Research Proposal

Ashley Achan
ENG 110 316-A
Prof Micheal
The topic that I have chosen for my research paper is the reconstruction and gentrification of the South Bronx. In the last five years, the community has seen an overwhelming effort to reconstruct and improve the South Bronx. As a resident of the Mott Haven area, I have witnessed the spontaneous arrival of brand new condominiums, restaurants (including Starbucks..), parks, shopping centers, and much more. These new additions to the neighborhood may seem like wonderful options for dining, shopping, and even living, but locals know all too well that they are the warning signs of sky high rent and blue eyed invaders. The Mott Haven area was definitely in need of a face-lift, with beaten down neighborhoods and a failing shopping hub, 149th street and 3rd avenue (better known as The Hub) was a breeding ground for crime and poverty. However, it’s hidden potential has been rediscovered over the last decade, finally qualifying it as competition against nearby Fordham Road. The failure of small “mom and pop” shops and run down businesses, the financial crisis of 2008, and the overall inability to maintain a stable environment, can all be blamed for the bittersweet truth: gentrification is at our doorsteps. Although much needed, this face-lift comes at an expensive price, and the locals are the ones to pay. We already know the basics; these new buildings, new shopping centers, new restaurants have been popping up all around the neighborhood. However, what I hope to find out is “why?”, why is this the up and coming neighborhood, and what are the negative/positive effects on the community?

research proposal

Ariela Zorrilla

Professor Michael

Psychology 101

October 28, 2019

Obesity

For my research I chose a topic that most of the time we ignore, as we know New York city is also known because is a big city in which we can find plenty of places that sells “junk food” ( Macdonald’s, Kennedy Fried chicken, ,Popeyes, white Castle, and others) and most people consume it very often, as a result of consuming this “junk food” many people become “Obese” and it is not a secret that obesity have increased within the years, it is not just being affecting to adult people but also to children and young people as well and I think that we should be more concerned about it, who are the most affected by obesity and also, which are the most dangerous illnesses that we can get as a result of having obesity. Where? In New York city, it is noticeable that people in new York city consume a lot of junk food, I have seen parents going to those places with their children and it does not mean that they cannot go there but to have a control of how many times they go to those places and also teach their children to also eat healthy food. When? Now, currently people continue eating junk food and that is the main reason why obesity is affecting to more people. What kind? All kind of obesity. Why? Because we should be more concerned that obesity does not just affect adults but also is affecting children and that can cause problems to our future generations. How? People with obesity can get other illnesses that is why is important to be aware of what we eat and how much “junk food” we consume.

Research Proposal

Maria Colon

Prof. Michael

English 110

28, October 2019

Research Proposal:

Trying to narrow down a topic for this digital essay proved to be a bit difficult, however after focusing on what is truly overlooked throughout cities, I thought of people. More specifically the individuals who are homeless and most unfortunate. (Where) New York City, for example, is one of the places where homelessness is most prevalent and uncatered to. People of all ages and conditions are constantly trying to get through each day wondering what they’ll eat where they’ll sleep, who might help, and even how to take care of their hygiene given their circumstances. To be in that position is a really scary thing, considering all the hardships one has to face on a daily basis, especially when the seasons change, and you don’t know how you’ll stay warm or how you’ll avoid heat strokes and burns. In regards to the when aspect of this particular issue, this is something that occurs every single day and (why) that most people ignore because it doesn’t affect their realities. (What Kind) The part of homelessness I want to focus on is how (how) easily dismissed these individuals are, (which part) and the assumptions that are associated with them. Essentially there’s a stigma that revolves around the unfortunate, for instance, people tend to think others who are displaced are mentally unstable, drug users, alcoholics, lazy, etc. It’s wrong to perceive these individuals in this light especially if you aren’t aware of their situation and their struggles.

Research Proposal

For my research proposal, I will study Starbucks locations throughout the borough of Manhattan and correlate on how much wealth the area has. This will be in the present time and will mostly be written for the sake of learning about the gentrification process in the heart of the city. Throughout my life I’ve noticed the large amount of Starbucks locations in areas that are filled to the brim with wealth, white people, and privilege. There could even be three locations within the same general vicinity for seemingly no reason. While, in less impoverished places of Manhattan, there’s nothing but bodegas, drug addicts, and people of color. Not a single Starbucks in sight. For this project I want to emphasize how Starbucks are used as landmarks of the city and show just how much of a division they create within the Big Apple. I will only be using Manhattan for this project as it is the center of wealth and help visualize the stark comparisons in a brighter light. I will also include any store that, within, holds a Starbucks locations, for they too contribute to the overwhelming gentrification of New York.

I’ve always disliked how much Starbucks has popped up within these confines of the city. It was always a visual reminder that even the most basic of coffees can have a huge price tag attached to it, to compensate for the huge wealth within the area. I always make my own, or buy it locally. I genuinely need to emphasize what Starbucks means in the city; and that is wealth markers.

Research Proposal

A research study I would find interesting is the affects of video games on people, specifically the positive side of things. I know that video games, especially fighting games can gather a group of people where they want to fight against each other in this game. This small group attracts more people, gathers interest from the outside and makes clubs dedicated to theses games. From these clubs are people who organize tournaments for those gamers who want to get competitive with the game. Those tournament organizers then start hosting their own tournaments soon start live streaming their game so the world can see, bringing in more attention towards the game and the people who are interested in it start playing the game. Then this transforms from a small group who loved the game into a wide community that’s appreciated by thousands of players across the worlds. Within this community, gamers who meet up with other gamers can share a passion for a single game, and this is how friendships are forged. Soon enough, money starts flowing into the scene because of sponsorships. Now this community has a place on the map, a career they can now pursue, and a place people can go to and experience what its like to see other people who enjoy what you love as well. Some things I want to know are: 1. Are people becoming more outgoing and social because of these places? 2. Are people becoming more hostile in competitive environments? 3. Have these environments changed people’s lives for the better as a whole?  When researching, I want to start my research As soon as its approved (If it will be), Explore all of New York City’s burrows so I can find as many places as possible that’s dedicated to gaming, Try to limit my search to competitive gaming or places that support gaming as a whole where communities are held. I want to research this because it seems very interesting to me to investigate the positive effects of the gaming community, and ill investigate by either using google or visit these locations myself.

