Overt or covert observations

Overt or covert observations move 1The interrogati singler says that intense observations in the classroom and playground argona were completed and expand observations were conducted in littleons(p.184). What can you infer close to the things she observed and the methods she utilize to script her observations?Qualitative investigate is an effort to understand situations in their uniqueness as part of a particular context and the interactions in that respect. (Merriam, 200914)An ethnographer participates, overtly or covertly, in peoples daily lives for an extended period of period, watching what happens, listening to what is said, asking questions in fact collecting whatever data ar avail fit to drip light on the issues with which he or she is concerned. (Flick 2005146)The author, Lisa Russell is a one-year-old female person ethnographer entering the look field for the first prison term. This paper is a verbal comwork forcet of The implications of investigating lear ner resistance and the importance of how the inquiryers person-to-person inclinings catch the research process are discussed. (Russell, 2005181) The research was conducted in three culturally divers(a) give instructions of Birmingham and Sydney and the in bodation was gathered through with(predicate) and through observations and interviews. Students in the age bracket of 14-16 days were identified for observation, especially the ones finding the experience punishing either academically or emotionally (Watts, 2001 Russell, 2005184) correspond to Esterberg, descriptive anthropology is intensively subscribeing a specific social group by observe the group in its natural setting (Esterberg, 20028). Sometimes ethnography and participant observation are used interchangeably. But to its contrary, ethnography requires a participation observation dash of fieldwork. Participant observation gum olibanum can around usefully be seen as a means of producing ethnographies rather tha n as synonymously with ethnography. (Thorpe Holt, 2008100)Russell beingness new to the field entered her research ground with no ideal, logical gradually tone-beginning (Russell, 2005182). She used her relative inexperience to her advantage.She started her research by observing scholars in various classes and free time. She observed them in their favorite and to the lowest ground level favorite modules, covering one of the most popular aspects of student resistance. at one time the presumption between them grew, she advanced to spending time with them in their bear comfort zones, which gave her more of an perceptiveness to their individual(prenominal) lives. This elan she managed to cash in ones chips worthful information concerning their behavior and problems. There were exemplars when she witnessed highly disruptive behavior of students, equivalent that of a male student kick and bash a school vendor machine during break-time (Russell, 2005193) but blinded herself to the situation. At the same time, there were occasions when she found herself caught in uncomfortable circumstances like the time she landed up in the deputys office as she was with students who got late for class. gets like the follower and leech suggest that during the initial stages Russell was not original by the students as she shadowed them all most. But gradually she managed to deduct one of the most vital aspects of the correction trust. Ethnographers are viewed variantly as a alliance is built up and trust developed. (Cassell Symon 2004316). I palpate her master(prenominal) tool for recording data was a daily logbook, but filling the same in front of her research subjects could lick them genuinely suspicious and inquisitive. Although as her relationship with the students strengthened, she allowed the researched the chance to see what was being create verbally some them (Russell, 2005187).This she did to ready feedback and more importantly trust.To conclude , I find out the main aspect she focused throughout was to develop a trustworthy relationship with the students. This she did over a gradual period as she observed and in condition(p) from them.Question 2The author is a young ethnographer researching teenagers (p.193). What difference does our companionship of her age and own(prenominal) details make to the account?Qualitative research is a form of interpretative question in which researchers make an edition of what they see, hear and understand. Their interpretation cannot be separated from their own backgrounds, history, contexts, and prior arrangements. (Creswell, 2009176)The author, Lisa Russell is a young, novice, female, white, northern English ethnographer (Russell, 2005181). Her smallness in height and build influenced how students and teachers interacted with her. (Russell, 2005182)Russell used a precise involuntary approach towards her research and took into consideration how contrastive aspects of her personal d isposition affected her entire mull. questioners reflections on their actions and observations in the field, their impressions, irritations, senseings and so on, become data in their own right, forming part of the interpretation, (Flick, 20056)I musical note her age -23-24 at the time of field work (Russell, 2005182) and youthful temper attended her immensely in developing a trustworthy bond with the students. The students undecided up to her about their grievances which they might not hand done with soulfulness older and more experienced. The researchers ability to build relationships and develop rapport with subjects is crucial. (Thorpe Holt, 2008151) Her insistent emphasis on her age and naivety throughout the paper shows that these facets of her personal disposition helped her to engage in discussions and activities with the teenaged students, which if she was older wouldnt subscribe to been able to do. Her closeness to their age made it simpler for both herself and the students to be able to bushel to each other. Although, at the same time it was difficult for her to develop a similar bond with the teachers and she felt exceptionally uncomfortable in staffroom discussions. In my opinion, she put in