Learning Journal 23

We have been continuing to work on and improve our IRB proposals in class this past week. I finished a first draft of it last week and am currently working on updating that draft this week. The whole IRB process has been an eye opener to me of what I have and don't have figured out for my project. In terms of conducting the research, different methods, and interviews.

I've been learning about interviews and the different kinds that exist, structured, semi-structured, or super casual conversations. For my project I think that semi-structured interveiws are going to be the best course of action. I can talk to people with general ideas set up, some probing questions, and then let the interview go where it will. I also learned about a new method known as freelisting. This is where I would ask the interviewee to list all things that come to mind when I say a certain word/phrase. For example, Alzheimers. Then, based on what they answer, I would ask why they put certain things in order to delve into what they thinking because most people aren't concerned or usually thinking much about subjects such as Alzheimers on a regular basis.

Another method that could prove pretty useful would be that of focus groups. If I were able to find enough caregivers who were willing to participate in a focus group for me, then I believe that could potentially be an invaluable source of information. I would let the people in the group discuss things, ask the right questions to get them talking myself, then sit back and listen. I believe I could learn a lot from something like that.