Georgian Diaspora Culture and Youth Work in the UK - Research Paper Example

GEORGIAN DIASPORA CULTURE, IDENTITY AND YOUTH WORK IN THE UK By + Introduction The study entails exploring and analyzing the Georgian Diaspora culture, identity and youth work in the UK. The objective of prevailing study is to assess and assess the literature concerning the Georgian Diaspora culture regarding the identity and youth work in the UK. In order to achieve the desired objective, three fundamental questions shall be probed. Accomplishing the desired goal entails three basic questions. The questions pertain to the challenges facing the Georgian community and corresponding young people in terms of integration and maintenance of Georgian culture and tradition within UK, Means through which the non-formal education can be effective in fostering Georgian culture among the Georgian Diaspora youth and the Georgian Diaspora youth’s standpoints of their underlying culture in UK. Research Methodology The research study entails both theoretical and empirical phases. Moreover, this chapter identifies two research methodology of the study, which includes both qualitative and quantitative techniques. The qualitative approach is a theoretical means that offer elaborate literature review of exploring the research topic pertaining to the two aspects of formulating typology and analysis of the present issues influencing the Diaspora youths within the UK. Deduction of typology aids in embodying the findings and conclusions from past research studies on the same topic. The quantitative method on empirical data encompasses gathering primary data through survey method through questionnaires and interviews, which include semi-structured questions aimed at youths and working class Diasporas in the UK. The aptness of the research methods executed and the level of correctness of results derived from there against the knowledge required for the given study (Saunders, Lewis & Thornhill, 2007, pp. 245-289). Moreover, the main assumptions made of crucial significance for conducting and for achieving an adequate evaluation of the data collected. Research approach The research approach entails detailed plans and procedures in elaborating on assumptions about the research topic on the precise techniques. The method involves the collection, analysis and interpretation of data. Diverse research approaches originated from research design and method in line with the purpose of the study. Quantitative Research Approach Quantitative research approach aids the researcher in testing the theories utilized to examine the relationship between various variables. These variables are subjected to measurement using diverse analytical methods and instruments thus resulting in the generation of statistical data that can be easily interpreted. Moreover, this allows natural and better interpretation of the underlying observations (Saunders, Lewis & Thornhill, 2007, pp. 245-289). The use of this method helps the researcher in presenting the collected data in a structured report format. The quantitative research approach enabled the researcher in testing the accuracy of the theories, assumptions and hypotheses used in the study deductively, similar to that observed in a qualitative research approach. Furthermore, the research approach helped the researchers in preventing researcher bias, which correspondingly enabled objective interpretation and analysis of the collected data. Moreover, it also enabled effective deduction of alternative theories and explanations of the data collected, and accurately generalizing the results derived to the larger population thus allowing easy replication of future studies (Churchill & Lacobucci, 2009, p19). Qualitative Research Approach The qualitative research approach uses a realistic approach by focusing on exploration and understanding of the peculiarities and singularities of the context of the study in an actual world (Crowther & Lancaster, 2009, p82). It entails examining the variables in their real surrounding without manipulating the center of focus and key variables involved in the study. Qualitative research approach helped the researcher in employing effective research methods that help in exploring, observing and collecting vital information needed for the accurate research and practical analysis. The qualitative research approach helped the researcher in the identification and emphasis of the critical issues related to the phenomenon studied and observed through the case studies. The case study approach is a qualitative research approach that helps in the descriptive analysis of an individual or group under study and adequately explaining the context regarding the purpose of the study. The objective of the research was to gain a better understanding of the needs of Georgian Diaspora culture: identity and youth work in the UK and other issues that influence their lives positively or negatively (Denzin & Lincoln, 2000, p67). The researcher used the qualitative research approach to gathering more information thus describing the situations involving the process. The researcher applied the quantitative research approach because it allows more measure statistical variable, alongside their impacts and influences on the Diaspora youths (Cohen, 2007 p.7-8). Therefore, the study used a combination of qualitative and quantitative research approach among others such as the focus-grouped survey method. Inductive and Deductive Research Approach The research methods were categorized using the inductive approach and the Deductive approach. The inductive approach focuses on the development of theories, which in turn are used to analyze of the data collected. Conversely, the deductive approach emphasizes in developing and proposing novel ideas, and theories based on the data collected and testing the research hypotheses. Deductive Research The inductive research approach involves interpretive philosophy of the phenomenon under this study, which encompass several variables such as emotions, actions or intentions of the participants observed. The deductive research approach is in the positivist philosophy whereby the core focus is on using the scientific or actual physical principles for analyzing the collected data. Moreover, the inductive research approach is highly useful for investigating emerging issue, which requires extensive study of a phenomenon (Saunders, Lewis & Thornhill, 2007, pp. 245-289). Conversely, the deductive research approach is highly useful for exploring topics. The deductive research approach is on the discussions included in the literature review as well as in the theoretical framework, and the observations are drawn from the existing theories. Inductive Research The deductive research approach was used in accomplishing the purpose of the study since it helps in analyzing the collected data based on a sound theoretical framework (Crowther & Lancaster, 2009, p82). In addition, this method helped the researcher in carrying out surveys, and lowering the risks associated with data collection due to limited availability of time at the disposal of the researcher. Research Design A research study was classified into various different categories depending on the nature, the purpose of the study and the research