The idea of 'researching research' seemed bizarre to me at first because I just wanted to start researching ideas around my inquiry topic. But I went with it and I am glad I did. I began reading the Kortext book 'Qualitative Research for Physical Culture' (Markula and Silk, 2011). I would especially recommend chapter three to anyone who hasn't had a look yet. It discusses how to structure a qualitative research project, as well as some very useful tips on producing a successful Literature Review.
I was interested to learn about the process of qualitative research in comparison to quantitive. Quantitive research is the process of collecting and analysing numerical data (Base and research, 2021) and is known to follow a rigid order as shown below...
Qualitative research is more flexible and is what we will be using on this course. Although the process still needs order, it is possible to complete certain stages simultaneously. Additionally, certain parts of the research will continually be shaped throughout the process. An example of this is shown below...
(Markula and Silk, 2011, p. 59)For anyone who knows me well will know how much I loved planning and organising. This morning when I woke up, I made a plan of exactly what I wanted to achieve today from exercise, study and even planning time for myself (I am a bit of a Monica Gellar). I will need to learn to embrace uncertainty and 'go with the flow' this module.
A certain key word kept popping up during my reading - meaningful. This means that the purpose of the research must be valued by the researcher. The researcher will also have to reflect on the differences between the researcher and the participants, as well as be self-reflexive throughout the entire process.
"As humans we often defend an idea by giving reasons for it. However, sometimes the best defense is not to give reasons at the outset but instead to pursue the idea in order to see where it leads." (iDoGrants, 2019)
I would love to ask you all now, how do you know when to stop researching research and start researching different ideas, but that would contradict what I have just learnt about 'flexibility in qualitative research'. So I am now going to start researching around my inquiry topic, but come back to literature around qualitative research whenever I feel it is necessary.
I feel like I have gone off on a bit of a tangent whilst writing this post, but I think I can synthesise everything by reflecting on the TEDtalk that was shared by Alys and Helen at the beginning of the week - 'The power of vulnerability'. In the video, Brené Brown shares how she learnt to embrace vulnerability in order to get the most out of life. When I first watched it on Monday, I was feeling lost and frustrated about my study and where I was going with Module Two but it instantly helped me realise that it is okay if things don't go the way I hope. It also helped me recognise that if I do my research with love, courage and meaning then I will hopefully be able to get the most out of it...
I think this is what qualitative research is all about. What do you think?
References
Base, K. and research, A., 2021. What Is Quantitative Research? | Definition, Uses and Methods. [online] Scribbr. Available at: <https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/quantitative-research/#:~:text=Quantitative%20research%20is%20the%20process,generalize%20results%20to%20wider%20populations.> [Accessed 17 February 2021].
iDoGrants, V., 2021. Meaningful research must feel meaningful and be worthwhile; both valued and valuable.. [online] I Do Grants.org. Available at: <https://idogrants.org/2019/05/05/meaningful-research-must-feel-meaningful-and-be-worthwhile-both-valued-and-valuable/> [Accessed 17 February 2021].
Markula, P. and Silk, M., 2011. Qualitative research for physical culture. Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan.
TEDxHouston, 2021. The power of vulnerability. [video] Available at: <https://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_the_power_of_vulnerability?language=en#t-529652> [Accessed 17 February 2021].
Really enjoyed this blog Alice! I haven't got round to watching the TEDtalk yet but I will definitely put that on my to-do list (also a bit of a Monica!)
ReplyDeleteI love what you said about trying to embrace being flexible and not worrying if you want to do some topic research then come back to qualitative research. I think switching it up helps you to engage more because you're not looking at the same thing constantly and also they can spark ideas or interests for each other. Tangents are sometimes the best thing you can go off on because they lead you to places and ideas you never thought of (as evidence of how much of a Monica I am, I sometimes designate time for tangents - if I find something interesting I'll set an amount of time to follow the trail and when time is up, either reign myself back in because it wasn't all that useful so I need to move on, or make a note of all the useful bits to come back to). Good luck with the topic research! x
Haha I love that you're a Monica too! I completely agree with the idea of switching up research, it will definitely help engagement as well as sparking new ideas. I think I will have to join you in designating time for tangents, it seems to be a great way to let thoughts fly in the hope of something magical! Thank you, you too x
DeleteHI Alice, this was a great post. thank you so much for your recommendations, i will be looking them up straight away! I feel the same as you as i don't know when to start researching literature for my review or how long i should study researching methods. but like you said i think it's about the individual and you can always go back and forth. just do whatever works for you. I look forward to your next post. All the best, Chlo x
ReplyDeleteYeah I know what you mean, but I think we will know when the time is right to switch up our research. Whilst I was researching the methodology, it got to a point when I kept coming across the same information, so I knew it was time for a change. Thank you Chloe, you too x
DeleteHi Alice, I think it's a great idea to focus on doing a bit of both. I definitely think we need an idea and concept of different research but managing to research research and then also be looking at your inquiry topic will be really effective. It also helps to break it up a bit! Look forward to reading more. Rhi x
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you, I think mixing it up from time to time will be most beneficial when it comes to this type of research. Thank you Rhian x
DeleteLove your blog Alice - I can completely relate to the need to have a plan! I really struggled in Module One with just embracing the unknown and it's something I'm hoping to work on in Module Two, although like yourself I already find myself looking for exact time parameters for each section of the inquiry! I'm continuing with my research into qualitative methods at the moment and I have made a start on 'Qualitative Research for Physical Culture' Looking forward to seeing your next blog xx
ReplyDeleteThank you Georgina, I know how you are feeling! We need to just accept that this process will take time and remember that without the process the end would be worthless. Good luck with the book xx
Delete