How to Conduct an Interview in Sociology Research

How to Conduct an Interview in Sociology Research Interviewing is a method of qualitative research (used by sociologists and other social scientists) in which the researcher asks open-ended questions orally. This research method is useful for collecting data that reveal the values, perspectives, experiences and worldviews of the population under study. Interviewing is often paired with other research methods including survey research, focus groups, and ethnographic observation. Key Takeaways: Research Interviews in Sociology Sociologists sometimes conduct in-depth interviews, which involve asking open-ended questions.One advantage of in-depth interviews is that they are flexible, and the researcher can ask follow-up questions to the respondent’s answers.The steps necessary for conducting an in-depth interview include preparing for data collection, conducting the interviews, transcribing and analyzing the data, and disseminating the study results. Overview Interviews, or in-depth interviews, are different from survey interviews in that they are less structured. In survey interviews, the questionnaires are rigidly structured- the questions must all be asked in the same order, in the same way, and only the pre-defined answer choices can be given. In-depth qualitative interviews, on the other hand, are more flexible. In an in-depth interview, the interviewer has a general plan of inquiry and may also have a specific set of questions or topics to discuss. However, it is not necessary for the interviewer to stick to predetermined questions, nor is it necessary to ask questions in a particular order. The interviewer must, however, be fully familiar with the subject in order to have an idea of potential questions to ask, and must plan so that things proceed smoothly and naturally. Ideally, the respondent does most of the talking while the interviewer listens, takes notes, and guides the conversation in the direction it needs to go. In such a scenario, the respondent’s answers to the initial questions should shape the subsequent questions. The interviewer needs to be able to listen, think, and talk almost simultaneously. Steps of the Interviewing Process Although in-depth interviews are more flexible than survey studies, it is important for researchers to follow particular steps in order to ensure that useful data is collected. Below, we’ll review the steps of preparing for and conducting in-depth interviews, and for using the data. Determining the Topic First, its necessary that the researcher decides on the purpose of the interviews and the topics that should be discussed in order to meet that purpose. Are you interested in a populations experience of a life event, set of circumstances, a place, or their relationships with other people? Are you interested in their identity and how their social surroundings and experiences influence it? Its the researchers job to identify which questions to ask and topics to bring up to elucidate data that will address the research question. Planning Interview Logistics Next, the researcher must plan the interview process. How many people must you interview? What variety of demographic characteristics should they have? Where will you find your participants and how will you recruit them? Where will interviews take place and who will do the interviewing? Are there any ethical considerations that must be accounted for?  A researcher must answer these questions and others before conducting interviews. Conducting Interviews Now youre ready to conduct your interviews. Meet with your participants and/or assign other researchers to conduct interviews, and work your way through the entire population of research participants. Typically interviews are conducted face-to-face, but they can also be done via telephone or video chat. Each interview should be recorded. Researchers sometimes take notes by hand, but more commonly a digital audio recording device is used. Transcribing Interview Data Once youve collected your interview data you must turn it into usable data by transcribing it- creating a written text of the conversations that composed the interview. Some find this to be a cumbersome and time-consuming task. Efficiency can be achieved with voice-recognition software, or by hiring a transcription service. However, many researchers find the process of transcription a useful way to become intimately familiar with the data, and may even begin to see patterns within it during this stage. Data Analysis Interview data can be analyzed after it has been transcribed. With in-depth interviews, analysis takes the form of reading through the transcripts to code them for patterns and themes that provide a response to the research question. Sometimes unexpected findings occur, and these findings should not be discounted even though they may not relate to the initial research question. Validating the Data Next, depending on the research question and the type of answer sought, a researcher may wish to  verify the reliability and validity of the information gathered by checking the data against other sources. Sharing Research Results Finally, no research is complete until it is reported, whether written, orally presented, or published through other forms of media.

Twitter Fiction. Really!

