Action research
This is an approach that basically requires research applied to practical issues in the everyday social world. It is an attempt to change and monitor results. The research is likely to be qualitative and participative, as action research starts with a problem and aims on improving the situation.
There are four key parts to Action research.
Planning (working out what to do)
Acting (putting this into practice)
Observing (looking at what happens)
Reflecting (Looking back and analysing the results)
Action research is intended to improve a real life problem situation for instance changing the perceptions of people and pole dancing, or give Pole dancing a fair chance at being an Olympic sport. To do this you need to,
• Identify and clarify the problem.
• Identify and implement the change intended to improve the situation.
• Test and evaluate to determine the impact of change made on the original problem.
Nethertheless as with any research method there are advantages and disadvantages to action research.
The action research cycle
1) Ask questions
2) Collect data
3) Analyse
4) Formulate hypothesis/Reflect
5) Plan action steps
6) Positive action for change
For example
1) How do you perceive Pole dancing? Do you think it should be considered an Olympic sport?
2) Conduct interviews, put together questionnaires and surveys.
3) Analyse results, what do people think, for and against Olympics and find out why.
4) Formulate the prediction and reflect how I got to the hypothesis.
5) How I can get people to people understand that Pole dancing is a fun way to keep fit and increase confidence. I would do this by holding classes for those who disagree with my statement and show them what happens in the classroom and what is required for Pole dancing. Do a demonstration of Pole moves to show skill required.
6) Positive action for change would be not only proving that sheer strength and skill is needed to Pole dance and its worthy of a place in the Olynpics.
Again it would come back round to the beginning
1) I would ask the questions again.
2) I would again collect the data
3) I would finally analyse the data and see if people had changed their minds
4) I would formulate my hypothesis and hope that people have changed their minds
5) If people had changed their minds I would inform them of online petitions for Pole dancing to be considered an Olympic sport
6) I would introduce a class for more new-comer Pole dancers as a way to keep fit.
Advantages
• Involves people
• Helps to open up a problem
• Ensures it is a thorough methodology
• An on the job focus
Disadvantages
• Time consuming and continuing (as demonstrated in example)
• Difficult if you do not have a set group of people
• Relies on goodwill of some participants
• May distract from other important areas of your work.
Action research is collaborative by nature. In any collaborative research participants are involved as fully as possible in the research in their own group or organisation. This approach is popular because as a worker-researcher you often research some kind of change in the workplace.
I don’t think I want to change something in the workplace as people in my Pole dancing classes are there by choice of their own, however I would like to change the perceptions of those who may take part and non-Pole dancers towards Olympic possibilities.
Tuesday 30 March 2010
Fieldwork & Deskwork
Fieldwork
Fieldwork is normally to find out what is happening in the “field” or in reality, it refers to the process of going out to collect research data. Such data may be described as original or empirical. For me it will be within my own work environment. This might also involve visiting another institution/class to interview members of staff, hand out questionnaires to customers and even observing what takes place. Fieldwork will initially be doing the research for instance questionnaires, observations and interviews.
Deskwork
Deskwork consists of those research processes which do not necessitate going into the field. It consists of those things that can be done whilst sitting at a desk. These may include the administration, collection and analysis of a postal survey, the analysis of data collected by others and literature searches in the library. This will be collecting the data I have received from my questionnaires, observations and interviews and analysing what I have read, gathered and learned.
I think that both are essential to my project and I will make use of both because I need to do the fieldwork in order to complete the deskwork. I need to form the data in order to analyse the data. I will wish to compare data arising from literature and documentation in my work place with not only m own experience but also other peoples organisational experience and perceptions.
Fieldwork is normally to find out what is happening in the “field” or in reality, it refers to the process of going out to collect research data. Such data may be described as original or empirical. For me it will be within my own work environment. This might also involve visiting another institution/class to interview members of staff, hand out questionnaires to customers and even observing what takes place. Fieldwork will initially be doing the research for instance questionnaires, observations and interviews.
Deskwork
Deskwork consists of those research processes which do not necessitate going into the field. It consists of those things that can be done whilst sitting at a desk. These may include the administration, collection and analysis of a postal survey, the analysis of data collected by others and literature searches in the library. This will be collecting the data I have received from my questionnaires, observations and interviews and analysing what I have read, gathered and learned.
I think that both are essential to my project and I will make use of both because I need to do the fieldwork in order to complete the deskwork. I need to form the data in order to analyse the data. I will wish to compare data arising from literature and documentation in my work place with not only m own experience but also other peoples organisational experience and perceptions.
Quantitative & Qualitative Research
Quantitative Research
“Quantitative researchers collect facts and study the relationship of one set of facts to another. They use techniques that are likely to produce quantified and, if possible, generalizable conclusions” Bell (1999). In other words Quantitative research is concerned with the collection and analysis of data in numeric form. It is often falsely presented or perceived as being about the gathering of facts. The survey and questionnaire are often sound means of carrying out quantitative research.
