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Researching The City
The document outlines the methods and significance of qualitative research in cultural studies, emphasizing the importance of participant observation and the interdisciplinary nature of the field. It discusses the process of meaning-making, the relevance of societal and scientific inquiry, and practical steps for conducting qualitative studies. Additionally, it highlights the complex relationship between researchers and marginalized informants, urging consideration of their positionality.
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Researching The City
- 1. Researching the city Research methods of cultural studies Sum e s ho l mr c o Popular culture & the city
- 2. Teaser • Interest in culture, i.e. processes of meaning making • But this culture is not necessarily our own (in terms of class, ethnicity, age, gender, sexuality etc). • And we are aware of our and their particular position in the socio-political landscape
- 3. Outline • Qualitative research methods • The nature of… • Doing participant observation • Other forms of qualitative research 2. Doing cultural studies (discussion) • Distaste for rules • Interdisciplinary nature 3. A bit about me…
- 4. Linda Duits Assistant Professor Qualitative methods of communication research Youth, religion and popular culture • Headscarves and porno-chic • Young evangelicals Ethnographic approach • Critical, respectful, ‘whole’ culture
- 5. Lecture • Qualitative research methods • The nature of… • Doing participant observation • Other forms • What do you want to research? • Why would you want to do this? • How can you do this?
- 6. doing research What? 1. What am I interested in? 2. Choose a topic that has wider implications 3. Define a theoretical context 4. Be practical
- 7. doing research Why? • Because you have to (i.e. contractor) • For political reasons cultural studies • Societal relevance • Scientific relevance
- 8. doing research How? • Processes of making meaning • Interest in – people, Qualitative – culture research – understanding (verstehen) methods
- 9.
- 10. doing qualitative research What? • Qualitative research = • An inductive research strategy, that emphasizes the social construction of phenomena that can only be known through interpretation. • Quantitative research = • A deductive research strategy, that emphasizes quantifying phenomena in an objective reality.
- 11. doing qualitative research Why? • Induction = theory derives from research • Construction (ontology) = social properties are outcomes of interactions • Interpretation (epistemology) = how people make sense of their social world
- 12. doing qualitative research How? • Seeing through the eyes of those you study • Description of and emphasis on context • Emphasis on process • Flexibility and limited structure • Concepts and theory they are grounded in data Using qualitative research methods
- 13. doing participant observation What? • Method of data collection where the researcher immerses him/herself for a prolonged period of time in a social setting • It implies – Participation • Get active • Talk – Observation • Look • Listen
- 14. doing participant observation Why? • Emphasis on data derived in context • Analysis of what people do and of what people say (triangulation) • Relevant for those interested in culture (i.e. groups, group processes etc instead of individuals – compare psychology and sociology)
- 15. doing participant observation How? • Participation only = not research • Observation only = does not fit with quali • Roles change – Participant-as-observer – Observer-as-participant – Overt/covert
- 16. doing participant observation How? Topic list • Research always start with a RQ • Research question areas of interest subquestions What do you want to know? What will you look/listen/ask for?
- 17.
- 18. Other forms ofqualitative research What? • Interviews • Focus groups • Existing documents • Creative visual methods – Photovoice Not discussed • Doing qualitative analysis
- 19. Doing cultural studies Complexities • Interdisciplinary nature • Distaste for rules • Researching (and thus representing) the Other • Position of privileged researcher vis-à-vis marginalized informant Discuss this idea Problematic yes or no? Why (not)? Any solutions or advice?
- 20. Conclusion You now know: •What qualitative research entails (globally) • When to chose participant observation You are now able to: • Start your (first) participant observation • Discuss the peculiarities of doing cultural studies research
- 21. More resources • Recommended reading Practical, clear instructions Davis, A. (2008). Investigating cultural producers. Meyer, A. (2008). Investigating cultural consumers. • Website Bryman book http://www.oup.com/uk/orc/bin/9780199202959/ See you soon!