Crafting a Deep and Intricate Essay: A Multi-Disciplinary Approach

What exactly makes an essay 'deep' and 'intricate'? Many writers aspire to create pieces that intertwine various disciplines to provide a rich, multi-layered perspective. This article aims to explore how a writer can achieve such a depth and intricacy by drawing from multiple fields and making unexpected connections. Our discussion will focus on a personal essay that demonstrates breadth, linking unexpected fields to create a meaningful piece.

My Journey as a Writer

Writing has been a passion of mine since 2006, and I have learned that the best pieces often emerge from a broad and multi-disciplinary understanding. In 2017, I wrote an essay on the economics of 'caring about cheating' during midterms. This essay is one of my top five, less because of its depth or intricacy but for the unique connections it makes between fields that are not typically associated with each other.

The Inspiration Behind the Essay

The essay draws inspiration from animal behavior studies and real estate economics, both of which offer interesting insights into the behavior of individuals and groups. These examples provide a broader context and help in drawing unexpected parallels. Let us examine the two examples in detail:

Animals and Caregiving Behavior

When a caregiver tries to distribute resources equally among offspring, there is a mismatch between the caregiver's effort and the benefit received. Each infant, however, competes for resources, with those who manage to take more providing a significant benefit to themselves. This biological concept reveals how individual interests often conflict with collective goals, a realization that resonates with human behavior too.

Real Estate and Agent Motivation

In the real estate market, agents typically aim to sell houses in the upper end of the price range without much regard for the $1,000 difference. This behavior can be understood as a decision-making process where the incremental benefit to them is not significant, but the benefit to the buyer is substantial. This principle extends to the context of exams and cheating, where the perceived benefit to the student far outweighs the cost to the invigilator.

The Essay in Detail

In my essay, I observed the behavior of students during midterms and drew parallels with the above biological and economic principles. I noted how exam invigilators carefully observe students at the beginning of exams but relax their vigilance as the exams progress. This inconsistency seems puzzling until we understand the context of individual and group incentives.

I began by recounting how, as a teacher, I noticed that cheating doesn't pose a significant threat to the overall classroom dynamics as long as the curve remains intact. The concept of diminishing returns applies here, where the effort required to catch one more cheater becomes less relevant. Additionally, I observed that cheating might have greater value for some students who believe that passing the exam is a matter of survival.

As the essay progresses, I reflect on the dilemma from a professional viewpoint. The task of catching cheaters is tedious and unrewarding, yet it carries a certain satisfaction for the invigilator. This satisfaction value is understandable, given the lack of tangible benefits for the invigilator's career or reputation.

A Balanced Perspective

While the essay highlights the complexities of the situation, it also presents a balanced perspective. It acknowledges the risks and rewards associated with both the cheater and the invigilator, leading to a nuanced understanding of the issue.

In conclusion, the essay demonstrates how a multi-disciplinary approach, linking biology, economics, and behavior, can create a deep and intricate piece. By drawing from a wide range of fields, unexpected connections can be made, providing insights that are both rich and meaningful.

Key Takeaways

Combine insights from multiple disciplines to create a rich, multi-layered perspective. Draw parallels between seemingly unrelated fields to offer fresh insights. Create a balanced perspective that examines the viewpoints of all stakeholders involved.

Conclusion

Writing that is both deep and intricate often emerges from a broad and multi-disciplinary understanding. By making unexpected connections and exploring various viewpoints, one can craft a compelling and valuable piece of writing. As a writer, it is essential to leverage the insights from different fields to create a comprehensive and thought-provoking piece.