncle sat me down in his office and decided it was a time for us to have a one-on-one man-to-man talk. Cutting to the chance, he elaborated and opened up that one day after I finish my collegiate education that his business would be handed over to me. After receiving that breathtaking news, I was speechless and jubilant at what lies ahead in my future. Watching what my uncle work as hard as he does every day, it motivated me to work even harder in my journey through college.
Once the news sunk in, I almost immediately wondered what life would be five to six years from now. I was eager to find all of the kinks in the industry and what I was destined for. I, for sure, would not want to spend my life in insurance dealing with a living nightmare.
Research Questions
1. Is the insurance industry one that will be affected by the fluctuating economy?
2. With the rise in corruption, can the insurance industry remain clean of fraudulent crimes?
3. How do you customers react when there is a change in power from one generation to the next?
4. Is the insurance all that is hyped up to be with all of the opportunities it offers?
5. Do larger, more powerful insurance agencies tend to influence the ways that smaller, less aggressive insurance companies operate?
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Pre-Review Reflection
Looking back on my first draft of Core I, I can honestly say that the conclusion of my paper is definitely the weakest part. I tried to arrange it so that I didn't repeat anything from the previous material in the paper, but I don't think I was too successful. Secondly, throughout the paper I had a feeling that it was repetitive by saying the same information over and over again. Going through the revision process, I'll make sure to distinguish where there is repetition and where there is not.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
The Imus Fallout
Language and Quotes: The content of this article about the Imus fallout uses very distinct language that probably most other articles would be fearful to use. The overall synopsis that James Poniewozik writes about is that Imus as well as other popular big shots have crossed “the line.” However, the author deliberately incorporates specific words and examples into his work to create a sense of irony. If taken out of context, this author can pass as a racist. Cleverly, the tone of the overall allows for a conversational tone rather than a brash condescending one. He interacts with the reader, for example, “You blurt. You deny. You apologize…” Since he chooses the word “you” continuously throughout, he makes it feel as though you are having a conversation over a cup of coffee. By inputting commentary after certain examples, Poniewozik attempts to provide a softer mood so that the reader isn’t constantly inundated with hateful slurs. After using specific language such as, “faggot” or “nigger”, the author startles the reader, but at the same time supports his choice to use the words as he describes certain scenarios in which mostly everyone can relate to. More specifically, bringing up celebrities like Mel Gibson, Sacha Baron Cohen, or even Quentin Tarantino and how they “cross the line” like Imus provides validity to his argument to implement that sort of diction in his article.
Personally, I do not use offensive language. However, there have been times where I have dug myself into a deep hole involving certain situations. In person, my use of a sarcastic, conversational tone has caused for mixed reactions in people. A phrase that was intended to come out as a sense of humor quickly changed into something hurtful. Having experienced that multiple times in my life, I had to manipulate the way I presented my tone. Learning from the Imus fallout and moving forward, I need to realize when the right time to use the sarcastic tone is appropriate and when it is not.
Personally, I do not use offensive language. However, there have been times where I have dug myself into a deep hole involving certain situations. In person, my use of a sarcastic, conversational tone has caused for mixed reactions in people. A phrase that was intended to come out as a sense of humor quickly changed into something hurtful. Having experienced that multiple times in my life, I had to manipulate the way I presented my tone. Learning from the Imus fallout and moving forward, I need to realize when the right time to use the sarcastic tone is appropriate and when it is not.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Showing vs. Telling
Andrew Murray
ENC 1102/Sec
January 25, 2010
Andrew.murray@knights.ucf.edu
The Land of the Unknown
(518)
Peering into the realm of the Libra Community at the University of Central Florida, one would notice that one dormitory triumphs over the rest. Rising four stories high into the sunny Orlando sky, Flagler Hall greets its guests with superficial salutations. However, the naive daily visitors are beguiled into believing that Flagler is the paradise of all the land, not knowing the ongoing antics and surprises that plague everyday residents.
