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

Research Methodology Research Methodology Introduction This study entails exploring and analyzing the GeorgianDiaspora culture, identity and youth work in the UK. The objective of this study was, explore and assess the literature concerning the Georgian Diaspora culture: identity and youth work in the UK. In order to achieve the desired objective three fundamental questions shall be probed (Creswell, 2013: 54). These include: 1. What are the challenges facing Georgian community and young people in terms of integration and maintaining Georgian culture and traditions in the UK 2. What are Georgian Diaspora youths’ perceptions of their culture and the need to keep this in the UK 3. How can non-formal education be effective in promoting Georgian culture among Georgian Diaspora youth? This research study fell into two key phases, which includes theoretical and empirical. This chapter identified the research methodology for the study whether was qualitative or quantitative method. The qualitative approach is on a sound theoretical basis whereby a comprehensive literature review aimed at exploring the research topic is included. The theoretical aspect of the research in turn focuses on two principal aspects, which include formulating a typology and analyzing the current issues influencing the Diaspora youths in UK. The deduction of the typology was used to help in embodying the findings and conclusions observed from previous research studies on similar topics. The observations made from the study contributed immensely in arriving logical conclusions. The quantitative method, which is on empirical data, included collecting primary data through survey method, which involved collecting the necessary data through questionnaires and interviews. These include semi-structured questions aimed at youths and working class Diasporas in the UK. The appropriateness of the research methods implemented and the level of accuracy of results derived from there against the knowledge required for the given study. Hence, the main assumptions made of crucial significance for conducting and for achieving an adequate evaluation of the data collected. Research approach A research method comprises of detailed plans and processes that elaborates on the broad assumptions concerning the research topic to the exact methods applied for data collection, analysis as well as interpretation. For the purpose of this study, different research approaches were initially provided, followed by research design and method. Later, the data sources were analyzed, which led to data collection phase and lastly the data analysis and presentation. Quantitative Research Approach Quantitative research is a research approach that helps the researcher in testing the theories used to examine the relationship between various variables. These variables are then measured using different analytical methods and instruments, resulting in the generation of numbered / statistical data that can be easily interpreted, thus allowing natural and better interpretation of the observations made. The use of this method helps the researcher in presenting the collected data in a structured report format. The report has various chapters ranging from an introduction to the theoretical and empirical framework, the literature reviewed, the methods of data collection implemented, as well as instruments used for analysis, interpretation, and discussions. 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, this research approach helped the researchers in preventing researcher bias, thus enabling objective interpretation and analysis of the collected data. 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. Qualitative Research Approach The qualitative research approach uses a realistic approach whereby the principal focus is on exploring and understanding the peculiarities and singularities of the context of the study as is, in an actual world. It entails examining the variables in their real surrounding without manipulating the center of focus/ key variables involved in the study. This research approach helped the researcher in employing effective research methods that help in exploring, observing as well as collecting vital information needed for the study, and analyzing the same effectively and accurately. The qualitative research approach helped the researcher in identifying and emphasizing the critical issues related to the phenomenon being studied /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, as well as 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. The researcher used the qualitative research approach in order to gather more information and describe the situations involving the process. The researcher applied the quantitative research approach since it allows one to measure statistically some of the variable, alongside their impacts and influences on the Diaspora youths (Cohen, 2007 p.7-8). So, the study used a combination of qualitative and quantitative research approach among others such as the focus-grouped survey method. Inductive & Deductive Research Approach It is essential to note that there are different research approaches integrated with the study. The research methods have two categories: The inductive approach and the Deductive approach. According to some scholars, there are some defined understandings that are drawn to refer to these two crucial research methods. The inductive approach focuses on the