Qualitative Research
“Researchers adopting a qualitative perspective are more concerned to understand individuals’ perceptions of the world. They seek insight rather than statistical analysis. Yet there are occasions when qualitative researchers draw on quantitative techniques, and vice versa” Bell (1999). Qualitative research tends to focus on exploring, in as much detail as possible and achieve depth rather than breadth. Action researching and interviewing are often sound means of conduction qualitative research.
It is important to distinguish data’s/research’s Validity and Reliability. Consider the data’s accuracy and whether the conclusions we draw/produce are applicable to everyone or simply the group we have studied/observed. Is our outcome reliable? I.e. if our research was repeated by others would they get similar results?
Now I have learnt and understood these methods of research I will use the following days to complete some more research methods.
Sources
Bell, J, 1999, Doing your research project (3rd ed), Berkshire: Open University Press.
“Quantitative researchers collect facts and study the relationship of one set of facts to another. They use techniques that are likely to produce quantified and, if possible, generalizable conclusions” Bell (1999). In other words Quantitative research is concerned with the collection and analysis of data in numeric form. It is often falsely presented or perceived as being about the gathering of facts. The survey and questionnaire are often sound means of carrying out quantitative research.
Qualitative Research
“Researchers adopting a qualitative perspective are more concerned to understand individuals’ perceptions of the world. They seek insight rather than statistical analysis. Yet there are occasions when qualitative researchers draw on quantitative techniques, and vice versa” Bell (1999). Qualitative research tends to focus on exploring, in as much detail as possible and achieve depth rather than breadth. Action researching and interviewing are often sound means of conduction qualitative research.
It is important to distinguish data’s/research’s Validity and Reliability. Consider the data’s accuracy and whether the conclusions we draw/produce are applicable to everyone or simply the group we have studied/observed. Is our outcome reliable? I.e. if our research was repeated by others would they get similar results?
Now I have learnt and understood these methods of research I will use the following days to complete some more research methods.
Sources
Bell, J, 1999, Doing your research project (3rd ed), Berkshire: Open University Press.
Primary & Secondary Research
Primary Research
Primary research is “experiments, investigations, or tests carried out to acquire primary data, the data observed or collected directly from first-hand experience” http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/primary-research.html. In other words research collected directly by myself directly relevant to my topic/problem. It provides me with insights to seeing solutions and gaining answers for example surveys, interviews and questionnaires.
Secondary Research
Secondary research is “Examining or reading about someone else's research” http://www.investorwords.com/4425/secondary_research.html or research that already exists. Things to consider,
Evaluate the following for Secondary Research:
* It’s credibility, is it useful and dependable?
* Look at the way it’s collected – the methodology used
* The accuracy of the data
* The currency (age) of the data
* The objectivity of the data (Bias against)
* The content of the data
Note all secondary research is 100% reliable
Sources
http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/primary-research.html
http://www.investorwords.com/4425/secondary_research.html
Primary research is “experiments, investigations, or tests carried out to acquire primary data, the data observed or collected directly from first-hand experience” http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/primary-research.html. In other words research collected directly by myself directly relevant to my topic/problem. It provides me with insights to seeing solutions and gaining answers for example surveys, interviews and questionnaires.
Secondary Research
Secondary research is “Examining or reading about someone else's research” http://www.investorwords.com/4425/secondary_research.html or research that already exists. Things to consider,
Evaluate the following for Secondary Research:
* It’s credibility, is it useful and dependable?
* Look at the way it’s collected – the methodology used
* The accuracy of the data
* The currency (age) of the data
* The objectivity of the data (Bias against)
* The content of the data
Note all secondary research is 100% reliable
Sources
http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/primary-research.html
http://www.investorwords.com/4425/secondary_research.html
Tuesday 23 March 2010
Survey 1 Pole Dancing
Hello I have created my first survey, please take some time to answer the questions, it doesn't take long!!
Click here to take survey
Click here to take survey
Ways of Collecting Data
Observations
Observation methods have been developed with the objective of 'observing people in their natural setting - as they go about their everyday lives
'Non-participant observation is where the researcher observes behaviour from a distance without interacting with the subject being studied
Participant observation is where the researcher sets out with the aim the aim or 'understanding the world of the subject by putting themselves in their position' Here, the researcher becomes part of the world of the subject, empathising with their position.
Observation methods can overcome some of the criticisms of quantitative research methods (Validity, bias etc.) and can be useful when its subject can't provide information, or can only provide inaccurate information.
(Information By Design. Ltd, NHS, Date unknown: South East Public Health Observatory Lifestyle Survey Toolkit.) http://www.lifestylesurvey.org.uk/observation.html
Interviews
"What is the Interview?
