Appendices - 17 Universally Known

“It’s universally known that the desk is where you go to if you’re lost.”

List of appendices

Appendix 1: Research method and methodology

This comparative study amongst the American University of Beirut (AUB), the American University of Paris (AUP) and John Cabot University (JCU) in Rome is based on one research method – student focus groups – aimed to obtain qualitative data by engaging the students in a conversation about the perceptions and usage of the service desks.

The study follows in the footsteps of Gilbert Ryle (1971) and Clifford Geertz (1973) applying the method of „thick description‟ to analyze the focus groups. From there, „thick description‟ leads to „thick interpretation‟ and „thick meaning‟ (Ponterotto, 2006, p. 543). In other words, to gauge the credibility of the researcher’s interpretation, the description has to be rich in detail and linked to various aspects such as the context, the significance of experiences, and the sequence of events (Dervin, 1983, p. 83; Ponterotto, 2006, pp. 542-543).

Additionally, AUB conducted a follow up survey and compiled usage to quantify the qualitative data obtained in the focus groups. This study does not claim to be representative. The interview guide was co-developed and pre-tested by the three co-authors of this chapter (see appendices). In total, four focus groups were conducted at AUP (with a total of 10 participants), six focus groups at AUB (with a total of 20 participants), and six focus groups (with a total of 17 participants) at JCU (see appendices).

References

Dervin, B. (1983). An overview of sense-making research: concepts,
methods and results to date. International Communications Association
Annual Meeting, Dallas, Texas.

Geertz, C. 1973, The interpretation of cultures : selected essays, Basic
Books, New York.

Ponterotto, J.G. 2006, “Brief note on the origins, evolution, and meaning of
the qualitative research concept “thick description””, The Qualitative
Report, vol. 11, no. 3, pp. 538-549.

Ryle, G. 1971, Collected papers, Hutchinson, London.