a lot of effort and time into understanding the point of view of the students and didnt do the same with the teachers. But as she gradatory to the third school her heightened confidence and greater experience (Russell, 2005188) made it easier for her to resuscitate to and interact with the teachers. This paper also brings into account the being there quality. proficient ethnography is about communicating the impression of having truly been there, of having had close-in contact with crisp lives piece at the same time making the reader feel he or she has been there too. (Bate, 19971163) In the context of Russells paper the way she elucidates her experience and subsequently her problems, make it very easy for us to deliberate and understand her observations. I as a student supposed that the intense description about her personal characteristics played a significant enjoyment in helping me comprehend her entire research. I also inferred that as an amateur, she mentioned her young and novice personality keeping in mind that even if her break down was not up to the mark it would stupefy been excusable.I held a degree of emotional attachment towards some students given the significant time I had spent with them and the record and detail of their lives they had shared with me. (Russell, 2005196) This confession of hers illustrates that she let herself get emotionally involved with the students. Students also, at times would seek for support and pleader (from her or consider Russell as a shoulder to cry on (Russell, 2005196). Since this was her first ever ethnography leaving the field and detaching herself from her research subjects, became difficult.Russells involuntary approach and personal disposition especially her ag e influenced and widened her scope for the study. This nature of the report helped her retain authenticity throughout the paper.Question 3 Russell claims that her ethnographic research investigates the complex and sometimes contradictory culture(s) of student resistance to educate (Wills, 1977) (p. 181). How is this claim supported in the paper?According to Russell This study examines the meaning and relationship between class, gender and culturality in the construction of resistance. It aims to understand how the wider societal and cultural environment influences the working of a school and the behaviour of the actors indoors it. (Russell, 2005182)Student resistance is practically perceived as explicit rejection of perfunctory education. It is a deliberate yet hesitant activity of students arising due to social, cultural, emotional and academic concerns. According John Deweys comment that teaching and learning are much like selling and buying One might as well say he has sold when no one has bought, as to say that he has taught when no one has learned(Dewey, 1910,p.29) (Provenzo, ed. 2006)The students selected for the research ranged from truancy issues and students damaging attitude towards school and learning to low self-esteem concerns.(Russell, 2005184). Taking the instance of a student who had an alcoholic mother and was struggling to cope with her domestic responsibilities (Russell, 2005185) shows that how a family related problem can hamper a persons education and make her unenthusiastic about school.In my opinion this supplement is a contrasted account. As mentioned clearly in the paper it aims at providing an insight to student resistance to schooling, where as there is not much mentioned about the same. According to my inference, it explores the experience and problems faced by the researcher, Lisa Russell during the course of her research. She at the same time concentrates on describing the methodologies used for observations and to gather information.On the other hand, she made the study interesting for readers to read by providing examples to support her content. Ethnography is art, science and imposture rolled into one. As artists we seek to capture experiences in images and representations which symbolize human beings in this regard, expression is more important than precision. (Bate, 19971153) This repository statement, expression is more important than precision holds true in this study. I as a student found the report very engrossing because of the way she supply her encounters with her research subjects. Some which put her into awkward situations while trying to gain trust from disruptive students made the account appealing. A few others were when she witnessed students truant, thieve, alter school property, take illegal substances and even asked her to participate. (Russell, 2005193)Russell subconsciously seemed to be crook towards the students. Bias may be viewed as unavoidable as researchers often hol d sympathy for some groups over the others. (Russell, 2005190) Since this study was centered around students she preferred to take their side predominantly, intending to gain further insight into student resistance.I personally would give birth preferred to be more about the teachers since they played an equally important role in the research. She could have discussed the teachers answer to some of the above instances in detail.In conclusion I believe this paper constitutes more about Russells experiential data and personal disposition than on its primary topic of student resistance.Reconsidering Work-Life BalanceDebates Challenging hold in Understandings of the Life region in the Context of Ethnic Minority Womens ExperiencesNicolina KamenouQuestion 1The author appears to have had difficulties recruiting interviewees (see especially p.s102). Why, for example, might an organization retire from the study claiming restructuring was in progress? (p.102)Work- bearing balance means that individuals have successfully segmented or integrated life and work so as to achieve a satisfying quality of life, overall satisfaction and less strain or stress around juggling conflicting role demands. (Blyton et al., 20062)The work-life balance equation (Kamenou, 2008S99) is a vast concept covering a number of aspects ranging from biography, ambition, family, pleasure and culture. Suitable prioritising between the same helps to accomplish ones