Interviews provide in-depth information about a particular research issue or question. Because the information is not quantifiable (i.e., not amenable to statistical analysis), the interview often is described as a qualitative research method. Whereas quantitative research methods (e.g., the experiment) gather a small amount of information from many subjects, interviews gather a broad range of information from a few subjects.
When we analyze the results from an interview we use the "hermeneutic method." We look at how all the statements made by the interviewee are inter-related. What are the contradictions and consistencies? What is the "big picture" of what the interviewee is trying to say - and how does every individual statement from the interviewee relate to this big picture? The interview is a "holistic" research method: all the bits of data from the interviewee provide you this "big picture" that transcends any one single bit of data.
The information from the interview is not objective data as in quantitative research methods. If the interviewee is an expert on some particular topic or possesses some special skill or experience, his or her responses may be "facts" or "opinions" depending on how you look at it. It really doesn't matter. A good interview is the art and science of exploring the subjective knowledge, opinions, and beliefs of an individual. The knowledge, opinions, and beliefs of that person are a "system." The purpose of the interview is to explore that system and all of its elements".
http://www-usr.rider.edu/~suler/interviews.html#whatis
Questionnaires (also known as Surveys)
"A questionnaire is a research instrument consisting of a series of questions and other prompts for the purpose of gathering information from respondents. Although they are often designed for statistical analysis of the responses, this is not always the case. The questionnaire was invented by Sir Francis Galton.
Questionnaires have advantages over some other types of surveys in that they are cheap, do not require as much effort from the questioner as verbal or telephone surveys, and often have standardized answers that make it simple to compile data. However, such standardized answers may frustrate users. Questionnaires are also sharply limited by the fact that respondents must be able to read the questions and respond to them. Thus, for some demographic groups conducting a survey by questionnaire may not be practical" (Answers Corporation, 2010: Wikipedia-Questionnaire) and http://sophiejgilbert.blogspot.com/2010/03/learning-diary-entry-4.html
Observation methods have been developed with the objective of 'observing people in their natural setting - as they go about their everyday lives
'Non-participant observation is where the researcher observes behaviour from a distance without interacting with the subject being studied
Participant observation is where the researcher sets out with the aim the aim or 'understanding the world of the subject by putting themselves in their position' Here, the researcher becomes part of the world of the subject, empathising with their position.
Observation methods can overcome some of the criticisms of quantitative research methods (Validity, bias etc.) and can be useful when its subject can't provide information, or can only provide inaccurate information.
(Information By Design. Ltd, NHS, Date unknown: South East Public Health Observatory Lifestyle Survey Toolkit.) http://www.lifestylesurvey.org.uk/observation.html
Interviews
"What is the Interview?
Interviews provide in-depth information about a particular research issue or question. Because the information is not quantifiable (i.e., not amenable to statistical analysis), the interview often is described as a qualitative research method. Whereas quantitative research methods (e.g., the experiment) gather a small amount of information from many subjects, interviews gather a broad range of information from a few subjects.
When we analyze the results from an interview we use the "hermeneutic method." We look at how all the statements made by the interviewee are inter-related. What are the contradictions and consistencies? What is the "big picture" of what the interviewee is trying to say - and how does every individual statement from the interviewee relate to this big picture? The interview is a "holistic" research method: all the bits of data from the interviewee provide you this "big picture" that transcends any one single bit of data.
The information from the interview is not objective data as in quantitative research methods. If the interviewee is an expert on some particular topic or possesses some special skill or experience, his or her responses may be "facts" or "opinions" depending on how you look at it. It really doesn't matter. A good interview is the art and science of exploring the subjective knowledge, opinions, and beliefs of an individual. The knowledge, opinions, and beliefs of that person are a "system." The purpose of the interview is to explore that system and all of its elements".
http://www-usr.rider.edu/~suler/interviews.html#whatis
Questionnaires (also known as Surveys)
"A questionnaire is a research instrument consisting of a series of questions and other prompts for the purpose of gathering information from respondents. Although they are often designed for statistical analysis of the responses, this is not always the case. The questionnaire was invented by Sir Francis Galton.
Questionnaires have advantages over some other types of surveys in that they are cheap, do not require as much effort from the questioner as verbal or telephone surveys, and often have standardized answers that make it simple to compile data. However, such standardized answers may frustrate users. Questionnaires are also sharply limited by the fact that respondents must be able to read the questions and respond to them. Thus, for some demographic groups conducting a survey by questionnaire may not be practical" (Answers Corporation, 2010: Wikipedia-Questionnaire) and http://sophiejgilbert.blogspot.com/2010/03/learning-diary-entry-4.html
Research methods learning diary 5 (16th March 2010)
Not being able to attend the campus sessions is really frustrating as I almost feel like I have to do double the work by reading lots of other blogs to find out what was covered in the actual session and then my own research. I am unable to make the sessions as I have a performance to choreograph on May day and have been sent to a high school to teach a short dance to country music. This is a very big challenge as the school is known for its behaviour issues and the children often have poor attendance. To keep me on track I have looked at Sophie Gilbert’s blog http://sophiejgilbert.blogspot.com as she is very detailed in her work and this has helped me greatly.
