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The Qualitative Report An online journal dedicated to qualitative research since 1990 Volume 9 Number 2 June 2004 http://www.nova.edu/ssss/QR/QR9-2/index.html |
| Ronald J.
Chenail, Ph.D., Sally St. George, Ph.D., and Dan Wulff,
Ph.D., Editors ISSN 1052-0147 |
The Implications of Sex Tourism on Mens Social,
Psychological, and Physical Health (pp. 176-191)
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Kimberly Bender & Rich Furman
Abstract: This article explores sex tourism and possible concerns for the male sex tourist through a content analysis of sex tourism web sites. This qualitative, exploratory study describes the manner in which sex tour web sites attract and maintain male customers. Findings related to mens psychosocial health are placed within an international context. Recommendations are made that pertain to international social welfare. Key Words: Mens psychosocial health, Sex tourism, Sex addiction, International Social Welfare, and HIV/AIDS
Sipping Coffee with a Serial Killer: On Conducting Life
History Interviews with a Criminal Genius (pp. 192-215)
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J. C. Oleson
Abstract: As part of my Ph.D. research on criminal genius, I conducted 44 semi-structured interviews. One of the 44 subjects, in particular, stood out. This noteworthy individual claimed that he had killed 15 people. His story was particularly interesting because unlike most social research involving serial killers he claimed that he had never been arrested or convicted for his homicides. Compelled by his account, I met with this subject on five additional occasions, and gradually compiled his criminal life history. Ethical and legal considerations limited inquiry into several dimensions of this subjects life history, but over time, an interesting and richly textured narrative emerged. This article first describes the life experiences of this offender and then describes the methodological choices that shaped the research. Because criminologists almost never establish research access with offenders of this kind, his story articulated here in the form of a criminal life history is a valuable contribution to social science literature. Key Words: Genius, Elite, IQ, Crime, Murder, Interview, Life History, Self-Report, Access, and Ethics
Understanding the Role of Language/Culture in Group Work
through Qualitative Interviewing (pp. 216-240)
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Gavin Melles
Abstract: The second language student experience of group work at university is not often transparent in survey evaluations, although the multicultural nature of the student population in Australasia would suggest that culture and language should be on the research agenda. Culture and language, notwithstanding, is used in the higher education literature to position the Asian learner as different and problematic, although such cultural models and stereotypes have been the subject of some criticism in recent years. Through semi-structured qualitative interviewing in focus group interviews with nineteen South East Asian students, I explore the ways students account for their experiences of group work in their representation of teaching and learning reality through language and the discourses they take up. I find that student perceptions regarding the benefits and challenges of group work appear to be similar to their native speaking counterparts but that language/culture also appears to play a diverse and sometime unexpected role in their experience. Key Words: English as a Second Language, Group Work, University, Focus Group, and Qualitative
The Multiple Roles of Low Income, Minority Women in the
Family and Community: A Qualitative Investigation (pp.
241-265)
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Avery E. Goldstein & Wendy Reiboldt
Abstract: This longitudinal, ethnographic research study was incepted to investigate service use among families living in poor urban communities. Themes that emerged during data collection focus on the variety of roles played by women, in the home, and in the neighborhood. We identified numerous strengths exhibited by women, that is, roles that help families adapt and survive. Over a two-year period, we spent time with families, in their homes, and in their communities. Not only did the women fulfill multiple roles in the family, but they performed care taking functions within the community as well. A more complete understanding of family and community strengths will help researchers and social service professionals better serve diverse families. Key Words: Longitudinal, Qualitative, Multiple Roles of Minority Women, and Strengths of Women in Family and Community
Visual Evidence in Qualitative Research: The Role of
Videorecording (pp. 266-277)
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Sorrel Penn-Edwards
Abstract: Videorecording allows the researcher to record and replay the pictures and sound of an event. As such, it can be a valuable research tool. Nevertheless, it is not just a simple measuring instrument. As a qualitative research data gathering tool, videorecordings should be authenticated. Researchers should indicate clearly the role of this tool in their work and discuss the factors that may have an influence on the way it is used or on the data analysed. The substance of these factors is shown in inventoried form. This paper discusses these and advises how researchers may address the validity of videorecording as a qualitative research tool. Key Words: Videorecording, Validation, and Data Collection Tool
Qualitative Research on Mediated Dialogism among
Educators and Pupils (pp. 278-299)
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Thomas Hansson
Abstract: The relevance of qualitative research to virtual practices rests on subject knowledge and practical know-how on operations for exchange, growth, learning, and dialogue. Highlighting the discursive perspective, this paper covers theory on emerging didactics for online learning. In doing so, the contents show how computer-mediated learning incorporates a dialogical orientation. There is an empirical account of experiences of applying the theory in a comprehensive Nordic network with an aspect of computer-mediated theory focused on Ba, a construct illustrating how educators and pupils keep their higher mental operations creative in the process of critiquing and applying knowledge in English as a foreign language. The paper explores the social nature of learning, emphasising the dialogical perspective, weaving methodological consistencies, and principles and theoretical positions with recent conceptual elaborations that focus on knowledge creation in emerging realities. Ideas about action learning provide an overview of issues particular to research on virtual discursive interaction. Key Words: Methodology, Dialogism, Information Systems/Theory, and Learning
An Interpretive Investigation into Motivations for
Outgroup Activism (pp. 300-319)
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Catherine Borshuk
