Week 5 was more challenging than I thought. I needed 2 more academic and 2 more practitioner sources for my research. Writer’s/Artist’s block and general fatigue made thought processes sluggish, and I just couldn’t find the right words to use for my research. After my weekly update with Scott in class, his suggestion was to look at human reactions to whether or not they are given a choice. Sounded good, so I went with it. The problem was that most of my outcomes were scientifically based and the texts were quite difficult to decipher. I let it go for a few days, with the growing concern that I may fall behind…
Week 6, I entered class with the realisation that I was using the wrong word for my research – “human”. I switched it to “user” and got more relative material. Still no solid articles, but it’s on the list, I just had to do some research homework on research methodologies in the meantime. Writing is not my strength, and I’m unsure if my interpretations are 100% correct here, but here goes:
Historical
Based on evidence from events, remains and documents found from a specific time and surrounding a space of time in the past.
Examples of data include records, documents, event and culture histories.
Comparative
Compares and highlights the similarities and differences between two or more items studied.
Descriptive
Based on written observations with no set variables on research or change in the environment.
Data can be used to describe behaviour and characteristics and can be both qualitative and quantitative in nature.
Correlation
Researches analytical and statistical relationships between two or more variables.
Data is quantitative and can be represented by a coefficient (number).
Experimental
Research environment is more controlled and can be more manipulated to show a varied effect on other variables. Involves more control unlike descriptive research.
Data results may show evidence of influence and in a ‘natural’ form of a variable.
Evaluation
Allows both qualitative and/or quantitative research, and shows outcomes and assessment of information and is a result of influences and contexts directly relating to it, which is dependant on the level of involvement of the researcher,
Data outcomes can be both qualitative and quantitative.
Action
More timely in nature, the research is conducted as a result of a challenge presented. Timing is more immediate, and takes on an active nature, hence the title. It shows an identifiable step by step process, where researchers identify the problem, act on resolving the problem, reflect and observe their findings, and if unsuccessful, re-attempt the process.
The process can generate both qualitative and quantitative results.
Ethnogenic
Research focuses on human behavioural attitudes, and employs a self-imposed theory, rather than one imposed from the outside, where subjects reflect and comment on their own behaviours, rather than the observer making comment. Other factors of the research include it taking place in the subject’s own natural environment, helping to provide context to the situation.
Results from this research are qualitative and help provide more accurate pictures of social and cultural behaviours in the world.
Identity Politics
Research must identify and be inclusive of all relative elements of a politically-based subject, eg, gender relations, and is considered invalid if not.
Cultural
Research based on cultural comparisons, for example through language and their cultural interpretations.
Results can illustrate differences and variations between studied cultures.