I am now starting to make notes all of the research methods and will be posting research on Interviews, Questionnaires and Observations in my next post. I do feel more confident that I understand the meaning, advantages and disadvantages of all the different research methods. This is soon to help me start to consider which methods of research will be best suited to my chosen topic on “People’s perceptions about Pole Dancing as a recognised sport”. It will be important to consider all the research methods that are appropriate for my topic to gain the possible answers. It is therefore important to use the correct research tool not only to get these answers but also to use the time needed on collecting the necessary information.
I will continue to make notes and post my research methods that I think will be appropriate/inappropriate, helpful/unhelpful and why shortly. This will be the stepping stone towards my research proposal.
I am now starting to make notes all of the research methods and will be posting research on Interviews, Questionnaires and Observations in my next post. I do feel more confident that I understand the meaning, advantages and disadvantages of all the different research methods. This is soon to help me start to consider which methods of research will be best suited to my chosen topic on “People’s perceptions about Pole Dancing as a recognised sport”. It will be important to consider all the research methods that are appropriate for my topic to gain the possible answers. It is therefore important to use the correct research tool not only to get these answers but also to use the time needed on collecting the necessary information.
I will continue to make notes and post my research methods that I think will be appropriate/inappropriate, helpful/unhelpful and why shortly. This will be the stepping stone towards my research proposal.
Other forms of research
Reliability
“Reliability is the extent to which a test or procedure produces similar results under constant conditions on all occasions. Questions which ask for opinions may produce different answers for a whole range of reasons” Bell (1999). “The respondent may have seen a television programme which affected opinions or may have had some experience which angered or pleased and so affected response” Wragg (1880: 17)
Validity
“Validity is an altogether more complex concept. It tells us whether an item measures or describes what is supposed to measure or describe. If an item is unreliable then it must also lack validity, but a reliable item is not necessarily also valid” Bell (1999).
Judith Bell’s ‘Doing your Research Project third edition’ has been very useful, and through reading the book and using her quotes I have been able to learn more about these research method in preparation for my project.
Casual Research
Causal Research explores the effect of one thing on another and more specifically, the effect of one variable on another.
The research is used to measure what impact a specific change will have on existing norms and allows market researchers to predict hypothetical scenarios upon which a company can base its business plan http://www.marketresearchworld.net
Experimental Research
The experimental style does allow conclusions to be drawn about cause and effect, if the experimental design is sound, but in education and the social sciences generally, large groups are in need of many variations and ambiguities involved in human behaviour are to be controlled (Bell, 1999)
Sources
Bell, J, 1999, Doing your research project (3rd ed), Berkshire: Open University Press.
http://www.marketresearchworld.net/index.phpoption=com_content&task=view&id=799&Itemid=64
Bell, J, 1999, Doing your research project (3rd ed), Berkshire: Open University Press.
“Reliability is the extent to which a test or procedure produces similar results under constant conditions on all occasions. Questions which ask for opinions may produce different answers for a whole range of reasons” Bell (1999). “The respondent may have seen a television programme which affected opinions or may have had some experience which angered or pleased and so affected response” Wragg (1880: 17)
Validity
“Validity is an altogether more complex concept. It tells us whether an item measures or describes what is supposed to measure or describe. If an item is unreliable then it must also lack validity, but a reliable item is not necessarily also valid” Bell (1999).
Judith Bell’s ‘Doing your Research Project third edition’ has been very useful, and through reading the book and using her quotes I have been able to learn more about these research method in preparation for my project.
Casual Research
Causal Research explores the effect of one thing on another and more specifically, the effect of one variable on another.
The research is used to measure what impact a specific change will have on existing norms and allows market researchers to predict hypothetical scenarios upon which a company can base its business plan http://www.marketresearchworld.net
Experimental Research
The experimental style does allow conclusions to be drawn about cause and effect, if the experimental design is sound, but in education and the social sciences generally, large groups are in need of many variations and ambiguities involved in human behaviour are to be controlled (Bell, 1999)
Sources
Bell, J, 1999, Doing your research project (3rd ed), Berkshire: Open University Press.
http://www.marketresearchworld.net/index.phpoption=com_content&task=view&id=799&Itemid=64
Bell, J, 1999, Doing your research project (3rd ed), Berkshire: Open University Press.
Research Methods Learning diary 4 (3rd March 2010)
As I was unable to make the campus session today as I have recently started a new job making a grand total of four jobs and a university degree to juggle! After reading other peoples blogs and the module diary I have understood that the session was to discuss Primary and Secondary research as well as qualitative and quantitative research.