problem in addressing and exploring aims of the study (Arbnor & Bjerke, 1997). The research design entail exploratory research, Causal research, Descriptive study, Explanatory research, and Interpretative Research. The choice of an appropriate research design depends on the type of the research, objective, and the intended audience. Other factors are the extent and scope of the research problem being explored, and the availability of existing information concerning the study. The various types of academic research include exploratory research where the problem is ambiguous while in the descriptive study the intended audience was aware of the problem. A research study may include multiple approaches. Hence, the combination of these research designs was used and applied thus ensuring greater validity and accuracy of the data regarding collection, interpretations, and analysis. Exploratory study The key aim of an exploratory research study is to gain insights into the topic of research and generate ideas from the observations. Moreover, the research design is useful in effectively breaking down complex problem statements or research questions into smaller understandable sub-problem statements in the form of research hypotheses. Furthermore, this type of research design is highly useful in analyzing and exploring contradictory opinions and observations made through a literature review of historical studies. Casual Research Casual research helps the researchers in analyzing the impact and the influence of one variable on another. In order to achieve this objective, this process entails an in-depth study of two different types of variables namely dependent variable and independent variable. However, this type of research design ensures that the study is not confined to the observation of the relationship between any given variables. It enables the researchers in observing the impact and influence of all variables on one another thus allowing them to study all aspects of the given phenomenon. The hypotheses in this type of research are directional in nature and are mainly aimed at analyzing the cause and effect relationship between the two variables i.e. dependent and independent. Descriptive Research This type of research design is useful in obtaining vital information necessary for the formation of hypotheses, which in turn helps the researcher in arriving at logical conclusions. The fundamental purpose of this type of research is to depict effectively and describe the profile of the target subjects, which includes people, events, as well as situations. The research design is deemed extremely useful in exploring the research questions; substantiating the research hypotheses, and seeking solutions and causes for a given phenomenon under study/observation. Studies have revealed that there are five common research strategies that are used in social science studies, and these are with an inclusion of experiments, case studies, surveys, and archival analysis. There are usually differences between the methods, and these differences fall under the three conditions regarding the type and nature of research questions, the extent in which a researcher has control over real behavioral events and the intensity of focus on present-day and past events. Survey entails integrated focus-grouped approach, interviews and questionnaires was the appropriate strategy for this research. The strategy was appropriate since the primary aim of the study to evaluate how Georgian Diaspora culture is perceived, how the issue of identity is treated and youth work in the UK. Survey formed a good strategy for collecting and analyzing data. Source of data and sample The success of a study is credited with the usage of an effective data collection method, which is very critical to choose the appropriate data collection method. Interviews, questionnaire, documentation, observations, standardized tests, archival records are some of the frequently used methods for data collection. There are two categories of data; primary and secondary. For the study, primary data was collected using the focus-grouped approach, survey questionnaire and interviews with relevant questions. The survey questionnaires were sent to various youths and working individuals who are characterized as Diasporas and to the residents of UK. The gathered data enabled the research to observe, understand and analyze Georgian Diaspora culture: identity and youth work in the UK. Data collection Effective data gathering technique always determines the success of research study. The most common data gathering techniques entail questionnaire, opinions, interviews, records and corresponding consistent tests (Creswell, 2013, p54). Data can either be primary or secondary. Primary data include data gathered from the field research for validation of the underlying study. Moreover, primary data is peculiar since they normally authenticate the prevailing research hypothesis. Primary data technique mainly encompass original information from the field of research entailing fundamental issues of the study, and normally attained via use of questionnaires and interviews. Since the data are original from the field of research they are normally accurate thus ascertaining relatively larger validity of the study. Moreover, it enhances efficiency of the study by offering comparatively pragmatic point of view of the research question. Secondary Data There are various assumptions that are directed towards secondary data sources. However, secondary data refers to data collected by the researcher based on former studies. Secondary data are mainly attained from historical readings online journals, records, management portals, and significant websites. Secondary data gathering has several merits such as affordability and accessibility by numerous populaces. Moreover, the sources are normally available to the public, which permits precision in data explanation and analysis (Creswell, 2013, p54). The approach has been confirmed to be effective and efficient in terms of saving time, effort and investment required in collecting data. Sample Selection The sample entailed 30 members who were mainly members from Georgia. Learning the sample enabled comprehension of the underlying features of the selected population. Sampling process enable scholars to obtain accurate data from the underlying subset thus decreasing the amount of data required to attain the main goal of the study (Creswell, 2013, p54). The research study used probability sampling technique encompassing random selection. The sample procedure selection entailed survey mainly from youths in the Diaspora youths and learning within United Kingdom. Questionnaire The section entailed data from the target sampled populace and mainly consisted on the list of questions for the underlying respondents. The response from the target populace was employed in the interpretation and analysis of the purposes (Creswell, 2013, p54). This design ensured relatively greater data validity and reliability by making the scholar capable to apply the information received from the sampled respondents to the prevailing bigger population. The efficiency of the questionnaire greatly rely on the method the questions are structured. Appropriate structured the