development of theories, which in turn are used to analyze of the data collected. On the other hand, 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 study. Through a range of factors or variables such as emotions, actions or intentions of the participants observed as a part of the study inductive method is explored. The deductive research approach in contrast is in the positivist philosophy whereby the core focus is on using the scientific or actual physical principles for analyzing the collected data. The inductive research approach is known to be highly useful investigating a ‘new’ or emerging issue and hence used in studies, which require extensive study of a phenomenon. On the other hand, the deductive research approach is known to be highly useful in exploring topics. Topics must have been already studied, and analyzed ensuring greater availability of ample literature and theories developed there from (Cohen, 2007). 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 For the purpose of this study, the deductive research approach was used since it helps in analyzing the collected data based on a sound theoretical framework (Crowther & Lancaster, 2009: 82). Also, 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 can be into various different categories. The classification depends on the nature and purpose of the study as well as the research problem that the researcher aims to address and explore (Arbnor & Bjerke, 1997). It includes: a. Exploratory research, b. Causal research, c. Descriptive study, d. Explanatory research, e. Exploratory research as well as, f. Interpretative Research The choice of an appropriate research design depends on the type of the research, objective, and the intended audience. Other factors such as previous research on similar topics, the extent and scope of the research problem being explored, and the availability of existing information concerning the study must be considered. The various types of academic research include exploratory research where the problem is ambiguous; descriptive study where the intended audience is aware of the problem; and exploratory research where the research problem is clearly defined. A research study may include multiple approaches hence, combination of these research designs were used and applied to ensure greater validity and accuracy of the data collected, interpreted and analyzed. 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 made from there. This type of research design is known to be especially 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 This type of research method is known to help the researchers actually analyzing the impact and 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. This type of research design is deemed to be extremely useful in exploring the research questions; substantiating the research hypotheses; and in 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: 1- The type and nature of research questions 2- The extent in which a researcher has control over real behavioral events. 3- The intensity of focus on present-day and past events. Survey, which integrated focus-grouped approach, interviews and questionnaires was the most appropriate strategy for this research. The strategy was appropriate since the primary aim of our study is 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. It is thus, 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 also 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 Data collection concerning the study took place in Georgia starting from 14 September to May 2015. Primary Data- Primary data refers to the data /information collected by a researcher for the sole purpose of the study. This information is unique to the research study and is collected by the researcher primarily to substantiate the research hypotheses. This data is innovative and novel and does not include or have any reference to the previous investigations (Bell, 2005). Since this method entails collecting fresh and original data, it is directly related to the critical issue or problem of the research study and can be obtained through various methods such as interviews, surveys, and questionnaires. Primary data is highly useful and beneficial in various ways that are with inclusion of: a. It is highly accurate and ensures greater validity because the data collected is original and specific to the research study b. It can be obtained through various instruments such as surveys, interviews, and questionnaires thus ensuring greater accuracy in the form of vital information that can be acquired. c. The increased accuracy is afforded by face-to-face interviews or online questionnaires, which can help in acquiring information on a larger scale (Fischer, 2005: 42). d. Primary data provides a comparatively pragmatic perspective of the problem in question and is more relevant since it is current. 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 previous studies. This data include exploratory case studies, which are obtained from historical studies. Secondary data can be obtained from various sources including online journals, books, government portals, and relevant websites among others (Bell, 2005). This method of data collection ensures numerous advantages such as: a. It is a cheaper form of data collection: The data collected via secondary sources are relatively cheaper and faster as compared to the primary sources of data collection (Mann, 2006). b. It ensures greater access to vital data across the globe. The secondary sources of data are readily and easily available from across the globe via online sources. Thus, enables the researcher in accessing greater information related to the study, thus allowing accuracy in data interpretation and analysis. c. 