Skype Call 3rd April- Module Two

Hello all,

We initially started the conversation by all sharing where we were on our individual inquiries. This gave me reassurance as everyone else is still working on their inquiry plan and literature reviews, tweaking and altering them. We all agreed we were unsure on what to put in our critical reflection but because we all had little to say on this Adesola suggested we discuss topics we had more opinions and experience on.

Firstly Alison explained about her mock interview that she had done with her friend. Her conclusion was that no matter whether the interview goes well or not, the information that is given is useful no matter how much was given. Try and find the positives and reflect on the responses. It was interesting to hear Alison's experience with her mock interview, it has inspired me to also carry one out because I could tell that she had learnt so much from doing so.

We discussed the use of video verses audio recording interviews. Recording the conversations can allow us as interviewers to study the body language but also can effect the responses from the participants. Notes could be written down about the body language however, but couldn't be looked back on. A reflective journal was mentioned to help when interviewing as it allows us to note down how we feel throughout the conversations. This can be used in conjunction when analysing the interviews, giving our own personal thoughts on how the responses effect our views in relation to our chosen topics.

The discussion of how we will display and analyse our data was mentioned. It was interesting to hear how people are planning on making it visual, for example using charts and graphs, but for others it being qualitative makes it hard. We also discussed what the data we collect will show. Serina mentioned that the absence of data can be powerful because it can highlight what people aren't too sure on that initially we may have thought would be very topical. Additionally, the idea of collecting our data is to enhance ourselves as professionals in our own personal practise and reflect on where we stand on this topic.

Finally, we discussed how and if we had mentioned the current situation of COVID-19 in our inquiry proposal in terms of how this effects how we carry out data. For some individuals, they have planned on carrying out observations which is probably the most effected form of data collections as interviews can be held via Web 2.0. YouTube is an option, but this is a harder way of looking at the class, not physically being there. For myself personally, it doesn't effect my dad collection method as I am using focus groups and interviews, they will just need to be carried out through the internet.

Overall, it was interesting to hear how everyone is getting on with their data collection and ideas for analysis. We went round and all mentioned why we found the discussion important. For me, the key part of the conversation and that what related to my current position in the module, was the discussion on how everyone is collecting and reflecting on data. I need to decide how I am going to reflect on my own data. The idea of the reflective journal was a highlight for me. This idea would allow myself to make notes and note down our own feelings that I can look back on. I will look into this...

An important point that was mentioned also was how important it is to notice the absence of data, this highlights what our participants know and don't know and what opinions they have on what topics. Adesola stated a key idea, 'absences as data not absence of data'.

Thank you for reading my blog post, I hope it is useful for those who did not attend the session.

Progress Report

I have found that making myself lists of jobs to do each day has given me a focus, no matter how small they may seem. Today I was able to tick off 'Approved MORE form' as my ethics application was accepted. For the last few weeks, I have been focusing on writing my inquiry proposal alongside filling this form out so I feel that this is an achievement as it has now been submitted.

I have found it helpful to fill out my MORE forms alongside writing my proposal as it has given me guidance as to what is important to mention when writing out the study. Additionally, when changes have been made in the MORE forms, it makes it easier to alter the proposal to match up as it is important to follow the forms when carrying out the study in module three to avoid creating ethical errors.

When looking into the ethical procedures for data collection, I have noticed that the Equality Act in particular plays an important role in my research. Obviously for my study, I will be ensuring that I do not breech any rights or protection laws to enforce equality between all my participants. However, my topic of study questions the enforcement of this law within the performance industry. Although I will be obliging by this law, I want to discover if this is the case for working professionals and if they feel to what extent the law has been broken by. In particular, I am looking at how the roles that females have within performance, being quite traditional, lead to unwanted behaviours from co-workers, directors and teachers.

I have attached a link to a video that explains clearly the definition of discrimination within the Equality Act... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZOf92bIGM4&feature=emb_rel_end.
I think this creates a clear understanding of where the lines are to be drawn in terms of what is and isn't appropriate in the workplace.

Today has been successful in completing the MORE forms, onwards and upwards for the proposal submission. I can now put more focus on the literature review and on improving areas of the study plan.

I would appreciate any comments from those of you who have submitted their MORE forms and how they feel towards respecting the Equality Act.

Thank you for reading, stay safe and happy!