Research Proposal

In my research essay I would be mapping the transportation in NY, the different types of transportation people use to move through the cities of the NY state. I will be answering to why now a day some people who live in Manhattans, Staten Island, Brooklyn and/or Queens prefer to take the subway, metro, a taxi, bus, walk or drive a bicycle instead of driving a car like most people do in the Bronx. I will be mapping the percentage of driven cars in the cities. In the Bronx for example some people choose to drive their own cars because of all the trouble that can happen in buses or train station. In Manhattans in the other hand you can see all the people walking on the streets, riding a bike or taking the subway. I will make a further research to know exactly what kind of transportation is most likely to use by the people on the different cities. To specify the amount of dollar people consume in gas, MetroCard, E-Zpass, etc. Also the difference in the time spent while traveling in a car, train, or taxi. And the amount of tickets charged to people who does not pay the train or bus ride. I am looking forward to make this essay and inform about the different types of transportation in the cities of NY and the reasons why people have preferences at the time to use one of this transportations either to go to work or different places.

New York City Roads .

For my research topic I have chosen New York City roads because they are one of the biggest economic downfalls in NYC. I will research the conditions in bridges, highways ,local streets and potholes. The map will illustrate where the most car accidents take place in the city. This topic interests me because Ive experince how terrible road conditions affect citizens safety. New Yorkers move throughout the city on foot, call an uber or ride New York City transit. There are people who’ve lived in New York City their entire lives without getting a driver’s license or knowledge of the road. Pedestrians are more likely to be killed by a stranger behind the wheel of a car due to rocky roads and road congestion. Most of these accidents occur in multilane thoroughfares and highways. New York has the most congested roads. New York is known for massive traffic which cause delays in commute. Whether it be the potholes in local streets, or uneven roadways on the borough’s highways and service roads, New York have grown far too comfortable to deteriorating economic infrastructure. Drivers have accidentally driven into a pothole or detoured because of highway construction. Much of New York City’s roads and bridges are reaching a point of decay, despite the billions of dollars spent on repair and reconstruction every year. Personally, I believe roads in New York are unsafe, congested, and have poor conditions that causes accidents. 

 

Research proposal

In my research I will be mapping about where and why people would rather online shop instead of face to face shopping in areas like the suburbs and in the city .This topic interests me because you don’t really see people out shopping with their family and stuff because now there’s this easier way of doing things which will arrive right at your door without you having to travel, which can sometimes be understandable because there are situations in which you may not have a car to go to Home Depot and buy something big which is when online shopping comes in handy.  The countries in which online shopping is most popular are in the United States, United Kingdom,Sweden. When is online shopping done the most it is done the most on Sundays and Mondays mostly at the beginning of the week because its when people start to think about things they will be needing through the week and on weekends people mostly spend their days out doing things.their are pros and cons to online shopping such as not ordering the right size of for example a closet or a bed set or bed sheets because everything on the internet is not always what it may seem like which is why personally I prefer face to face shopping because that way I would get everything the right size and color so that i won’t have to waste time going to the store and exchanging it or mailing it back to the company.

 

Green New York

In my research essay I will be talking about the most huge and important green zones in New York city. Where are they located in New York city, who is in charged of those areas, How are they important for the environment, and also the impact that they have in our boroughs. Beyond Manhattan and Central Park, the city offers other large green spaces where nature reigns. there are 12 large areas called JIAs ( Joint of Interest areas) and their exception responds to their uniqueness, they are large areas of land that are of strategic importance for example for transport or urban as is the case with large green areas. It is important to take care of those areas and keep them as they are because our city is very crowded and we losing the nature little by little. Buildings, Infrastructures, and all type of constructions are transforming our city in a city without a green space, where you can go and enjoy the nature. If you look at  manhattan besides Central Park you will no find anything else than buildings, huge buildings that make New York  unique but what about the nature?, the environment we are creating will affect us soon or later.

Research Proposal

My research essay is going to be on depression and how gender norms play a role. Explaining what types of gender norms there are and where they came from. Exploring the impact it has on young minds to adulthood. How and why does it impact the workplace? How or even have these norms changed with the movement of the LGBTQ+ community? How the LGBTQ+ community has been impacted by this? My big question is: When did the need for gender norms overcome an individual’s happiness and identity? I want to tie this into depression in society. Mapping out where there seems to be the most depression rates and mental health facilities. The opinions I already have with no research is that while our time period has improved greatly on how society views gender, there are many things we need to work on. Like how in the workplace women still have to work harder than men to get to a high position. This could have a very straining mental impact on the way women view themselves, possibly making women feel as if they aren’t good enough. How young boys have the pressure of being strong and how showing emotions makes you weak. This could cause them to become distant, act out, and not feel good enough as well. While I’m not sure how the LGBTQ+ community has been impacted in the workplace my guess is that it’s even harder to get a job if you do not look the way people expect you to look based on your gender. I also know that the LGBTQ+ community is the community with the most depression rates. So I wish to shed some light on this and how we can possibly change this.