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 consisted approximately, 30 participants. The participants were members from Georgia and were both youths and adults. “Sampling is the process of selecting a sufficient number of elements from the population. Studying the sample, and understanding its properties, enables one to generalize the properties or characteristics to the population elements”(Curro, 2012). A sample refers to a representation of the whole population. There are several sampling techniques that a researcher can use. Sampling procedures allow researchers to get the required data from a subset or subgroup rather than the whole population. The ability to get all the detail about a population from a sample reduces the quantity of data required to fit the goal of the research. For this research, probability sampling was used to generate a reliable sample for the study. Probability sampling entails a random selection of study participants indiscriminately in a style that accord all members of the study population equal chances of being in the sample. Our criteria for sample selection of data to be included in the survey considered factors such as: 1- Diaspora youths who fit the definitions that we have provided earlier. 2- Diaspora youths who are selected to be working, studying or living in UK Questionnaire The questionnaire refers to a set of questions specifically framed to collect required information from the target audience with an intention to apply the collected information to a larger population. The questionnaire comprises of a form containing a list of questions either descriptive or otherwise, requiring the respondent to answer them either in person or via online sources as applicable. The questionnaires are usually distributed to the target audience based on the choice of population sample and the answers collected there from are used for interpretation and analysis purposes. The effective questionnaire design can ensure greater data validity and reliability. It affords the researcher the ability and opportunity to apply the collected data and statements received from the respondents to a larger population. An inclusion of inappropriate questions or an ineffectively designed questionnaire defeats the very purpose of the questionnaire survey and renders the information so collected valueless. Thus, it is of utmost significance to ensure that the questionnaire is designed appropriately and in the most efficient manner possible, by eliminating the risks involved and overcoming the challenges likely to be faced by the respondents. The effectiveness of the questionnaire largely depends on the questions and the manner in which they are posed. It is of utmost significance for the researcher to ensure that the question designed help in collecting appropriate data; helps in comparison and analysis; minimizes researcher bias; and are varied and not repetitive in nature (Hesse-Biber, & Leavy, 2004: 39). Data analysis plan In order to analyze the data effectively and accurately, data reduction was a necessary step. Data reduction was done by highlighting the relevant information for analysis. In addition, some of the findings were summarized and displayed using statistical graphs such as bar charts, flow charts, histograms, and tables in order to get a clear picture. The data that focused on the truthful term of the study was categorized and displayed using direct quotes from the questionnaires. On the basis of the theoretical foundation, the findings were closely related to our framework as well as data collection and data analysis (Churchill, & Lacobucci, 2009: 19). This research was done by incorporating previous studies and the research findings. To sum up, the researcher was expected to accomplish detailed analysis point by point in order to give explicit discussion to readers. The aim was to draw accurate conclusions on the basis of theoretical background and empirical findings. Chapter summary This chapter has included a detailed and comprehensive overview of the research methodology used in the study. It includes the purpose and principal objective behind the choice of research method used; the type of research design used, and the philosophical underpinnings of the study among others. The study used exploratory approach to discussing and interpreting the case studies with a critical purpose of developing and evaluating the causal links and relationships between the key variables (Gillham, 2008). The in-depth overview of the research design, research approach, and the research methods used in the study helps understanding the key reasons and purposes behind the use of such methods. Also, it is relevance to the study in question. Since the accuracy of the results depended heavily on the research design, it was of utmost significance to ensure that the structure of the research study was designed carefully and in a logical manner. 