It is 10:00 a.m. on a Sunday morning. Just a mile down the road, restaurants are in full swing as customers sit to enjoy a fresh, warm first cup of coffee to start the day. Families gather for breakfast and cherish each other’s presence. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the first floor of Flagler Hall is quiet and placid as if an F-5 tornado had immediately blown through just several minutes ago. The spacious pod area has turned from organization of two tables with four chairs tucked meticulously around each table into a pandemonium of overturned furniture and pieces of furniture mysteriously disappearing. Three red couches somehow dwindled down to one lone green couch. To top it off, crumbs of various foods are scattered throughout the carpet as if a chef was sprinkling grated mozzarella on top of a pizza. The walls where sparkling, flamboyant decorations and hand-crafted posters once stood were now bare simply plastered with disheartening white paint. The only question one can put together is, “What on earth could have happened the night before.”
A young third grade boy named Alex sits at his desk in a quaint classroom surrounded by his other classmates as they follow along in their textbooks. His older teacher, dressed in a business suit unlike most teachers, monotonously lectures a math lesson to his students in a dull drone voice. As he turns the page he discovers a mysterious beige envelope which reads “Happy Birthday Alex” in dark bold writing. Immediately, once the envelope is opened, balloons in the shape of Mickey Mouse ears escape and colorful fireworks ignite, lighting up the entire classroom. Alex and his other classmates, and even the classroom hamsters, are appalled and amazed at the splendor of the phenomenon which interrupted the lesson. Consequently, the students from inside that ordinary classroom transition to the magical world of DisneyWorld. Accompanied by the Pirates of the Caribbean, Alex and his friends, donned in pirate apparel, celebrate a birthday with the help of the enchantment of DisneyWorld. The end of this thirty second commercial concludes with the announcer saying, “Celebrate your birthday at Disney parks.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFTV29CJd3o&NR=1
After using the showing vs. telling techniques for both the advertisement and place on campus, I found it to be much easier to write about the place on campus. Having said this, there is more of a three dimensional feel to it. On an advertisement there is only so much that you can write about describing it, while on campus you can add sensory details that you actually experienced, which is why the advertisement was more difficult.
ENC 1102/Sec
January 25, 2010
Andrew.murray@knights.ucf.edu
The Land of the Unknown
(518)
Peering into the realm of the Libra Community at the University of Central Florida, one would notice that one dormitory triumphs over the rest. Rising four stories high into the sunny Orlando sky, Flagler Hall greets its guests with superficial salutations. However, the naive daily visitors are beguiled into believing that Flagler is the paradise of all the land, not knowing the ongoing antics and surprises that plague everyday residents.
It is 10:00 a.m. on a Sunday morning. Just a mile down the road, restaurants are in full swing as customers sit to enjoy a fresh, warm first cup of coffee to start the day. Families gather for breakfast and cherish each other’s presence. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the first floor of Flagler Hall is quiet and placid as if an F-5 tornado had immediately blown through just several minutes ago. The spacious pod area has turned from organization of two tables with four chairs tucked meticulously around each table into a pandemonium of overturned furniture and pieces of furniture mysteriously disappearing. Three red couches somehow dwindled down to one lone green couch. To top it off, crumbs of various foods are scattered throughout the carpet as if a chef was sprinkling grated mozzarella on top of a pizza. The walls where sparkling, flamboyant decorations and hand-crafted posters once stood were now bare simply plastered with disheartening white paint. The only question one can put together is, “What on earth could have happened the night before.”
A young third grade boy named Alex sits at his desk in a quaint classroom surrounded by his other classmates as they follow along in their textbooks. His older teacher, dressed in a business suit unlike most teachers, monotonously lectures a math lesson to his students in a dull drone voice. As he turns the page he discovers a mysterious beige envelope which reads “Happy Birthday Alex” in dark bold writing. Immediately, once the envelope is opened, balloons in the shape of Mickey Mouse ears escape and colorful fireworks ignite, lighting up the entire classroom. Alex and his other classmates, and even the classroom hamsters, are appalled and amazed at the splendor of the phenomenon which interrupted the lesson. Consequently, the students from inside that ordinary classroom transition to the magical world of DisneyWorld. Accompanied by the Pirates of the Caribbean, Alex and his friends, donned in pirate apparel, celebrate a birthday with the help of the enchantment of DisneyWorld. The end of this thirty second commercial concludes with the announcer saying, “Celebrate your birthday at Disney parks.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFTV29CJd3o&NR=1
After using the showing vs. telling techniques for both the advertisement and place on campus, I found it to be much easier to write about the place on campus. Having said this, there is more of a three dimensional feel to it. On an advertisement there is only so much that you can write about describing it, while on campus you can add sensory details that you actually experienced, which is why the advertisement was more difficult.
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