death in life.This word is centred on ethnic nonage womens experiences of managing their work and personal lives. (Kamenou, 2008S99). The author, Nicolina Kamenou, collected the data via semi structured, in depth interviews primarily with ethnic minority females. The perception of ethnic minority men, white women and white men was also taken for comparison. The broader study aimed to investigate best practice on the equality issues but also to examine whether the in truthity matched the rhetoric of equality of opportunity within o rganizations by exploring employees perceptions and experiences. (Kamenou, 2008S102). The author evidently faced difficulties in recruiting interviewees, since entirely three out of the twenty organisations approached responded positively to the invitation (Kamenou, 2008S102). Further to this, one of them withdrew claiming restructuring was in progress. The basic strategy for in depth interviews should be in three stages prepare, contact, and follow up (MacDougall Fudge, 2001). These stages include preparing for the research by describing and constructing a sample, negotiating with the key people or organisations personally, and providing feedback and maintaining relationship with the participants. Initially I feel a loop hole in the recruitment procedure could have led to rejection from many of the organisations contacted. Besides this there could be many reasons for it.This study is mostly based on topics much(prenominal) as ethnicity, culture, religion, racism and sexism whi ch are very sensitive in nature. One of the main reasons for companies to withdraw from the research could have been to avoid any controversy. They would not want to risk their account and find themselves involved in any problematic situation as a consequence of the research.The firm which withdrew claiming restructuring was in progress was a financial organisation. This shows that the management could have been worried about the companys inside information since such a research could have staged confidential data to the market and its competitors and thus affected its integrity. The company possibly had something to hide. On the other hand if a company is confident, a research is a entire way of gaining credibleness and even one of the cheaper ways of getting feedback from its employees.I also feel, stating the real names of the participating organisations could have been avoided. Kamenou should have used pseudonyms instead as confidentiality is a significant factor of resear ches. Confidentiality must be guarantee as the primary safeguard against unwanted exposure. All personal data ought to be secured or concealed and made public only behind a shield of anonymity. (Denzin Lincoln, 2000139). Kamenou could have most definitely got a better repartee from the companies initially contacted, had she offered to keep the names anonymous.In my opinion, the sensitive character of the study and the matter of confidentiality, were the main reasons which lead to the difficulties faced by the researcher while recruiting interviewees. I also believe, that a better response could have been achieved had the interviewees been assured about the authenticity of the information being published. Regarding the financial company no conclusion can be drawn as we have no proof against them.Question 2Would you expect differences between the people in organizations where formal ingress had been been granted and the independent group identified through personal networking? ( p. s102) If so, what might these differences be?In this article, Kamenou focuses on the specificities in the experiences of ethnic minority women, incorporating other groups experiences where necessary, with regard to balance their work and personal life (Kamenou 2008S107). For this purpose both males and females from different cultural backgrounds were selected to be interviewed. The researcher recruited these interviewees officially from organizations. An independent group of participants was also identified through personal networking crossways a range of various public, private and voluntary organizations. All the participants alter in their occupations. The researcher derived information from a number of job profiles, to name a few there were nurses, managers, lawyers and psychologists. The researcher conducted semi structured, in-depth interviews. The main finish of these interviews was to explore a topic more openly and to allow interviewees to express their opinions and ideas in their own words. (Esterberg, 200286). The researcher must have certainly got different responses from the formally approached people and the independent group. Since the exact procedure of recruiting the interviewees has not been mentioned, I feel that the participants of the organizations where formal access was granted may not have been given a choice. Thus, they may not have voluntarily agree and would have been least interested in the research. They would have restrained from swelled out information concerning their organization with the fear of it reaching higher politics and thus loosing their jobs. At the same time their response could have been manipulated by the employers to gain publicity. On the other hand, the independent group were people selected through personal networking and thus their cooperation was completely voluntary. We can refer to it as sweet sand verbena sampling. This basically means when existing research subjects refer future subjects from a mong their acquaintances to help widen the information base. Such participants would have been interested and involved in the interview. They would have been more forthcoming with their response. Since these participants were being interviewed without any pressure form an organization, they would have been more willing and open about discussing their personal experiences. The only problem in such sampling is that of bow. The researcher could have recruited these participants tally to her own convenience. She might have selected them with the point of view of extracting maximum information. In my opinion, the independent group would have been more fascinating