In the last days I began
to make an inquiry plan and analyse the considerations I should take when
developing it. To plan how will I apply, use my data and connect my ideas and
information obtained; think critically about the discussions I have been taking
with my SIGS as well as with the literature researched; analyse what do I want
to approach with my inquiry and what knowledge I already have from this area;
and how is it connected with my daily basis and how will I use my own practice
and experience as a research field for inquiry; demands a well-organized plan
and a good clarification on the methods and structures necessaries for it.
Reflecting
about the methods described on Reader 6 from this Module , made it clear how
should I plan my research process, take in consideration the advantages e
disadvantages of each one and how would be the best way to apply them. From the tools described, I believe I
will focus on three of them during the development: observation, interview and
focus group. As my inquiry has a more qualitative approach, I believe I might
focus more on analysis methods.
Here, I
will share my thoughts of the four tools presented, evaluating their merits and
their limits and how I might apply as well:
Observation is already always part of our daily routine,
especially in a work-based study program like this degree when we should
reflect about our work environment, our role as a professional on this place
and apply studied theories on it. To be able to bring questions for inquiries
possibilities, observation was necessary firstly to be able to analyse my own
thoughts. To apply observation as a method of study, a critical eye is
necessary and deep reflection about it later on (and then recordings, notes,
diaries are necessary). I got myself already applying this method as thoughts
would come to my mind during classes and rehearsals which I could relate to my
inquiry. Recently, especially after the Skype Session I had with Adesola, I
concluded that my Inquiry theme is very much related with my personal journey,
and a reflective diary will be one of the main resources I will apply on my
research. With this conclusion, I realized I will be observing not only the
ones around me but me as well. On some situations might be better to be a
participant on the event then observing from outside totally. I felt this
situation with certain classes when more than observing my colleagues, I could
also fell their experiences and share my own point of view with them.
Observation might be time consuming, especially if time is reserved to observe
specific classes however, I believe most
of the observations happen during the daily routine. It is crucial to plan the
manner on how observation could be used to the best advantage and end up with
better results. It is necessary then just to keep always prepared in case notes
should be taken or recordings, making sure what I am focusing on and being able
to relate with the literature researched. Another important point, is the fact
the while observing me, as an inside-observer, there is of course, a personal
influence. However, while observing others and after discussing about their
experiences, considerations will have to be taken to be open to other opinions,
perspectives and influences, to balance between my own position, goals,
preconceptions and the others as well. During an observation process,
sensibility is required.
Interviews
are a very useful way to collect data, share perspectives and open
new discussions about the chosen theme: “(…) You can ask the “why questions”
directly to people who have knowledge, experience, and perceptions about you
topic; their interpretations can be used as data when these views are collected
using recognized data collection techniques” (Reader 6, page 16). This tool
will be very crucial for my research process. The way the interview is
structuralized, defines
very much the results obtained and the shape of the inquiry. Questions about
who will I interview, where and when will I interview, how will I prepare
myself for it and how will I question are extremely important to take in
consideration. More than collecting data, it is important to show to the
participant the importance of my research , that he or she is part of this
process and how could my research be useful not just for me, but for others as
well. For my inquiry I believe I will plan an interview on a more informal
environment, will set some questions and guide a direction for it however, I
will try to be flexible for others emerging issues and create an open and
productive discussion. Depending on the professional interviewed, the planning
for it might be different.
This
tool of research requires a special attention on considerations that have to be
taken. To be able to interview, the researcher can’t be inconvenient and need
to make sure that the ones involved are very clear on what the inquiry is
about. Also, consent forms are necessary and comply with confidentiality issues
according to each one professional and personal situation. The analysis process
after the interviews requires also special attention: accuracy on
interpretations and also to be able to use the data efficiently on the research
process. I believe I will record most of the interviews to able to don’t miss
important parts, reflect carefully after and reach well interpretations.
Focus Groups require a lot of
organization. As other ones are involved, the group dedication on the
activities and discussions asked is very crucial. For better results, planning
is necessary not only to be able to manage to get people together and creating
a proper atmosphere, but also to make the meeting productive, bringing up
discussions and relating to the data collected previously. Confidentiality,
privacy, data protection considerations require also a proper attention. For my
inquiry, I am planning to organize two meetings with no more than four people.
We would work on three improvisation methodologies and after the activity,
discuss experiences together and relate to the material researched. The reason
I believe a focus group would be interesting for the development of my inquiry,
is to be able to have one more opportunity to exercise methods, observe my
colleagues and share in an open and comfortable environment a discussion around
my theme.
Surveys
and Questionnaires are very useful methods of research. These tools allow a good
range of answers from many representative respondents and access to
quantitative results to interpretation and bring up into the discussion. I
believe I won’t use these methods for my inquiry, as my theme is a lot about
analysis, however I will use surveys and questionnaires previously done by
other researches (literature) to support my inquiry. Surveys can be a good
start to initiate a research.
No comments:
Post a Comment