Skype Discussion - Mapping to Build Understanding

On 7^th Feb group skype session we discussed how we would prepare ourselves for researching, data collecting and analysis.

We started the discussion with Adesola mentioning 3 types of research:

-          mapping main discussions, looking into smaller elements.

-          Showing something happening/problem

-          Solutions and wanting change to something

We were reminded that we are only looking into the first and second types of research in module 2 and 3, as we’re not necessarily looking for an answer but are comparing data and analysing information. We should be finding out ways of researching to create a valid and interesting way of collecting information about our topic of inquiry. This has made me want my next step to be a mind map of different types of researching and whether they are qualitative or quantitative, primary or secondary research and use knowledge from module 1 and link it i.e. Web 2.0.

Adesola gave us an example of how we should approach module 2 explaining for instants, if we were planning a journey to France, we would be researching into many ways that we could travel there such as aeroplane, boat, car, coach etc. we wouldn’t just decide we are getting a boat because that’s the only way we’ve been told. We would take other considerations into account such as travel time, cost and convenience. The point being there are many factors and different types of travel, the same as there are different types of researching ideas. She also mentioned how we do not plan everything out usually on a journey, and that it is more interested to see where it takes you. I feel this means we need to not just research the first thing that comes up about the topic and be done, but intentionally provoke new questions about this inquiry topic, developing more interest and information to analyse, and not decide ‘I’m going to research this, this, and this’ but see what the first initial bit of research gives you and then develop further questions from there.

We then briefly spoke about what ‘design’ means and one participant in the skype discussion said usually it’s the use of text, images and colour. From this Adesola then suggested we take these three elements and replace them with data, analyse and theme. By doing this I feel like it will make me more aware of the fact I need to make sure I have these elements within my designing, planning and mapping of my research process.

I have already looked at my module 1 mind map and have seen areas I want to explore and learn more about. I’ve got many topic inquiries I’m interested in, so underneath each one I’ve noted different areas I can research into and different research methods that would help me analyse my data. By doing this I can see which topic has the most options and variety of research, and what I think I will learn and benefit from the most from researching into.

Overall, I think the main point that I have realised from this skype discussion is that we are not necessarily looking for an answer to any questions but looking for research that we can compare the data and analyse, so we gain more of an understanding and knowledge about the inquiry topic.

Please feel free to comment and let me know if this helped or your own opinion.