Twitter Fiction. Really! Twitter Fiction. Really! Twitter Fiction. Really! By Simon Kewin The Twitter microblogging/social networking site is an invaluable resource for writers. It can, for example, provide a stream of links to useful web pages or it can enable writers to keep in touch with editors, publishers or other writers.   You may not know, however, that Twitter can also be used to publish fiction directly. This may seem unlikely, given the 140 character limit on the size of a â€Å"tweet† (a Twitter post), but many people do use the system for precisely this.   Writing very short fiction is not a new development. Ernest Hemingway, for example, once wrote the following six-word story :   For sale: baby shoes, never worn.   This would fit into a tweet four times over. Hemingway reportedly considered it the finest prose he had ever written.   But writing such short fiction is by no means easy. Each word has to be placed with the utmost care. Achieving a satisfying story arc, or any sort of believable character description, is challenging. Often, the trick is to leave much of the story out; to imply it so that readers fill in the details for themselves. There is no time for scene-setting or preamble; you need to catch the key moment of the story. Not all stories written for Twitter will be successful, but trying to create one can teach you a lot about concise writing and careful word selection. If you’re interested in producing stories short enough to be published via Twitter, there are even magazines that specialize in doing so : markets you can submit your work to as you would for any other magazine. The following are recommended :   Thaumatrope – for genre fiction (SF, fantasy, horror) Nanoism – for more literary fiction PicFic – for stories based on a weekly pictorial prompt   Of course, there’s nothing to stop you publishing your own fiction tweets yourself if you wish to, perhaps including an appropriate â€Å"hashtag† so that other users can more easily find your work. Precisely how to do that is a subject for another article †¦ Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Freelance Writing category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:What is Dative Case?7 Other Types of Pronouns

Critical Thinking Questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Critical Thinking Questions - Essay Example This paper will discuss the composition of a successful lesson plan, the importance of considering students’ backgrounds and strategies of differentiated instruction. A lesson framework acts as the instructor’s guide to what students should learn and how it will be implemented effectively within the allocated class time (O'Bannon, 2008). Before planning a lesson, an instructor should identify the learning objectives and design appropriate learning activities and strategies to get feedback on student learning. A successful lesson plan is made up of objectives for student learning, teaching and learning activities and ways of checking student understanding (O'Bannon, 2008). A well created plan includes; A) The goals the lesson is reaching towards B) The measurable outcomes in acquired skills at the end of the lesson C) Ratio of the expected number of students to the teacher D) Previous knowledge of the learners E) Required time for each teaching and learning session F) Co nsideration of cultural differences, specific needs and learning styles of individuals G) Methods of evaluating the lesson Lesson plans may be varied by certain aspects in different content areas. They may include the content, introduction, goals, objectives, materials, and development (Wong, 1998). The introduction describes the area of focus and ways of getting and retaining the students’ attention while motivating them to participate in the learning process. Getting the students to attend and respond to different introductions sets the stage for the upcoming lessons. Under contents, the teacher lists the key concepts, facts and skills the lesson intends to cover (Wong, 1998). A teacher may also prepare an outline with key learning outcomes. The goals identify the aims or desired results that students should achieve at the end of the planned lesson. They are the end products and broad in nature and relate to the knowledge and skills identified in the contents. Objectives id entify what the students are expected to achieve in the tasks they will be engaged in within the learning process. They are behavioral and performance specific in nature (Wong, 1998). They outline what will be under observance in student performance and the criteria by which they can be measured. The list of materials outlines the resources that will be used throughout the lesson for a successful ending. It may also include technological resources that vary according to the desired results (Wong, 1998). Different development strategies describe how a teacher plans, models and explains what students should do. Modeling the learning behaviors expected of students demonstrates whether they can imitate and practice on their own. Different areas of learning will have different development plans (Wong, 1998). Students in the same class have varying learning abilities. Among them, there are differences in learning style, background knowledge, language proficiency and readiness to learn. Ho wever, regardless of their individual differences, they are expected to understand the same principles, concepts and skills. This requires innovative thinking from the teachers (Wong, 1998). They should provide several learning options that help students understand information and make sense out of concepts and skills conveyed to them. Furthermore, they should present appropriate levels of challenge to all categories of students, including those with quick understanding

Direct Marketing Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Direct Marketing - Assignment Example As a manager, Meredith required an integrated marketing information system in carrying out his analysis. An analysis based on data collection, which is an essential requirement aiding planning, implementation, and control responsibilities. Marketing Information System helps in assessing the previously collected data, develop the needed information, and distribute that information in a timely manner. Meredith employs registration as a mechanism for data collection. Registration and licensing avails valuable data that are essential to completing enumeration, though limited to variables change slowly. The variables include numbers of fishing vessels and their characteristics (Kotler & Keller 2011). Meredith used questionnaires as a second means of data collection. Issuance of unfilled relevant questions forms to consumers after purchasing commodities. It is less expensive method of data collection since the customers tend to be co-operative. The third method Meredith employed is the use Interviews that enabled extraction of valuable feedback from the clients and public. The final method used in data collection by the managing director is direct observations. The method offers first-hand information based on individuals expected