Abstract: A qualitative study was conducted to explore the motivations of individuals, who advocate politically for members of social outgroups. Long interviews with social activists focussed on self-ascribed motivations for activism, relationship with the outgroup, and the costs and benefits associated with being an outgroup activist. A thematic analysis revealed that feelings of social responsibility were shared by the activists, who were interviewed. Further, some activists attributed their behavior to their personal relationships, while others believed they had a psychological predisposition to engage in social justice. Experiences of personal marginality were also highlighted as a key contributor to social justice efforts. The respondents emphasized the importance of a fundamental, shared human connection between themselves and members of outgroups, suggesting that universalism may be importantly implicated in forging bonds across social identities. Finally, participants tendency to explicitly describe their social justice work according to cost-benefit analyses may signal a desire for recognition or reward for their efforts in light of perceived personal costs. Key Words: Social Activism, Intergroup Relations, and Universalism
Some Epistemological Issues in the Conduct of Social and
Behavioural Studies in the Faculty of Education of Nigeria
Universities
(pp. 320-334)
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Chinedu Onochie Okeke & Theophilus A. Ume
Abstract: A predominantly positivistic quantitative research tradition is uncovered through a survey of selected Nigerian universities with particular reference to the faculty of education. This predominance of what appears to be a one sided research enterprise and the neglect of the qualitative approaches is born out of the self-evident lack of history of research methods as well as the epistemological undertones underpinning research conduct. Important issues resulting from this lack of knowledge of the historical antecedents surrounding the adoption of the various methods are highlighted in this article. While concluding that the revelations here are not idle ones, this paper noted that unless issues are looked at from both sides of the coin, research within the Nigeria research tradition as well as in any other tradition where such problems exist will not only appear too didactic but could be made to appear as speculative and as deceptive as findings from such enterprise. Key Words: Nigerian Research Tradition, Method of Data Collection, Method of Data Analysis, and Emerging Issues
Push-Pull Factors of Undocumented Migration from
Bangladesh to West Bengal: A Perception Study (pp. 335-358)
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Pranati Datta
Abstract: Movement is an integral part of human existence. While talking about transborder migration from Bangladesh to India, we are, however, aware that this is a controversial subject. The partition of Bengal in 1947 was the cruelest partition in the history of the world and caused forced illegal migration from erstwhile East Pakistan. It is estimated that there are about 15 million Bangladeshi nationals living in India illegally. West Bengal has a border running 2,216 km along Bangladesh. The present study highlights push-pull factors of illegal Bangladeshi migration based on perceptions of respondents obtained from a qualitative survey done on the basis of purposive sampling in Kolkata and 24 parganas and two districts of West Bengal (WB), an Indian State. The economic push factors that motivate people to leave Bangladesh are instability and economic depression, poverty, lack of employment opportunity, struggle for livelihood, forced grabbing of landed property from minority group, and lack of industrialization in Bangladesh. About 56% of the respondents expressed that lack of industrialisation/lack of employment/economic insecurity would be the probable cause of this migration. Among the demographic factors, population explosion in Bangladesh and lowest human development index may be the most important cause of illegal migration from Bangladesh to West Bengal. Hindu minority group faced problems in connection with matrimonial alliances. Educational curricula, which were framed according to Islamic preaching and curtailment of facilities enjoyed by Hindu minority group, were responsible factor for illegal migration of Hindu minority population. Another cause is social insecurity. Political instability, fear of riots and terrorism in Bangladesh, inhuman attitude and activities of the political leaders, absence of democratic rights, Muslim domination, religious instigation by political leaders, insecurity feeling of Hindus, are the major crucial issues that require to be mentioned as political push factors. About 59% of the respondents are of the opinion that religious fundamentalists/insecurity of the minority group/discriminating law and order against Hindus may be the factors that motivated migration from Bangladesh to West Bengal. In terms of ethnic cleansing, one can witness elimination of groups of minorities by dominant ethnic group, curbing their rights controlling their influence in a states system. Double standards are observed in punishing criminals. Police officials do not record complaints from minority community. According to 85% of therespondent economic opportunity in terms of job opportunity, economic security prevailing in West Bengal worked as pull factors for migrants to West Bengal. Geographic proximity of Bangladesh and West Bengal, the linguistics and cultural similarities, same food habit, homo-ethnic climate, belief of getting shelter, cordiality, fellow-feeling, acceptance power of people of West Bengal have contributed to the movements of population from Bangladesh to West Bengal. Key Words: Peak Period of Migration, Migration and Religion, Push Factor, and Pull Factor
Provisions of Trustworthiness in Critical Narrative
Research: Bridging Intersubjectivity and Fidelity (pp.
359-374)
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Glenda Moss
Abstract: This paper is a reflective-reflexive examination of provisions of trustworthiness in critical narrative research. The author presents her understanding of provisions of trustworthiness as a science and as an art, and blurs these boundaries as she acknowledges their tension in practice. She weaves between theory and her experience in two studiesfirst the study of the Texas-Spain Visiting Teachers Program and secondly the study of Amish culture and educationwhere the author felt a deep sense of responsibility that she maintain trustworthiness. This paper examines the provisions of trustworthiness as evidence of research accountability and shared responsibility and brings to the forefront an intersubjective understanding of fidelity that emerged through understanding participants struggles, seeing researcher as a co-struggler for cultural-political identity, and recognizing the role of politics in the work of action research for democratic education. In short, the author presents an intersubjective understanding of fidelity issues within multiple identities. Key Words: Provisions of Trustworthiness, Fidelity, Intersubjectivity, Narrative Methods, and Critical Ethnography
