1. Methods Question (Required)
   The current obsession with "apps" and "app stores" represents a particular moment in the evolution of information technology and capitalism. Another aspect of this particular moment is the concern with the management of vast arrays of data in many formats and across specialized fields. Focus on one of these two concerns and propose several research questions that can make sense of and deepen our understanding of this moment, its history, and its possible ramifications. Identify one research question from the several you propose and design a study that will enable the question to be answered. The proposal should include a demonstration of the significance of the question, a review of previous relevant literature, a justification of the choice of design, and explanation of the data collection and data analysis methods to be used, and a statement of the limitations of the design.

2. Theory Question (Choose One)
   In the process of doing conservation work, questions of authenticity have arisen in regard to field notes documenting original specimens whose research and cultural values are vouchered by this documentation. What are the theoretical debates that inform our current concepts of authenticity and what do they suggest for our research in terms of the specimens and the records (original notes, later cataloguing, and current approaches)? Use a specific example (e.g. particular set of artifacts, documents, or files, with which you are familiar) to make your case. Be sure to cite the relevant theoretical literature.

OR

“Information is bounded by time, space, and community.” Discuss.