roles of bias
I need to observe a public setting of your choice. Then craft a paper in which you do the following:
1. Describe the results of your observation, as fully as possible, in essay form.
2. Correlate results of your observation to the roles of bias, context, and the researcher in qualitative research.
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Notes from the teacher about this assignment needed¦.
Application
Public Observation
While researchers endeavor to keep their observations as neutral as possible, it is sometimes difficult to separate their own biases from the subjects they observe. In the Discussion this week, you practiced your observation skills on a photograph. For this Application, you will now take the experience a step further by observing real life in a public setting of your choice. You will then write a paper that describes your observations and assesses how your role as the researcher can impact or bias your observations.
To prepare for this Application:
Review the reading in Qualitative Research and Evaluation Methods and the video segment "Doctoral Research: Ensuring Quality in Doctoral Research."
Review Stretching Exercise 3.1: Nonparticipant Observation Assignment (pp. 6667) and the sample write-up of an observation of a public setting on pages 6885. The assignment is based on this exercise.
Select a public place to observe for one 30-minute period. Possible locations are a shopping center, a playground, a health club, or a coffee shop. Only one observation is required.
Consider why you have chosen this setting. What biases might you bring into this observation? How might you manage them? What is your role as a researcher in this setting? What is the context?
Be sure to note the following in your observation:
Physical space-Where is this located? Is it indoors or outdoors? What is the shape and size of the space? What physical objects are in the space? How are they arranged?
People-Who are they? Are they individuals, groups, or both? What are the people doing?
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Notes from teacher about what this week will covers¦¦
Week 5: Observation and the Role of Context, Bias, and the Researcher
Introduction
Maintaining integrity of research data is a goal of every researcher. To that end, as a researcher conducting a qualitative study, you must always remain aware of how outside factors-namely the context and environment, your personal bias, and your role as the researcher-may affect the integrity of your data.
For this week’s assignments, you will begin developing your observation skills, a common qualitative data collection technique, by observing a photograph as well as a public setting. You will then consider the roles of bias, context, and the researcher in the results of each observation.
Note: This week’s Application requires you to observe a public setting for 30 minutes. You may wish to look ahead to the Application assignment so that you may best plan your time for this week.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this week, you should be able to:
Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of observation as a data collection method
Correlate results of an observation to the roles of bias, context, and the researcher in qualitative research
Resources teacher provided:
Course Text: Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches
Chapter 7, "Data Collection"
In this chapter, Creswell discusses important aspects of the qualitative data collection process, including sampling selection, data collection techniques, ethical considerations, and strategies for recording and organizing the collected information.
Course Text: "Stretching" Exercises for Qualitative Researchers
Sample Field Note Format within Exercise 2.1: Observing a Still Life Scene (pp. 25-35)
Exercise 3.1: Nonparticipant Observation Assignment (pp. 66-67)
Cutie Beauty Salon (pp. 6885)
In the readings for this week, Janesick focuses on observation techniques, strategies, and exercises. These readings will assist you with the observations you will do for Discussion and Application this week.
Course Text: Qualitative Research and Evaluation Methods
Chapter 6, "Fieldwork Strategies and Observation Methods"
This chapter contains strategies and techniques researchers can use to carefully and systematically develop their methods of observing so that they are able to make the most of their observation experiences.
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Optional Resources teacher provide¦.
Course Text: "Stretching" Exercises for Qualitative Researchers
The Qualitative Researcher as a User of All of One’s Senses, Including the Intuitive Sense (pp. 146-147)
In this section, Janesick explains how a researcher can use all of his/her senses-including touch, smell, and taste-to create a more immersive experience and gain a deeper awareness of the study subjects.
Jermaine Byrant
Nicole Johnson
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