Punch states that there is a distinct difference between methods of research; the qualitative approach and the quantitative approach. Black then goes on to describe the difference between these two methods by saying that quantitative research is quite good at telling us what is happening, and often qualitative studies are better at determining why events occur. A good example of quantitative research is a survey as you can find results from a broad range of people. However, when thinking about my area of research I feel that I want to focus more specifically on individual choreographers. The reason for this is because I am focusing on the choreographer and their individual choreographic process which requires interviews with various specific people. I then want to focus on each person and compare and question their methods. I will be piloting a survey over the next few weeks, and so I will at this stage keep an open mind as to whether I use this method in my final proposal, but I feel it unlikely.
When thinking about the interview method I must be very aware of the ethics involved around interviewing someone. I must also take into account people's personal backgrounds as this information could affect my research. The reader talks about interview structures and from reading them all I think I will mainly use the following:
* A semi- structured interview which includes set questions or themes with the flexibility of following interesting or useful emerging issues.
The reason for this is because my inquiry is so focused on the individual I want to be able to give the person I am interviewing freedom to elaborate and delve further into points, but want to ensure the interview doesn't lose focus.
I must be aware of using open questions wherever possible to ensure my questions are answered with enough depth.
Although interviews will probably be my main way of researching, Punch reminds us that different questions require different methods to answer them. Having looked into the section about focus groups, I now feel that this may also be a method I may want to use in my inquiry. I have a few friends with who I graduated from the Urdang Academy with, who are now working as dance teachers. I feel it may be interesting to interview them all together as this atmosphere can open up issues that individual participants may not think about on their own. I think focus groups are a good way to get a more quantitative approach but still allowing space for people to speak openly and freely about their experiences. I must be aware of the issue Bell raises about being aware that strong personalities can 'also influence, and in some cases actually take over', but I feel that because I know these people this shouldn't be a problem.
Observation was the method of research that sparked my interest in this topic. For the last few months I have been documenting my findings from observing various choreographers. Some of my documentation is more detailed than other parts, but I feel some of it may be able to be used in my investigation. I think observation will be useful for my inquiry as because my occupation is so physical it is always helpful to watch people 'practice what they preach'. However, when observing I must be aware of the role I play as sometimes I may be involved in the project as well. Reflexivity is a term used in social science to signify that the researcher needs to try and be 'as objective as possible'. It is very important that I take this idea seriously as I want my research to be as genuine as possible. Linking to this idea of reflexivity is that of reliability, a concept developed by Blaxter to ensure constant results are created. In other words, that my results would be similar to those of another researcher.
In conclusion there is a lot for my to think about when it comes to the methods of research I think appropriate for my inquiry. I am very keen on getting set of results which are detailed around specific individuals rather than a sweeping view from lots of people. But the piloting exercise will be a good way for my to reflect on the pros and cons of each method to make my final decision.