Culture of Conflict in the Philippines

Culture of Conflict in the Philippines The markers of globalisation such as the imperatives of economic liberalisation, fiscal reform, and migratory flows, which is one of tidal waves of global information, have restructured social relations existing all over the world. Even though the globalisation has been called as an integrating force, cultural conflicts have presently become the most rampant and widespread form of international violence as globalisation has accelerated (Crawford, n.d.). Undoubtedly, it is said that members of any kind of culture can hold varying degrees of commitments towards the predominant values of such culture, however being in opposition to such cultural values can set the stage for cultural conflicts. A situation similar to above can clearly be seen by examining the continuing cultural conflict that the government of Philippines have with armed communist as well as Islamic insurgent groups, which has been developed through the international interventions (Peleo, 2007). Philippines has a long history of cultural conflict, with armed groups that mainly consist of Muslim separatists, clan militias, and communists, and criminal all of which are active in the country (BBC 2012). The Muslim separatists comprises the MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front), the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) and the Abu Sayyaf. The Abu Sayyaf and The MILF are breakaway groups of the MNLF (BBC 2012). On the other hand, the communist insurgency is propagated by the CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines) military wing, the NPA (New Peoples Army). Since the beginning of the communist insurgency in 1960s, the government of Philippines has persistently fought with the benefit of its superior equipments, training, as well as communications. However, the government failed to resolve the conflicts mainly owing to its failure of addressing the root causes of the communist insurgency such as the social injustice, imperfect democratic process, inequitable distribution of wealth, and inconsistent delivery of services etc (Peleo, 2007). The Muslim insurgency can similarly be regarded in an ambiguous way. In contrast to the communist insurgency, this movement had not determined to replace the national government through a revolution. Accordingly, the insurgency of the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) took a secessionist form with the intention of establishing a Muslim state in the areas of southern Philippine island of Mindanao. The ongoing struggle between the Philippine government and the communist as well as Muslim guerrillas has the emergence of limited internal conflicts (Brown, 1996) that may be solved yet through negotiations and stricter law enforcements. However, the formal peace talks amongst and the insurgent representatives and the government began in the 1970s and keep on until today have yet to present a final ending to the armed cultural conflict. This conflict spreads through all aspects of Philippine governance Political and security (Peleo, 2007) and both the insurgents and the government have denounced each other since the cause of the slow development of the country. Furthermore, since the 1970s, the insurgents and the government have sought to boost international involvements in a domestic’ political conflict. Nevertheless, it can be note that the international support, recognition, as well as financial and material aid gained by the government as well as by the Muslim and communi st insurgencies have not significantly diminished the hostility amongst the insurgents and Philippines government. Rather, the promise of such international aids for domestics’ cultural conflicts appears to both parties as a means of gaining military advantage sand coercive political leverage. The evidences as to the international influences on cultural conflicts in many countries existing in the world demonstrate that such international influences have not completely been effective in successfully avoiding or mitigating such cultural conflicts. In particular, Philippine insurgents have mainly been persuaded by the supposition that the foreign governments continue to and directly influence the Philippines governance (Peleo, 2007). In other words, the decisions of beginning, intensifying, reducing, or ceasing armed resistance have been encouraged by insurgents’ perceptions towards international supports for efforts of the national government for the anti-insurgent. Throughout history, the Philippines governments have all the time deferred to foreign states’ decisions on a wide range of social, political, and economic issues. Especially, much of political culture of Philippines is able to be attributed to a variety of foreign influences. For instance, the Phili ppines country was a colony of Spain during the 16th century to the late 19th century and was redeveloped subsequently as a commonwealth by the US until 1935. It was also occupied by Japan during the period of 2nd World War, and after its liberation, the country was aligned with the US till the end of the Cold War. Filipino insurgent groups were active throughout these periods, and opposed not only foreign occupations but also the Filipinos who were said to be perceived as having gained the government office through foreign endorsements. The European Union and the United State have alleged that the local insurgent groups in Philippines have expanded their capabilities and are regarded as the foreign terrorist organizations. These allegations, which were made from the perspective of the global war on terror, indicate that Philippine insurgents constitute a security threat not only for the government of Philippine but also for the US, the EU, and other foreign governments around the world. Accordingly, this renewed international interest in the insurgent conflict in the Philippine and provides evidences to the insurgents’ durability and the continuing appeal as to the idea of resistance towards a collaborationist government (Peleo, 2007). According to Reuters (2014) Muslim rebels in Philippines, on 27th May 2014 has signed a final peace negotiation, to end the conflict together with the international supports from countries including the United State. However, as far as above facts pertaining to the continuity of cultural conflicts in Philippines are concerned, this peace deal does not seems to work in long run since potential threats as to lasting peace will remain, ranging from a small breakaway of MILF faction to criminal groups, Islamist militants connected to al Qaeda as well as feuding clans (Reuters 2014). Moreover, the sustainability of peace talks between the Philippines government and insurgents may vary with the current government reactions and political stability of the country. In view of the above, it can be identified that a proper mechanism that goes beyond the peace talks is required for Philippines to cope with its cultural conflicts with various insurgents. Otherwise, it will be difficult to reduce the implications of such cultural conflicts that were exercising by people such as cultural and religion division, barriers in building care and trust for people, the continuity of culture of violence, and exposure to an environment of armed conflict together with a violent family feuds, poor access to health, education and social services (Sumndad-Usman, 2014), all of which eventually lead people to suffer and turn into rebels or bandits. Hence, it is prudent for the Philippines government to specifically admit to the systemic weaknesses within its governing regime which can motivate insurgents to resist. The government may need to sacrifice its privileged position as the victim of the insurgents’ security threats so that it can concede the legitimacy of grievance of insurgents. Although, this course of action may carries political risk to a certain extent, in particular for the government of a small state depending on a big-power state for the security, such confidence-building measure can ultimately convince both the insurgents as well as the government and that their interests are served by eliminating armed conflicts from political interactions, and by ruling out foreign influences on national governance and security issues. References Peleo, A. (2007), Living with a Culture of Conflict: Insurgency and the Philippines, Retrieved from: http://www.politicalperspectives.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/CIP-2007-01-04.pdf, (Accessed on 30th September 2014) Crawford, B. (n.d.), Globalization and Cultural Conflict: An Institutional Approach, Retrieved from: http://aannaim.law.emory.edu/ihr/worddocs/jamail1.doc, (Accessed on 1st October 2014) BBC (8 October 2012), Guide to the Philippines conflict, Retrieved from: www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-17038024, (Accessed on 2nd October 2014) Sumndad-Usman, B. R.(25 July 2014), Building a Culture of Peace in the Philippines and Beyond, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bai-rohaniza-sumndadusman/building-a-culture-of-pea_b_5529494.html, (Accessed on 2nd October 2014) Reuters (27 March 2014), Philippines, Muslim rebels sign final peace deal to end conflict, Retrieved from: http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/03/27/us-philippines-rebels-idUSBREA2Q1W220140327, (Accessed on 2nd October 2014)