and appropriate to interview since they would have provided with more intense and authentic information than the formal access participants. A key reason for including the independent group was to add magnificence to the data by looking at minority womens work and career experiences in a variety of sectors and occupations. (K amenou, 2008S103) On the whole, the author managed to acquire a wide range of experiences and data from both types of participants. Thus, this gave us a sound understanding of the problems faced by ethnic minority women while balancing work with other responsibilities in life. Question 3From reading the paper, what do we know about the author? How might the identity of the author have made a difference to the research?This paper is an example of womens liberationist research approach. In such a study the goals are to exhibit collaborative and nonexploitative relationships, to place the researcher within the study so as to avoid objectification, and to conduct research that is transformative. It is a complex area of inquiry with numerous frameworks (e.g., male oriented, white feminist oriented, able-bodied female oriented) and difficult issues (e.g., the absence and invisibility of women, who can be knowers) (Creswell, 200726)Of the various forms of qualitative research, ethnograph y is the most common one used by females. A researchers personal disposition plays a very significant role in a research, especially when done by a female. Reflexivity also has a big cushion on such studies and makes the output of the same super relatable. In this paper, Nicolina Kamenou, explores minority womens perceptions of the reciprocal relationship of career demands and other aspects of their lives, such as family and community expectations and responsibilities (Kamenou, 2008S99). The authors method in this research is not automatic at all. At no point in the study does she reveal any personal information regarding herself. There is no mention of the influence her personality has on the study nor of the interpretations she derived from the same.In my opinion, if the author had made revelations about her personal details, the research would have been more engaging. Even though this article gives a rich insight into the work life equation, it does not luxurious on the autho rs experience and relationship with her research subjects. It would have been appealing to know her age and cultural background because these seem to be the two most important factors which could have influenced the research. She has left the readers guessing her identity.If the author was associated with the ethnic minority group, she could have given an account of her experiences and hence added some personal feel to the research. But at the same time, if she had adopted a reflexive approach, she would have left the readers questioning her objectivity towards the research. We as readers would have assumed that she was bias towards her subjects and thus she would need to justify herself to us. In my view, Nicolina Kamenous approach towards her research was very different as compared to Lisa Russells. Russells adopted a very reflexive approach and described in detail the impact her personal disposition had on her subjects, interpretation and conclusion of the research. She does not keep the readers guessing her identity and gives extraneous a considerable amount of personal information which helps us as learners relate to her. On the other hand, Kamenous approach is far from being reflexive in nature. The readers gain no knowledge about her personal characteristics and the impact of the same on her research. In conclusion, Lisa Russells study gave an excellent account of the authors personal impact on the entire research, where as it didnt focus much on the information she derived from it. On the other hand, Nicolina Kamenous research offered a rich insight to her topic of discussion, while it didnt enlighten us with her thoughts towards the study. Overall, the papers gave me a good understanding of two contradicting accounts in the vast field of qualitative research methods.ReferencesBate, S.P. (1997) Whatever happened to organisational anthropology? A review of the field of organisational ethnography and anthropological studies, military personnel Relation s, 50 (9) 1147-1175Blyton, P., Blundson, B., Reed, K., Dastmalchian, A. (2006) Work-Life Integration International Perspectives on the Balancing of Multiple Roles, foremost ed. New York PALGRAVE MACMILLIANCassell, C. Symon, G. (2004) Essential Guide to Qualitative Methods in Organizational Research, super C Oaks SAGECreswell, J.W., (2007) Qualitative Inquiry Research Design Choosing Among Five Approaches,second ed. molar concentration Oaks SAGECreswell, J.W. (2009) Research Design Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches,3rd ed. Thousand Oaks SAGEDenzin, N.K. Lincoln, Y.S. (2000) vade mecum of Qualitative Research second ed. Thousand Oaks SAGEMacDougall, C. Fudge, E. (2001) Qualitative health Research Planning and Recruiting the Sample for the Focus Groups and In-Depth Interviews Online, 11(117) Available at Accessed 16 November 2009Esterberg, K. G. (2002), Qualitative Methods In Social Research, New York The McGraw-Hill CompaniesFlick, U., (2005) An Intr oduction to Qualitative Research, 2nd ed. London SAGEKamenou, N. (2008) Reconsidering Work-Life Balance Debates Challenging Limited Understandings of the Life Component in the Context of Ethnic Minority Womens Experiences. British Journal Of Management, Vol. 19 s99-s109Merriam, S. B., (2009) Qualitative Research A Guide to Design and Implementation 2nd ed. San Francisco Joosey BassProvenzo Jr, E.F., ed., 2006. Forthcoming in the Encyclopedia of the Social and Cultural Foundations of raising onlineAvailable at http//danbutin.org/Resistance%20-%20Encyclopedia%20entry.pdf Accessed 18 November 2009 Russell, L. (2005) Its a question of trust balancing the relationship between students and teachers in ethnographic fieldwork. Qualitative Research Vol. 5 (2) 181-199Thorpe, R. Holt, R. (2008) The discerning Dictionary of Qualitative Management Research. London Sage