Wednesday, October 7, 2009
A Suggestive Proprosal...yes, yes of course I will
I didn't think I would be torn about what my proposal should be or the direction I wanted to take my main project. I mean I love humor and students...it just makes sense to pursue that end, but ever since we studied the concept of case studies I've wondered how that specific method would improve the services of the agency for people with disabilities that I work for. I just think it would be fascinating to do a case study on each of the people we serve (seven total). But, then again, I am still drawn to the work of my thesis and I know I want to pilot several surveys as a starting place. I've been considering creating several focus groups to also identifiy some of the aspects of humor online that may be too leading in a survey. It might also be fascinating though to add in a case study or another method to add dimension. I definitely would like to use mix methods to help identify the elements of online interaction that I can pursue further for my overall project.
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I like the idea of using mixed methods too. Triangulation really seems to ne the key to validating research. I've found that I am more convinced by studies that rely on several methods rathers than just one...especially surveys.
ReplyDeleteThe focus group on humor does sound like a good idea.
Bonnie,
ReplyDeleteI don't think you should give up on humor. I think you should stick with what you are passionate about.
A few years ago I got taken to task for wanting to study the changes in the place where I grew up--a place that is now managed by the US Forest Service that is also a sacred site and an "Historical Artifact". I was told that because I was not Native American (even though my grandfather was) I should not research the changes I saw. I was told that I would not be able to be fair.
I have been struggling ever since to find a project I feel as passionately about--and I feel that my phenotype has been a huge area where OTHERS have assumed things about me that are not correct. I hope you follow your passion--otherwise you might end up like me and flail around for years trying to find a project that meets other people's requirements. NOT a good place to be.
I'm with Gerri - humor seems like the key for you. I say you should make the most of the project you have to do by allowing it to feed a project you have committed to doing anyway - sort of a two birds, one stone thing.
ReplyDeleteI also like the idea of focus groups for your work. I think that would be great - especially if it were part of the beginning of a larger study and helped you gauge attitudes as you assemble a larger survey.