Chapter Critique
The critique is focused on the anchoring chapter in Kahn and Fisher and should be organized into the following sections:
Heading: Name, Chapter Number and Name, Date
What is the central argument of the research example? This discussion should include your own rephrasing of the argument along with a direct quotation that you think best captures the argument. Conclude with a diagramed statement of the argument in the formal terms we have been using in class (A ≈ B).
How do the authors engage with previously published research? Quote and discuss an "They say / I say" move that cites previous published scholarship to frame the main argument.
What kinds of methods were used to produce what kinds of evidence? This discussion should include explicit identification of method (e.g. survey, interview...) and description of its specific design and implementation in the research project. Use examples and quotations that refer explicitly to both methods used and examples of evidence produced.
In what ways do the research conclusions appear valid? What validity strengths and problems can you identify? Your assessment of validity should link: 1) specific methods with 2) specific evidence produced and 3) conclusions drawn. This discussion should use examples and quotations from the chapter to evaluate the validity of the research.
What complementary research method might be used to address the research questions / forward the research argument? Include reflection on the specific kinds of evidence that would be produced and how it would relate with the question / argument.
What aspects of positivism and phenomenology-hermeneutics characterize the research? This discussion should identify specific aspects of the research and how they reflect specific features of positivism and phenomenology.
What practical advice seems most useful in the chapter's introduction and reflection?
Research Exercise
The following research exercises are completed alongside associated chapter critiques:
Interview
Using the chapter from Kahn Fisher as a model, conduct and transcribe a 15 minute interview on a topic of your choosing. The interview should begin with a consent request. The record of empirical evidence should be in the form of a 1-2 page transcription.
Participant Observation
Using the chapter from Kahn Fisher as a model, conduct a short session of participant observation in a social setting of your choosing. The record of empirical evidence should in the form of 1-2 pages of fieldnotes.
Content Analysis
Conduct a content analysis of the websites of three Lewis & Clark academic departments, each drawn from a different division (e.g. Humanities, Social Sciences, Math and Natural Sciences). Code for words that seems to indicate positivist or phenomenological approaches. The record of empirical evidence should be in the form a chart that tracks the appearance of code words across departments.
Survey
Using examples considered in class, construct and conduct a survey of 10 respondents divided across two social categories. The description of research topic should include reference to previously published research, situated as a "they say" with your survey aimed at supporting an "i say" conclusion. The record of empirical evidence should be in the form a chart modeled on examples considered in class.
Each assignment should be organized into the following sections:
Heading: Name, Methodology, Date.
Description of research topic, with provisional question or hypothesis.
Description of research design. Describe the research activities you designed and expected to implement before conducting the research. This should include description of such things as research population, context, interview/survey questions, expected modes of recording evidence, strategies for obtaining informed consent.
Preliminary reflections on validity. Write this section prior to completing the research. What kind of evidence do you expect the research to yield. How will that evidence allow you to address your question or hypothesis?
Written record of evidence produced. The structure and content of this section will vary by assignment and may include descriptive writing, transcripts, tabulated data, charts, etc. (See Specific Guidelines below).
What valid conclusions / arguments emerge from your findings? How can the evidence produced support a specific conclusion? How is that conclusion related to your initial question / hypothesis?
Suggest and discuss one complementary method that would extend your research in one specific direction. This discussion should identify a specific method and indicate aspects of the research design (e.g. location, context, subject pool, questions, etc.).
Critical reflections on the epistemology of the research method. How does the research design reflect positivism and/or phenomenology?
Critical reflections and questions related to the practical aspects the research. What issues and methodological questions arose during the course of your research activities?