Firstly the people who attended the session spent the first half of their day reading and understanding Peter Bryant’s slide show which is all available on his blog which included the following:
Developing your research design topic
* A problem you want to resolve
* A question you want answered
* An idea you would like tested
* Determine if it is ‘worthwhile’
* People’s opinions of your findings…the ‘so what’ factor
* Has it been researched copious amounts?
* Be original with your choice
After reading Sophie’s diary post from the session she has written “Peter explained that there are many ways to improve ‘your’ research problem and suggested to construct a research design/plan before you collect data as to not waste time collecting irrelevant information.
With regards to approaching research, we “need to develop a way to collect, analyse and interpret information that can be used to solve, answer, prove, inform, explore and describe (our) topic.” (BRYANT, P., 2010: Cat Hill Campus session) http://sophiejgilbert.blogspot.com/2010/03/learning-diary-entry-2_05.html which I have found incredibly useful as it makes perfect sense to perform a design plan so that the most relevant research methods are used.
It is apparent that the campus session was again very important, and after further reading of other peoples blogs and understanding the focus was Primary and Secondary research also Quantitative and Qualitative research. I shall now spend the time to research these areas and deliver them as a post.
Firstly the people who attended the session spent the first half of their day reading and understanding Peter Bryant’s slide show which is all available on his blog which included the following:
Developing your research design topic
* A problem you want to resolve
* A question you want answered
* An idea you would like tested
* Determine if it is ‘worthwhile’
* People’s opinions of your findings…the ‘so what’ factor
* Has it been researched copious amounts?
* Be original with your choice
After reading Sophie’s diary post from the session she has written “Peter explained that there are many ways to improve ‘your’ research problem and suggested to construct a research design/plan before you collect data as to not waste time collecting irrelevant information.
With regards to approaching research, we “need to develop a way to collect, analyse and interpret information that can be used to solve, answer, prove, inform, explore and describe (our) topic.” (BRYANT, P., 2010: Cat Hill Campus session) http://sophiejgilbert.blogspot.com/2010/03/learning-diary-entry-2_05.html which I have found incredibly useful as it makes perfect sense to perform a design plan so that the most relevant research methods are used.
It is apparent that the campus session was again very important, and after further reading of other peoples blogs and understanding the focus was Primary and Secondary research also Quantitative and Qualitative research. I shall now spend the time to research these areas and deliver them as a post.
Sunday 14 March 2010
Research Methods Things to Focus on
So after a long debate with myself about whether or not I should focus my project on pole dancing I have to say I’m really excited about starting it. I have told so many people about it and they are all interested to find out what the outcome of my project will be. I have been playing around with a few ways to word my title here are some examples,
• Pole dancing to keep fit and increase confidence has become hugely popular in many gyms and dance studios all across the world. I want to know how the public perceive pole dancing and their thoughts about pole dancing as a future event at the Olympics games.
• Pole dancing is now advertised as a new way to keep fit. Do the public agree or do they still think of it as degrading? What would they think if it was considered as Olympic sport?
• Pole dancing understandably is seen as degrading for women, however times have changed and Pole dancing is an increasingly popular way to keep fit. Do the public see this as acceptable or still for what they hear and possibly have seen in men’s clubs? What are the public’s thoughts about pole dancing as a future event in the Olympics?
• Pole dancing is an increasingly popular way to keep fit, what are the public’s thoughts about pole dancing and would they support pole dancing as a future event at the Olympic games?
My thoughts are with the first bullet however I would like to get some feedback on these as I am interested to hear which one other people like.
The areas I need to research would be,
• Pole dancing as a way to keep fit and increase confidence, I would need to have evidence that pole dancing does support these statements.
• That it is popular in many studios and gyms worldwide, I am going to look into classes available in certain major cities such as NYC, London and Australia to back this up.
• The public’s thoughts, this could be positive comments about pole dancing or negative comments about pole dancing.
• The Olympic games, I would gather some research about the history of the Olympic games, events, criteria’s and recent modern sports that have become globally recognised sports that have a place in the Olympics.
I need to research these areas as I have made statements that need to be supported with evidence and the evidence I will use will come from those who pole dance already whether they are the people I teach, the people I know that pole dance for fitness, people who are part of Pole dancing organisations not to mention my own personal experience. I will have to do some thorough research on access to pole dancing classes/lessons worldwide to prove that it is popular through interviews with people who run and organise pole dancing classes around the UK. As for the public’s thoughts I would use interviews, questionnaires and surveys to gather this evidence. As for the Olympic Games extensive research and my own knowledge of the Olympic Games through doing A-Level PE will be important as this is the main area that I would like to publicise and bring attention to. The evidence that I recover will be summarised in my conclusion in my project.