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 to be paramount. It enables people to devise appropriate measures that can be used in 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 also 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, this leading to efficiency and effectiveness of the primary techniques of study that were used. The fact that the primary 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. It is on a fact that people tended to help not only with information, but also with other resources that were significant to the study. For instance, photocopied data, and links to websites where more information regarding the issues under investigation would be found. 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. It was also found that it was through the integration of the ethical principles and procedures that important moral and social values were promoted, thus the establishment of an integrity of the study. Being an issue that very few studies have been conducted upon, the issues affecting Diaspora youths in UK were clearly stated and revealed. Thus, it is 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. There are various issues that the codes of ethics tended to promote and countercheck on with respect to the study. Honesty was considered to be the fundamental element that was strategized by the principles of ethics, and this was achieved through striving for virtue in the social study. The information that was collected was presented and will be reported with honesty, through an integration of genuine methods and procedures that adhere to the ethical principles. Objectivity was another crucial element that was looked upon. The study ensured that bias in the collection of data was avoided. Bias 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 ensured 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. Bell J., (2005) Doing Your Research Project: A Guide for First-Time Researchers in Education, Health and Social Science (4th Edition), Maidenhead: Open University Press Beside, B. 2003. Research methods: Uses and limitations of questionnaires, interviews, and case studies. GRIN Verlag Publishing. Pp. 7-8 Borgdorff, Henk (2012), The Conflict of the Faculties. Perspectives on Artistic Research and Academia (Chapter 11: The Case of the Journal for Artistic Research), Leiden: Leiden University Press. Buttriss, G. & Wilkinson, 2006. Using narrative sequence methods to advance the International entrepreneurship theory. Journal of International Entrepreneurship, 4, p. 157–174. Churchill, G. & Lacobucci, D. 2009. Marketing research: Methodological foundations. Cengage Learning Publication. p. 19 Cohen, L; Manion, L; and Morrison, M. (2007) Research Methods in Education, 6th ed. London; Creswell, J. W. 2013. Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, p. 54 Crowther, D. & Lancaster, G. 2009. Research methods: A concise introduction to research in management and business consultancy. Rutledge Publication: London, UK. P.82 Denzin, N. K. & Lincoln, Y. S. 2000. The Handbook of qualitative research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publication, p. 67 Fischer, C.T. 2005. Qualitative research methods for psychologists: Introduction to empirical studies. New York: Academic Press. p. 42 Fry, H., Ketteridge, S., & Marshall, S. 1999. A Handbook for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. Kogan Page Publishers: Glasgow. p. 48 Gee, J. P. 2014. An introduction to discourse analysis: Theory and method. London, UK: Routledge Publication. p. 72 Gillham, B. 2008. Developing a questionnaire. Continuum International Publishing Group: New York, NY Hesse-Biber, S. & Leavy, P. 2004. Approaches to qualitative research: A reader on theory and practice. New York: Oxford University Press. p. 39 Hoffman A (2003) Research for Writers, pp 4-5. London: A&C Black Publishers Limited. Hughes, Rolf: "Leap into Another Kind: International Developments in Artistic Research," in Swedish Research Council, ed. (2013), Artistic Research Then and Now: 2004–2013, Yearbook of AR&D 2013, Stockholm: Swedish Research Council. Mann, B.L. 2006. Case Study Research on Web-Based Learning, Styles Book. McBurney, D. & White, T. 2009. Research methods. Cengage Publishing: Belmont, CA. Powers, P., 2001. The methodology of discourse analysis. Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett Publishers. Saunders, M., Lewis, P. & Thornhill, A. 2007. Research Methods for Business Students, 4th ed, Prentice Hall Financial Times, Harlow. Schiesser, G. (2015). What is at stake – Qu’est ce que l’enjeu? Paradoxes – Problematics – Perspectives in Artistic Research Today, in Arts, Research, Innovation, and Society. Eds. Gerald Bast, Elias G. Carayannis [= ARIS, Vol. 1]. Wien/New York: Springer 2015, pp. 197-210. Schwab, M. (2009). Draft Proposal. Journal of Artistic Research. Bern University of the Arts. Schwab, Michael, and Borgdorff, Henk, eds. (2014), The Exposition of Artistic Research: Publishing Art in Academia, Leiden: Leiden University Press. Sekaran, U., 1992. Research Methods for Business: A Skill-Building Approach. 3rd ed.Brisbane: John Wiley & Sons Inc. Robson, C (2011) Real World Research, Oxford: Blackwell. Wilson, Nick and van Ruiten, Schelte / ELIA, eds. (2013), SHARE Handbook for Artistic Research Education, Amsterdam: Valand Academy, p. 249. Yin, R. K. 2009. Case Study Research: Design and Methods. 4th Edition. California: Sage Publications. Yin, R.K. 2003. Case Study Research: Design & Methods. 3rd ed. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications Inc. Zikmund, W. & Babin, B. 2012. Essentials of marketing research. Cengage Learning Publication.  Unattributed. "Artistic research at DOCH,” Dans och Cirkushögskolan (website). Retrieved 14 August 2011. Read More