THE RESEARCHER - NEW TO ME!

So as I sit here in my Travelodge room on tour somewhere in Norwich, I think about   ... researching, a very new thing for me- I love finding out about characters and worlds and researching what makes. someone 'tick' but this is all a bit different to a specific 'research project' with rules and guidelines; so I do feel a bit out of my depth... however I am attempting this morning to make it a bit simpler for myself and write this blog whilst doing so, here goes...

The methodology you are using/ principles/ ethical considerations and theory you are building the inquiry around - a discussion of your methods for 'data collection" and how these relate to and respond to the principles/ questions/ ethical considerations of your methodology. How these relate to your analysis process. 

From reading: Doing your research 'Judith Bell & Stephen Waters' (Qualitative Research for Physical Culture - http://app.kortext.com/epub/396763) 
Quantitative data will be hard to collect as my topic is more perceptual, so straight answers will be near impossible to get. Qualitative research; where my questions will be more general to start with and then becoming more focused when analyzing themes, will be my approach.

Quantitive data; part of the 'the logical positivist paradigm (Paradigm-serving as a typical example of something, "his biography is paradigmatic of the experiences of this generation") that 'reality' can be captured numerically. These researchers test the truthfulness of other theories - as a deductive process.

In my case, it could be (Also I could do a similar thing in 'mental health' most artists suffer with depression and mental health')

Mason Currey' 'Daily Rituals' - A solid routine fosters a well-worn groove for one's mental abilities'
                                           I
Creating a routine can foster a healthy work-life balance
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Operationalization of concepts - creativity/ routine/ mind management/
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selection of participants: requires varied age- 10 x 18-30, 10 x 30 plus/half male and female, different types of artist.
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Research instruments: survey on how they: use time/ keep their skill set/ earn money/ ways to stay creative/ any routines/ did they go to drama school, training?
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                             Data collection
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Data analysis - common answers/ themes/relations
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                      verification of the theory 



Qualitative data; is always subjective and self-reflexive - a more flexible format. does not follow a hypothesis based on a previous theory. it is 'mapping' people's lived realities., critiquing existing conditions and creating social change' theory is used to frame and analyze the topic of interest and often used to connect the topic with larger social and cultural issues. DEVELOP RESEARCH QUESTIONS THAT GUIDE THE DESIGN BUT ALLOWS IT TO BE OPEN ENOUGH TO CAPTURE VARIOUS TOPICS TO THE PROBLEM AT HAND. The design is, therefore, messier and not linear.

In my case it could be: Ethnographic demonstration - watching another actor/ the cast in my show, fluidly making decisions on 'who to watch' events to attend, notes to write down. write up observations more formally and then relate back to a theory or discussion it stemmed from?

'It is advisable, however, that a researcher begins a qualitative project from a clear research question, concern or topic that will aid in the selection of paradigmatic approach, theoretical concepts and appropriate methodological practice(s) in the most efficient manner'


Research Question: How to craft a healthy work-life balance; as an artist. 

                                              Philosophical Framework - interpretive
                          HOW TO STAY CREATIVE AND HAPPY  & BALANCE LIFE                   
Theoretical Concepts 
Routines                                                                                                                     Results
Keeping a strong mind and body
success, time management, 

Data collection - Survey with: 18-30 female, dancer, actor, singer, director
30 + different artists female and same for Men.
A Focus group with 10 artists I feel would be suitable.                                        Representing?                                                                                                                               Realist/ Narrative?

                                                          What sort of analysis?                           
                                                          Structural/ Foucauldian?

Clear explanation for the chosen methods and their link to the ontological or epistemological base of the research;

Justification for the practices chosen.
• My approach will be Action research: Action research is simply a form of self-reflective inquiry undertaken by participants in social situations in order to improve the rationality and justice of their own practices, their understanding of these practices, and the situations in which the practices are carried out (Carr and Kemmis 1986). I want to be able to help others and myself with the research of my inquiry to improve the artist's situation and make my own practice more effective.

• Survey:

Good for what/where/when/ how not so much for why. 'Concerned with the demographic characteristics of some group of people', work out a proportion of the industry men/women/age and ask relatively the proportionate amount. I need to know what characteristics of the total population need to be represented to enable me to fairly say my research from this survey is 'reasonably representative' - could use survey monkey. 

To spread net wider and compare different techniques and things that are important to them in crafting a healthy work-life balance.

• Focus Group 

To focus on a smaller group and gain some more insight into ethical considerations. Asking specific questions and creating an open/ loving environment with consent. 

Due to my network, it could be that I have more of a certain 'demographic' and historical/ ethnic background when holding my focus group.

The quantitative approach can only be looked at something specifically so a very small part of my topic/question, so it would take to long to keep proving a question/ theory to get an answer.