The areas I would like to investigate and include are,
• My thoughts on pole dancing before I became interested in it and my thoughts now I pole dance
• Why I want to make people aware that pole dancing is not how its perceived in men’s clubs
• I want to know more about pole dancing in clubs and understand why people might think of it as degrading
• The positive outcomes and physical changes to people that take part in pole dancing
• Statements and proof that pole dancing is a sport that’s demanding physically and mentally
• If Pole dancing is seen as a sport similar to gymnastics?
• If it would be considered as a Olympic sport what a criteria would be ie, Dress, moves and music
• If it’s not considered as a sport for the Olympics why?
I feel that I have a range of things I want to unfold and areas I know I have to research. I now have to continue to discover and understand all the ways to research so that I can understand what will help me answer the questions I want to know.
I am going to do some in depth research on Primary and secondary research, Qualitative and Quantitative data, Casual, Exploratory and descriptive research, Validity and reliability. Then i can relate if any of these areas will be helpful for me to complete my project.
• Pole dancing to keep fit and increase confidence has become hugely popular in many gyms and dance studios all across the world. I want to know how the public perceive pole dancing and their thoughts about pole dancing as a future event at the Olympics games.
• Pole dancing is now advertised as a new way to keep fit. Do the public agree or do they still think of it as degrading? What would they think if it was considered as Olympic sport?
• Pole dancing understandably is seen as degrading for women, however times have changed and Pole dancing is an increasingly popular way to keep fit. Do the public see this as acceptable or still for what they hear and possibly have seen in men’s clubs? What are the public’s thoughts about pole dancing as a future event in the Olympics?
• Pole dancing is an increasingly popular way to keep fit, what are the public’s thoughts about pole dancing and would they support pole dancing as a future event at the Olympic games?
My thoughts are with the first bullet however I would like to get some feedback on these as I am interested to hear which one other people like.
The areas I need to research would be,
• Pole dancing as a way to keep fit and increase confidence, I would need to have evidence that pole dancing does support these statements.
• That it is popular in many studios and gyms worldwide, I am going to look into classes available in certain major cities such as NYC, London and Australia to back this up.
• The public’s thoughts, this could be positive comments about pole dancing or negative comments about pole dancing.
• The Olympic games, I would gather some research about the history of the Olympic games, events, criteria’s and recent modern sports that have become globally recognised sports that have a place in the Olympics.
I need to research these areas as I have made statements that need to be supported with evidence and the evidence I will use will come from those who pole dance already whether they are the people I teach, the people I know that pole dance for fitness, people who are part of Pole dancing organisations not to mention my own personal experience. I will have to do some thorough research on access to pole dancing classes/lessons worldwide to prove that it is popular through interviews with people who run and organise pole dancing classes around the UK. As for the public’s thoughts I would use interviews, questionnaires and surveys to gather this evidence. As for the Olympic Games extensive research and my own knowledge of the Olympic Games through doing A-Level PE will be important as this is the main area that I would like to publicise and bring attention to. The evidence that I recover will be summarised in my conclusion in my project.
The areas I would like to investigate and include are,
• My thoughts on pole dancing before I became interested in it and my thoughts now I pole dance
• Why I want to make people aware that pole dancing is not how its perceived in men’s clubs
• I want to know more about pole dancing in clubs and understand why people might think of it as degrading
• The positive outcomes and physical changes to people that take part in pole dancing
• Statements and proof that pole dancing is a sport that’s demanding physically and mentally
• If Pole dancing is seen as a sport similar to gymnastics?
• If it would be considered as a Olympic sport what a criteria would be ie, Dress, moves and music
• If it’s not considered as a sport for the Olympics why?
I feel that I have a range of things I want to unfold and areas I know I have to research. I now have to continue to discover and understand all the ways to research so that I can understand what will help me answer the questions I want to know.
I am going to do some in depth research on Primary and secondary research, Qualitative and Quantitative data, Casual, Exploratory and descriptive research, Validity and reliability. Then i can relate if any of these areas will be helpful for me to complete my project.
Thursday 4 March 2010
SKY’s Pineapple Dance Studios
What can I say, I think that Pineapple studios is great I actually admire Pineapple studios as most of the auditions I attended where held there, I have had classes there and I used to go in the shop every Sunday that I went down to dance at the Urdang even though I never bought anything. It has an incredible reputation as it holds daily classes for professionals and non-professionals to go there and dance their socks off and it has a huge success rate not to mention the amazing choreographers such as Lynne Page and teachers like Linda Dadd and Andrew Stone that have been in and out of that building.
