In the study of Brewin et al. “On the Potential of Surfers to Monitor Environmental Indicators in The Coastal Zone”, the researchers examine the feasibility of using surfers as platforms to increase the number of samples for environmental indicators. They sent a surfer in the southwest of the United Kingdom a temperature sensor and a GPS gadget, which they utilized while surfing for a whole year (85 surfing sessions). Sea-surface temperature (SST) is a key environmental indicator, and this study combined a temperature sensor and a GPS device to give sample location and extract data on surfer performance. Surfer-collected SST data was compared to that from a nearby oceanographic station and with satellite measurements. The results show that surfers may capture high-quality SST data using inexpensive sensors. GPS data can offer information on surfing performance, which may encourage more data collection. Surfers may gather roughly 40 million observations on biophysical parameters per year along the UK shoreline. The statistics are based on current assessments of the surfing population and the frequency with which surfers participate. Given surfing’s worldwide popularity, these findings have far-reaching consequences, and the methodology might be applied to other loved maritime leisure activities to monitor environmental markers along coastlines better.
Notably, the research reflects a deep thought-provoking idea that is novel in the marine research. However, it is understandable that such ideas would be introduced by qualified specialists in the area. The researchers’ credentials stem from their experience of working in Plymouth Marine Laboratory. This laboratory has established a wide global reputation for the studies in the sphere of environmentalism, marine life and aquatic zones. Hence the purpose of the article reflects interest of researcher and global community in furthering the available data on coastal environments.
Although the benefit of such research could be felt in the daily life of coastal residents, the article itself is written in the language that could be limited in interpretation for the general audience. The reason may lie in the fact that it is published in the scientific journal, namely PLOS ONE, the primary audience for which are scientists and academics in the STEM and medicine fields. Nevertheless, it is provided in an open-access format which allows anyone with internet connection to familiarize themselves with the findings, in the textual mode of delivery.
However, some readers that are unfamiliar with the scientific method of knowledge acquirement may be confused with the inclusion of numerous data sources. The research provides an original idea that was developed from the existing findings which were cited in the article. The sources used are primarily research articles in the field of aquatic environment research, books on the management and citizen science. In detail, 79 secondary sources allowed the research to form comprehensive article which provides general knowledge on the topic and assisted in the formation of appropriate methodology.
In addition to the sources the article’s credibility is built by the rhetorical appeal which appropriates the findings into comprehensive model. This appeal could be traced in the formulation of the argument as an introduction, methodology, research, results and discussion (Varpio, 2018). Namely, the way authors introduce the topic of interest reflects how they aim to involve greater audience and force them to accept their research findings which could be described as ethos or appeal to authority as researchers. Logos is reflected in the methodology and article design while pathos is often neglected in such articles.
In conclusion, the study discusses the exploitation surfers to collect essential samples for extensive research in coastal areas. It is written with the consideration for academic circles so it could be difficult to comprehend for the general audience. Nevertheless, the authors attempt to utilize the appeal to logos and ethos to further their arguments and solidify the importance of the results. Consequently, a comprehensive and detailed research article was published online.
Reference
Brewin, R. J., de Mora, L., Jackson, T., Brewin, T. G., & Shutler, J. (2015). On the potential of surfers to monitor environmental indicators in the Coastal Zone. PLOS ONE, 10(7). Web.
Plymouth Marine Laboratory. (n.d.). Dr Lee De Mora. Web.
University of Exeter. (n.d.). Dr Bob Brewin. Web.
Varpio, L. (2018). Using rhetorical appeals to credibility, logic, and emotions to increase your persuasiveness. Perspectives on Medical Education, 7(3), 207–210. Web.