Internet and relationship

The word â€Å"dating† and â€Å"relationship† differs a lot from old times and now. Technology made a huge difference of the comprehension of â€Å"hookups†, â€Å"friends†, and â€Å"friends with benefits†. Internet, cell phones, blobs, and many other resources changed the way teenagers think about the opposite sex or the same sex as well. Relationships turned out to be â€Å"the old fashion† and hookups are the best. First, relationships aren't that serious anymore. Teens are looking for something new, meeting sexual, something to turn them on.Backbone is one of the most used sites in these days; it connects you to the world and let you meet a new different type of people worldwide. â€Å"Backbone is the most useful tool for dating since the invention of the box of chocolates. It may also be the most dangerous threat to dating since bad breath† (Fox, Stuart). This generation mostly thinks about hooking up with hot guys, pretty girls , kissing, having sex, hugging, and flirting. Through internet, two people can do a lot, they can chat, video cam, talk privately; meet new people and a lot more.Internet is not proper sometimes. A lot of websites and blobs are influencing teenagers to do bad stuff or to rush into things before its time. Backbone, Namespace, twitter, and many other social network websites aren't private anymore. Anyone knows about you, what you like and don't, your relationship status, and what you are looking for. â€Å"With social networking sites, with Backbone, if you click that you're in a relationship, it [notifies] everyone that you're in a relationship. Its public broadcasting, this isn't part of a good relationship† (Fox, Stuart).Dating isn't about love at first site, or waiting by her house. It is not about emotions anymore, it's only about what a girl or a guy wants. They want something new, something to talk about or feel proud. â€Å"Social networking has created an array of new dating rules, making the old style â€Å"wait three days before calling† seem quaint by comparison† (Fox, Stuart). As for me, I see that this kind of relationships and the affection of the internet use is a problematic situation. Teenagers Just want to do what other people are doing whether it is right or wrong.They Just don't want to be losers, so they adapt and do what their peers do. They hookup, do random sex, flirt, and that's it. Nobody cares about each other feeling as long as you are getting what you want, everyone benefits from everyone. Finally, internet has played a big role not only in the teenager's world but in everyone's world. Time has changed; technology is getting better year after year. â€Å"Relationships† are now an old fashion way to go out with a guy/girl and in the end someone's heart is going to be broken.Hooking up won't get anyone's heart tear apart, it is Just you do what you want to with no limits or rules as long as in the end they are Just called â€Å"friends†. Work cited Fox, Stuart. â€Å"Backbone adds new perils to ritual of dating†. Manic Cot 2. Web Cot 4. Definitions: Most of teenagers who engage in hookups still worry about being discreet. Discreet: having or showing discernment or good Judgment in conduct and especially in speech: prudent; especially: capable of preserving prudent silence. Tall and lanky Lanky: tall and lean, or long and slender: often used to suggest awkwardness in appearance or gait.

