I was aware of the types of data collection methods that suit qualitative research (such as interviews, surveys, case studies, experimental, etc.) however, I initially found it difficult to choose methods that would best fit my research. For example, I was concerned that by observing dance teachers during class, the teacher would feel pressure and alter their teaching methods, meaning the data I collect wouldn't be authentic. I was also concerned that by engaging with participants face-to-face they wouldn't feel comfortable sharing information. Although I considered this carefully, I now realise there will be complications with every type of data collection method. How we interpret the data collected is equally as important.
Sam led a Zoom session last week about interviews. I found it insightful and will definitely be using his tips when I begin collecting data next module. Some of the tips he shared were...
Even if you know the participants personally, you can never predict what they will say. Don't go into the interview with any fixed ideas. Have an open mind.
The aim of interviews is to collect stories. This is actually the reason I chose to do interviews as a data collection method as I am interested to learn about the teaching methods that dance teachers have adopted and why. What do the dance teacher's stories tell me about dance education? I am excited to find out.
Start by asking a simple question (i.e. "How did you get into your field of practice?") to break the ice. Then, ensure you actively listen to the participants. This might be difficult (especially as first-time researchers) which is why it's important to use a dictaphone to record the interviews. Also, ensure to engage with the participants by showing interest; give eye contact, respond and pick up on key points. It is also important not to offer opposing views on topics, we can simply acknowledge their opinions and move on.
I am excited to do interviews, but also quite scared. Although there is a lot to consider, it is also important to remember that we don't have to do everything. 5 main questions are enough. And by the time we get to it next module, we will be more prepared and it will feel more natural (I hope).
I have now received my feedback for my Proposal and am slightly overwhelmed with the notes I received. One note was to give a flavour to the type of questions I will ask in my interviews. Sam suggested looking at 'The Ethnographic Interview' by James Spradley but it's not available in the Online Library. If anyone has any tips on how to approach this, I would really appreciate it.
References
Bhandari, P., 2021. Data Collection | A Step-by-Step Guide with Methods and Examples. [online] Scribbr. Available at: <https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/data-collection/> [Accessed 19 April 2021].
Granada Preparatory School, 2021. job-interview-clipart-243. [image] Available at: <https://chaschool.org/staff/pam-green/job-interview-clipart-243/> [Accessed 19 April 2021].
Spradley, J., 2021. The Ethnographic Interview.
Alice it's great to read your take on the discussion! I really enjoyed Sam's Skype and took a lot from it! It's so daunting isn't it thinking about interviewing someone and I am sure this will be an experience that we will learn so much from and will never forget!
ReplyDeleteThank you, I completely agree Emily! It's very daunting, especially because it's something so unfamiliar, but I'm sure the experience will teach us so much :)
DeleteHi Alice, Great points raised here and actually, because im used to having other teachers watch lessons, it never occurred to me that some might feel a bit uncomfortable with that situation. I do however feel that as long as you are respectful and make sure they are aware that they are not being judge it shouldn’t be a problem. I assume you have chosen interviews now? How did you finally make a choice?
ReplyDeleteAlice I have that file from sam if you want me to send?
Thank you for sharing Clare. I was just very wary that teachers may adapt their approach to teaching knowing they were being observed. I used to observe classes when I was doing my DDIs and remembered that my supervisor at the time constantly reminded us of this. It is for that reason (and Covid) that I have chosen to do a very small amount of interviews and online questionnaires. I am excited to see how the data differentiates. What have you chosen? And thank you, he also sent it to me in the end. x
DeleteGood to read your blog Alice. I totally understand your point about going into the interview with an open mind. It's very hard to not have certain assumptions in our head but we need to erase those in order to get the most out of the interview. This is something I have to keep in mind when I go forward with my research as sometimes I think I will go into the interview and know what answers I will get and acknowledging that I need to be open will hopefully mean some interesting things will come from the research that I wasn't expecting!
ReplyDeleteHi Jen, I completely agree with you, I think this is so important. It would be an easy approach to anticipate the answers we will receive, but it's going to be exciting when we are introduced to new ideas and themes. x
DeleteHi Alice,
ReplyDeleteReading your past blogs is really helping me with Module 2 work so i thought i would leave you a little note here. My inquiry is based strongly around mental health so understanding that sensitivity is key. I too have felt that engaging with people face to face may not be the best option as they may feel they cannot open up.
I love love love this tip - 'Even if you know the participants personally, you can never predict what they will say.' So thank you for sharing!! I hope Module 3 is going well for you xx