However, the programme on TV really irritates me i think the majority of it is embarrassing. The information tells you that it “continues to lift the lid on the lives of Pineapple’s twinkle-toed talents”. I am starting to think that it isn’t about what Debbie Moore (founder) has created or that it actually films much of the twinkle-toed talents at Pineapple I feel like it’s the big queen Louie Spence’s claim to fame by being a prat on TV and talking and filming him wanting and having Botox. Yes ok that was a bit harsh but come on this is a professional industry and I don’t think he is being professional advertising his cleavage or wearing a tutu with his Calvin Klein’s on (Thursday 5th March 2010) he is meant to be an artistic director of a successful business.
What annoys me more than the fact that he can’t help draw attention to himself is that I feel that he is giving people an impression that that’s what a lot of male dancers are like, it annoys me because I have recently being having a discussion with my male friends that male dancers are just as manly (physically and mentally) as rugby players. Yes rugby players are built like machines and like to play pile on however male dancers can execute their legs in the air whilst turning on the spot.
Besides all the annoying things he says and ridiculously stupid attention seeking things that he does on the programme it is quite nice to see that there is a programme that reflects a small amount of footage about the reality of the dance life and the process of elimination in auditions (even when Louie is being unprofessional and saying inappropriate comments). I know that auditions are harsh and I’d actually like to hear what the panel said about me when at their auditions as it probably would have helped me as opposed to frustrating me.
I only wished that it was more about the dancers and not about the blonde divorcee Trisha that sang out of tune for people in a club and for my own ears! (and they wonder why this isn’t on ITV or the BBC). It should be about the dancers that what Pineapple studios is there for I’m sure it would be much more interesting if you heard about how far they travelled for the audition, how long they danced for before they were cut, how much it cost to attend the audition, if they got the job how long for, pay, and general lifestyle of a dancer. That way the public can see how hard the industry is and that we train like footballers for a place to perform what we love to do and yet get not even a quarter of the pay packet or lifestyle.
Well I keep watching because one episode made a reference to Pole dancing when Louie made a comment about a girl called Tatiana that was giving her all in an audition that was fairly "exotic" and was the only dancer who wore heels and he said “just give her a pole and send her off down to Stringfellows" which i thought was a little unprofessional but will be great for my research for my project and I keep watching in case there might be more useful quotes and comments for my project. I’m just going to have to grit my teeth when Louie is speaking!!!
However, the programme on TV really irritates me i think the majority of it is embarrassing. The information tells you that it “continues to lift the lid on the lives of Pineapple’s twinkle-toed talents”. I am starting to think that it isn’t about what Debbie Moore (founder) has created or that it actually films much of the twinkle-toed talents at Pineapple I feel like it’s the big queen Louie Spence’s claim to fame by being a prat on TV and talking and filming him wanting and having Botox. Yes ok that was a bit harsh but come on this is a professional industry and I don’t think he is being professional advertising his cleavage or wearing a tutu with his Calvin Klein’s on (Thursday 5th March 2010) he is meant to be an artistic director of a successful business.
What annoys me more than the fact that he can’t help draw attention to himself is that I feel that he is giving people an impression that that’s what a lot of male dancers are like, it annoys me because I have recently being having a discussion with my male friends that male dancers are just as manly (physically and mentally) as rugby players. Yes rugby players are built like machines and like to play pile on however male dancers can execute their legs in the air whilst turning on the spot.
Besides all the annoying things he says and ridiculously stupid attention seeking things that he does on the programme it is quite nice to see that there is a programme that reflects a small amount of footage about the reality of the dance life and the process of elimination in auditions (even when Louie is being unprofessional and saying inappropriate comments). I know that auditions are harsh and I’d actually like to hear what the panel said about me when at their auditions as it probably would have helped me as opposed to frustrating me.
I only wished that it was more about the dancers and not about the blonde divorcee Trisha that sang out of tune for people in a club and for my own ears! (and they wonder why this isn’t on ITV or the BBC). It should be about the dancers that what Pineapple studios is there for I’m sure it would be much more interesting if you heard about how far they travelled for the audition, how long they danced for before they were cut, how much it cost to attend the audition, if they got the job how long for, pay, and general lifestyle of a dancer. That way the public can see how hard the industry is and that we train like footballers for a place to perform what we love to do and yet get not even a quarter of the pay packet or lifestyle.
Well I keep watching because one episode made a reference to Pole dancing when Louie made a comment about a girl called Tatiana that was giving her all in an audition that was fairly "exotic" and was the only dancer who wore heels and he said “just give her a pole and send her off down to Stringfellows" which i thought was a little unprofessional but will be great for my research for my project and I keep watching in case there might be more useful quotes and comments for my project. I’m just going to have to grit my teeth when Louie is speaking!!!
Wednesday 3 March 2010
Research Methods Learning diary 3
And then there was light!!!!
After many sleepless nights and driving myself mad about a title/subject for my project I can proudly say after much deliberation and a little help from my friends I have finally decided to go with my initial thoughts about the subject of Pole Dancing.
