Qualitative Data Analysis - Research Proposal Example

Running head: DESIGNING AN INTERVIEW IN THE TOPIC AREA OF GENDER AND ANALYSING THE FINDINGS Interview Assignment Manchester Metropolitan Name Abstract This paper discusses how I will organise myself to carry out an interview in the topic area of gender and analyse the findings. It begins with writing of an interview schedule and then drafting of an information sheet and a consent form. It illustrates on how one identifies his interviewee and how he is supposed to gain his or her consent that he or she will be available for the interview. The paper also illustrates on how an interview will be prepared, how it progressed and finally the taking of notes during the interview. There are a number of considerations that are supposed to be taken into consideration before one schedule an interview. For one, the interviewee should be aware how long the interview is supposed to take so that he can organize it against his or her day's commitments. It discusses on the first steps that are supposed to be considered before one schedule an interview such as requesting the interviewee about the interview, scheduling it according his or her availability and then getting a consent from the interviewer in case one is to record the proceeding of the interview in a tape recorder. A well organised interview will be a success since it will run smoothly as scheduled and finally achieve its objectives. Introduction The area that I will explore in my interview assignment is gender. I will interview on what people do understand by the term conformity. The preparation involves the preparation of the interview questions to ask the interviewee and identification of the best interviewee to invite who is in a position to discuss this issue properly. Interview Assignment Interview questions 1) How can you define conformity in your own words 2) Why do you think people conform 3) Do you think conformity and obedience is the same thing Explain why. 4) Do you think people differentiate between conformity and obedience 5) How much on a daily basis do you think you conform 6) Do you think you treat an authority figure different to other people, such as, friends and family 7) Do you think some people do not conform at all 8) Would you expect a powerful person (Business Owner) to conform, and why 9) Do you think some people do misuse conformity in any way 10) How would you define conforming behaviour 11) Do you think you use conformity to get your own way 12) Do you feel like you have conformed in any way throughout this interview/ questionnaire Information Sheet Title of Study: A research interview project on gender Name and Address of Researcher/Email/Phone Number Stephanie Spencer StephanieSpencer14@hotmail.com 07886 380937 Thank you for taking the time to read the Information Sheet and considering taking part in my study. What is the purpose of the study To help me with my research assignment about 'Gender' Why have I been chosen to take part I have chosen you to be a participant in my study because you are a Psychology Student at Manchester Metropolitan University, Cheshire. Do I have to take part No- it is not compulsion to take part in the interview. Your participation in the evaluation is voluntary. You may discontinue at anytime, without prejudice. What will happen to me if I take part Participating in the study will require a short interview about 'Gender'. The interview will be tape-recorded and will be heard by myself only. The tape will be solely for the purpose of research with the ethical standards of confidentiality. If you wish, the tape can be destroyed at any time. What are the possible disadvantages of taking part You may be required to give up 20 minutes of your time. What are the possible advantages of taking part You will be helping me a great deal with my assignment and university work. What are the possible risks of taking part There are no risks identified when you participate. Will my taking part in the study be kept confidential You will not be identified in any way in any report or publication associated with the study. The only person, other than me, reading the study is Dr. Kathryn Kinmond, my course instructor. Thank you again for considering taking part in my study and you should ask any questions you have concerning the study before you sign the consent form. Consent Form Researcher - Stephanie Spencer Please tick the following boxes to indicate that you have understood and consent to the study and all the study involved. I have read and understood the information sheet and had the opportunity to ask questions. I understand that my participation is voluntary and that I am able to withdraw without giving a reason. I give permission to be tape-recorded. I allow direct quotations from the interview being used in the study. Declaration: I .. have read and understood the content of the information sheet and I have agreed to participate in the interview in the topic area of gender. Invitation to Participate Name and address of researcher: Stephanie Spencer Stonyholme, Ramsgreave Road, Ramsgreave, BB1 9DU Name and address of potential participant: Rizwan Shafiq 23 Bank Street, Rawtenstall, BB4 9EZ Title of Research Project: To design an interview in the topic area of gender and analyse the findings Please confirm that you have agreed to participate in my interview by ticking the following boxes and return it to the above address. Agreed Declined If you have declined, please indicate the reason for declining Carrying out an interview Before an interview can begin, one is supposed to ensure that the room where the interview is to take place is well arranged to make it conducive environment for the interview process. The chairs should be arranged not facing one another and they should be of the same size to bring calm and equality during the interview process. The chairs should not face the window, less the interview losses concentration as a result of distractions from outside. The environment should also be quiet to ensure no interference with the interview so that the conversation can be audible. If the interviewee has signed the consent for on recording of the interview process, then, he should be alerted when the interview process begins. The interview should begin by welcoming the interviewee and thanking him or her for allocating time for the interview time against his other commitments. While carrying out the interview, questions should be asked one after another in a logical manner and the interviewer should ensure that they should not go outside the topic of discussion. As the interview proceeds, notes should be taken on the important points while at the same time recording the discussion on a tape recorder. Later on after the interview is over, the interview data should be analysed in systematic manner in order to come up with the content of discussion. References Burgess R.G. (ed) (1984): Field research: a Sourcebook and Field Manual Unwin Hyman, London Denzin, N. & Lincoln Y.S. (eds) (1994): Handbook of Qualitative Research, Sage London Edwards R. (1993): An education in interviewing. Placing the researcher and the research In Renzetti T., and Lee R. (eds) Researching Sensitive Topics Sage, London Glaser B.G. & Strauss A.L. (1967): The discovery of grounded Theory: Strategies for Qualitative research, Aldine, Chicago Marshall C. & Rossman, G.B. (1989) Designing Qualitative Research, Sage, Newbury Park Miles M.B. & Huberman, A.M. (1994): Qualitative Data Analysis: An Expanded Sourcebook, Sage, London Silverman, D (ed) (1997): Qualitative Research. Sage, London Silverman D. (1997): Interpreting Qualitative Data: Methods for Ana1ysing Talk, Text and Interaction Sage, London Spradley J. (1979): The Ethnographic Interview Holt, Rinehart and Winston, New York Read More