question aids in gathering of suitable data, comparison and decreasing biasness in the entire study. Data analysis plan Decreasing the size of the sample data aided in effective analysis of the researched data. The analysed data were then summarized, depicted and represented via statistical graphs such as flow charts, tables and histograms. The research included both the past and research findings. Moreover, the research study’s aimed at coming up with suitable conclusions mainly based on the prevailing hypothetical background and corresponding empirical findings. Chapter summary The chapter mainly clarify the outline of the research methodology of the research study. The outline entail the aim and objective of the research techniques employed, research design and philosophical background of the study. Deep explanation of the prevailing research design, techniques and approach aided in the comprehension of the fundamental aims of the research techniques in the study. Suitable structured study question ensured precision of the results. Ethical Considerations Ethics in social research is crucial because it helps in establishment of genuine and comprehensive study regarding issues that are under investigation. A study of human behavior and the issues that affect the normal functioning or lifestyle of individuals is considered paramount. It enables people to devise appropriate measures for addressing challenges in human life. People have defined needs and expectations from the researchers who approach the in search of ideas, data, thoughts or information. According to social studies scholars, creating a sound and ethical environment between the participants and the researching teams significantly aids in the attainment of clear and relevant information from the participants. Ethical procedures are considered to be the guidelines that help researchers to meet the legal expectations of research which involve people as data or information sources. They are the norms of conducts that the researchers need to have, and which distinguish between acceptable and unacceptable behavior from the researchers and the participants. There are various benefits accrued from the use of ethical norms. The ethical procedures promoted the aims of the research, and this follows the observation that they helped in elevating knowledge and truth from the participants. These methods led to avoidance of mistakes and unnecessary errors that would have arisen in case these principles or procedures were not well followed. The research involved a great deal of cooperation and coordination among the participants and the researchers, and thus, following the ethical procedures immensely helped in promoting values that were significant. These values were with an inclusion of accountability and more importantly the mutual respect that was the fundamental pillar of success in the study. The study involved sharing of policies and confidentiality was considered to be a crucial aspect that allowed the participants to offer the researchers with significant information relevant to the research. The ethical procedures encourage collaboration between the involved parties leading to efficiency and effectiveness of the primary techniques used in the study. The main focus of the study was to investigate the issues affecting the Diaspora in UK. Research mainly examined the youth suffices to show the great need to include ethical principles to control issues linked to discrimination of any form (Gee, 2014: 72). The ethical procedures helped in ensuring that the team of researchers is accountable to the public for their characters and behavior that they portrayed while inquiring information from the parties. Since it was a social science study, the principles and procedures of ethics helped in building public support for the study. People tend to gain from the information and other resources that were significant to the study. For instance, photocopied data, and links to websites where more information regarding the issues under investigation. It through understanding the norms and ethical procedures that researchers were able to convince and persuade the participant to offer information and data that was correct and evidence-based. There was a collection of quality and dependable resources regarding the issues affecting Diaspora youths in UK, especially in the educational sectors, the employment sectors and leadership sectors among others such as politics and security. The integration of the ethical principles and procedures are important moral and social values promotion thus enabling the establishment of the integrity of the study. Limited research has been undertaken the topic, the issues affecting Diaspora youths in UK were clearly stated and revealed. Thus, it acts an indication that these procedures are not only necessary in promoting the research, but also in collecting ideas. The ideas are significant in finding solutions to the challenges affecting the Diaspora youths in UK and other parts of the world. Various issues that the codes of ethics tended to promote and countercheck on with respect to the study. Honesty is a fundamental element in strategizing the principles of ethic, which is accomplished by striving for virtue in the social study. Objectivity was another crucial element that was looked upon. The study ensured that bias in the collection of data was avoided through minimization of self-deception, and personal data that was not disclosed as it would have negatively affected the research (Fry, Ketteridge & Marshall, 1999: 48). The other element that the study considered to ensure that all the codes of ethics were followed was integrity. The researchers provided they kept their promises and agreements that they made with the participants such as protecting their data and making their contributions confidential. The investigation team acted with sincerity and tried to strive for consistency of actions and contributions from the participants. The significant elements considered as carefulness was achieved. The researchers ensured that they were very cautious and vigilant in collecting and recording of data to avoid errors that would consequently contribute to poor results, hence unsuccessful study. Confidentiality and respect for colleagues were another pillar in the study, and this ensured that there was openness, unity and understanding throughout the study. Social responsibility is essential not only to social science studies but also to other categories of research such as scientific research. Due to the nature of the research and the issues that were under investigation, discrimination was avoided, and this led to the competence of the data that was collected, and consequently the success of the study. Experience ensures that the researchers maintain and improve their professional competence and dignity. A better perception was created regarding the participant who accepted the research as it presented comprehensive and well-constructed objectives. The ethical procedures and principles positively impacted to the study, and acted as the roots and stem for the study. References Becker, H. S. 1970. Sociological work: Method and substance. Chicago, IL: Alpine Publications. 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