Module 2 Skype call- Thursday 7th of March

This Skype call was based on data collection which I  found very useful as we discussed other ways of collecting data other than interviews. We also discussed the difference between qualitative data and quantitive data:

Qualitative data- A sense of finding deep meaningful answers, a sense of feel.

Quantitive data- Hard data, using calculations and numbers.

This call helped me to realise that most of my answers will come from literature research as there is a lot out there which will help me with my inquiry. After my research I will then go on to do a few interviews with dancers at different stages of their careers. On the Skype call we discussed the importance of asking questions in our interviews that will inform us, not to prove what we already know. This is something that I will think about a lot when thinking of my questions because I would have asked questions just to confirm what I already know however now I see that that will only waste time.

I am now starting to consider what my analysis plan will be in detail and what I am going to do with the information I learn.

I am interested to hear everyones thoughts!

Millie x

Methods for Data Collection

I have been thinking about different ways to collect my data and how to explain them in my essay.
My initial idea was to do:

• Quantitive online surveys
• Qualitative interviews 
• Observation ( my own ethnographic experiences)
• Narrative data (hearing peoples stories)

However after revisiting my cycle I remembered that on this course we are using the qualitative non-positivist approach, this made me re-think my data collection methods as I want to avoid pre-judging what causes certain behaviour, and that by using quantitive surveys with multiple choice questions I could put ideas in to peoples heads which would create inaccurate results.  I am still hoping to use online surveys (as they allow people to answer the questions anonymously) but to collect qualitative data.

I am really interested to hear other ideas and other ways to collect data.

Millie x

Two perspectives

As I mentioned in my previous post I have started off with working on my literature review and I wanted to discuss the two perspectives of my inquiry that I have chosen.


Inquiry- 'Does the pressure put on the way dancers should look affect their health?'.

• 'The pressure put on the way dancers should look does affect their health'.

During my research I have found various articles about dancers who have been put under so much pressure by their peers or teachers that they have suffered with anorexia. This is an important subject for me as I have seen some of my close dancer friends go through this due to the pressure put on themselves.

• 'The pressure put on the way dancers should look is not all that affects their health, nor is it unnecessary'.

I have also found many articles and quotes from people such as Gillian Lynne who have said 'dancers have to diet, they have to be underweight'. Along with other articles which discuss the fact that self criticism is the reason that dancers become unwell. That its because of their own judgement.

Working on the research task has opened my mind and given me the right information I now need to carry on with this inquiry.

I would be interested to hear other peoples ideas and perspectives on my inquiry topic.

Millie x

My Inquiry...

After going through the cycle many times I have chosen a broad inquiry topic which as the term and my journey within this module goes on I hope it will change to focus on something specific.

'Does the pressure put on the way dancers should look affect their health'.

I have decided to start off with working on my literature review, I like to type all of my information out on to a powerpoint as it creates a clear image of my work in my mind. Once I have all of my information I will then decide how to present it. I have started off by researching all articles which are related with my inquiry. I have chosen two different perspectives of my inquiry and have found three articles supporting each of the perspectives. Working on the research task has made me more aware of the depth and importance of my inquiry and I now feel that I am ready to begin my essay.

Before starting my essay I have made bullet points for each of my paragraphs and I have thought carefully about what I am going to put in to each one.

I am interested to know how everyone else is getting on and whether anyone has any ideas or questions!

Millie x