I have decided to base my project around Pole Dancing as I have been Pole dancing since April 2009 at Radcliffe Civic Hall and have just finished my training to teach the beginners class on Tuesday nights and I love it. I used to be a gymnast and was always intrigued with how the body is physically capable of holding lines and shapes whilst suspended in the air and now I am re-living my childhood passion just on a vertical bar not at horizontal one!
The first time I Pole Danced was for a hen party and it was so much fun. It was great for my friend who lacks a lot in confidence over her body and not to mention a great way to get the girls together and do something new. I loved it and of course being a trained dancer had its advantages not only making it look nice but been musical and confident. It was months later when I came across a poster about a taster lesson for Pole Confessions Pole classes where you could have a spin, a climb and sign up for a 6 week course which was great as after a nasty fall on my wrist that lead to surgery where I now consequently have screws in my wrist was the ideal fun way to get my strength back in my arms and upper body.
Claire my instructor/manager is great and advertises her classes as a way for women to come and keep fit the fun way, build confidence, make friends in a friendly, comfortable atmosphere. I have enjoyed every moment of it and from a physical side it has changed the strength of my body dramatically over the last 9 months and since teaching it I have enjoyed the class go home happy when they have had a good class.
So, to the nitty gritty bit. The reason I want to research Pole Dancing is because as a dancer I have no problem letting people know I teach people to Pole dance or that I Pole dance at home/in work however, those who don’t know me and a small percentage of those who do always lift their eyebrow or look at me with an “Oh really” face. I know what they think and I always feel like I have to justify it or explain that my class is in a civic hall not a club and that I teach it to all ages of women to keep fit and build confidence. Why should I explain these facts? Because some of the general public believe that Pole dancing is a disgrace and that it’s degrading to women. Yes its seen in men’s clubs and it has sexual connotations and I understand that naturally people would think that Pole Dancing for a man in a sexual manner is a nasty degrading thing to do HOWEVER personally I think that this is slightly unfair as come on its the 21st century and it’s become a new modern way to keep fit and increase strength.
Something that has interested me more is it has triggered a petition to give Pole Dancing a place in the Olympics. Yes I said Olympics!! I’m unsure how I feel about it personally however one thing I am sure about is don’t judge something until you have tried it because it really isn’t as easy as it looks or as degrading as you might think.
After many sleepless nights and driving myself mad about a title/subject for my project I can proudly say after much deliberation and a little help from my friends I have finally decided to go with my initial thoughts about the subject of Pole Dancing.
I have decided to base my project around Pole Dancing as I have been Pole dancing since April 2009 at Radcliffe Civic Hall and have just finished my training to teach the beginners class on Tuesday nights and I love it. I used to be a gymnast and was always intrigued with how the body is physically capable of holding lines and shapes whilst suspended in the air and now I am re-living my childhood passion just on a vertical bar not at horizontal one!
The first time I Pole Danced was for a hen party and it was so much fun. It was great for my friend who lacks a lot in confidence over her body and not to mention a great way to get the girls together and do something new. I loved it and of course being a trained dancer had its advantages not only making it look nice but been musical and confident. It was months later when I came across a poster about a taster lesson for Pole Confessions Pole classes where you could have a spin, a climb and sign up for a 6 week course which was great as after a nasty fall on my wrist that lead to surgery where I now consequently have screws in my wrist was the ideal fun way to get my strength back in my arms and upper body.
Claire my instructor/manager is great and advertises her classes as a way for women to come and keep fit the fun way, build confidence, make friends in a friendly, comfortable atmosphere. I have enjoyed every moment of it and from a physical side it has changed the strength of my body dramatically over the last 9 months and since teaching it I have enjoyed the class go home happy when they have had a good class.
So, to the nitty gritty bit. The reason I want to research Pole Dancing is because as a dancer I have no problem letting people know I teach people to Pole dance or that I Pole dance at home/in work however, those who don’t know me and a small percentage of those who do always lift their eyebrow or look at me with an “Oh really” face. I know what they think and I always feel like I have to justify it or explain that my class is in a civic hall not a club and that I teach it to all ages of women to keep fit and build confidence. Why should I explain these facts? Because some of the general public believe that Pole dancing is a disgrace and that it’s degrading to women. Yes its seen in men’s clubs and it has sexual connotations and I understand that naturally people would think that Pole Dancing for a man in a sexual manner is a nasty degrading thing to do HOWEVER personally I think that this is slightly unfair as come on its the 21st century and it’s become a new modern way to keep fit and increase strength.
Something that has interested me more is it has triggered a petition to give Pole Dancing a place in the Olympics. Yes I said Olympics!! I’m unsure how I feel about it personally however one thing I am sure about is don’t judge something until you have tried it because it really isn’t as easy as it looks or as degrading as you might think.
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