Reflections on Theme 4
This week we discussed qualitative methods. Preparations were as usual to read a bit; a paper by the guest lecturer of the week as well as to find a research paper employing some kind of qualitative method of research.
I have had some trouble finding interesting articles in the past, but this week I found a fitting one pretty quickly. The core of the paper was about finding out what motivates people to start independent podcasting. As it deals with motivation - a very personal aspect - it did focus on qualitative methods.
The authors of my paper used a qualitative survey, which I thought was a pretty common method. They are conducted by using open ended questions so that the persons partaking can provide their own thoughts without having to resort to predetermined options. At the seminar it turned out that I was the only one to have found a paper using a survey of any kind, which surprised me.
I thought that the seminar was the place where I learned the most this week. It was really straightforward; an opportunity to familiarize yourself with a great deal of different qualitative methods. We managed to have an extensive discussion in a group of four where we all presented the methods used in the research papers we had chosen. Some were familiar and others were new. The discussion was focused on finding boons and weaknesses of the methods, so we analyzed them together, and later discussed our findings in the class. The group discussions provided for a good basis of understanding of the methods, like a brainstorming session where you can delve into freely exploring them.
I would like to give credit to the methods wiki-page as well, it is a good resource to keep at hand for the future. It is also good to be able to read about what the other seminar groups discussed, since the content of each seminar can vary quite a bit.
I thought that the seminar was the place where I learned the most this week. It was really straightforward; an opportunity to familiarize yourself with a great deal of different qualitative methods. We managed to have an extensive discussion in a group of four where we all presented the methods used in the research papers we had chosen. Some were familiar and others were new. The discussion was focused on finding boons and weaknesses of the methods, so we analyzed them together, and later discussed our findings in the class. The group discussions provided for a good basis of understanding of the methods, like a brainstorming session where you can delve into freely exploring them.
I would like to give credit to the methods wiki-page as well, it is a good resource to keep at hand for the future. It is also good to be able to read about what the other seminar groups discussed, since the content of each seminar can vary quite a bit.
I don't think it's surprising that you were the only one who found a paper with a survey, since it this week was about qualitative methods. Qualitative surveys don't seem to be all that common in media technology research, in my own personal experience. I think it's because open-ended surveys take longer to analyze and to cluster into groups of similar answers. So it seems that you've found yourself quite a gem!
SvaraRaderaHaving conducted a qualitative survey myself, I know you are very correct. It does take an absurd amount of time depending on how many people you have that are contributing. :)
Radera