James Madison The Founding Father Of Our Nation

President James Madison Thesis: Even though James Madison faced opposition from the Anti-Federalists over the Constitution, his political convictions acquired in his early years in Virginia strengthened his arguments and led to the adoption of the Constitution, his two-term presidency, and his title as a founding father of our nation. Summary: James Madison was born in Virginia to wealthy planters, and owners of Montpelier plantation (Broadwater 1). Madison’s love of books led him to pursue an education at Princeton (3). His eagerness to learn allowed him to complete college within two years, and made him â€Å"one of the best-educated† of the nation’s founding fathers (3). His prominent family and education were rare during this time in America, and thrust him into a leadership role (7). Madison’s ambition and intellect were admired, and earned him his first elected position on a committee in Orange County, Virginia in 1774 (7). His experience and reputation led to his elected position in 1776 as a delegate for the constitutional conventions in Williamsburg (8). His first task was to create a â€Å"new constitution and a bill of rights for Virginia† on a committee which included George Mason (8). Madison’s experiences in drafting the Virginia Constitution broadened his vision of individual liberties and rights (9). Madison showed a persistence for protecting these rights, and his talents flowed in the drafting the Constitution (9). As a result of the effectiveness of Madison’sShow MoreRelatedGeorge Washington, John Adams, And Thomas Jefferson1322 Words   |  6 Pagesthree of the most well-known Founding Fathers. Yes, they have their reasons to be because each one of them have numerous achievements and have accomplished many things that others have not. But one Founding Father often over looked, and not just because he stands five feet four inches tall, is James Madison. 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The founding fathers were a group of men who wereRead MoreThe Revolution Of A Successful Political Revolution1389 Words   |  6 Pageshas been successful. Yet, in the case of the French Revolution for democracy, the result was near disastrous. So what separated these two nations in their conquest for a successful political revolution? The answer lies within the structures and institutions established by the United States founding fathers. Both The Federalist Paper by John Jay, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton and Democracy In America by Alexis de Tocqueville analyze how establishing these different structures will lead toRead MoreWhat Are The Flaws Of The Founding Fathers?1385 Words   |  6 PagesWhat are the flaws of our founding fathers and may have led them to shape our country? There is a group of men of legendary status who are dubbed the â€Å"founding fathers,† often referred to as the creators of our nation. Their faces are dispersed all across America, ranging from coast to coast, with the obelisk of the Washington Monument on the east coast to Mount Rushmore on the north border of the United States to our everyday money; the founding fathers are quite prevalent in our society. AlexanderRead MoreThe Necessity Of The Separation Between Church And State2039 Words   |  9 Pagesbetween Church and State Our current president, George W. Bush, is known for being religious. He has been quoted saying that â€Å"God told [him] to strike at al Qaeda,† and â€Å"God want[ed] [him] to run for President.† He has called the war on terrorism a â€Å"crusade.† When he was the governor of Texas, he created a state-wide â€Å"Jesus Day.† In 2001, he talked of the â€Å"bridge between church and state† (â€Å"Big List of George W Bush Quotes†). The problem? He is tampering with our nation’s history. He is destroying