6B

Data collection Tools

The four main tools available to me to use in order to gather information in regards to my enquiry are;

1. interview
2. survey
3. focus group
4. observation

I will be using my current employment status to conduct this research and therefore shall be targeting fellow auditionee's in the Musical Theatre sector. It is important that I chose the right tools in order to assist me in gathering the correct information.

INTERVIEW

• Who do I need to interview and why?

In order to get a good spread of data my participants need to be a mix of male and female and have all graduated or begun auditioning for professional theatre at different times. This is because I am interested to see if training is a factor in how people then go on to deal with the audition process.  Maybe the way in which colleges prepare you for the audition process has changed over the years? Age is also an important factor as someone who is new to auditioning may deal with the process differently to someone who has been doing it for a long time. I am interested to see if males and females deal with the process in different ways aswell - maybe there is something we can learn from each other?  

• What degree of structure will the interviews have?

The three main forms of interview are: structured, semi structured and unstructured.

from reading up on all three I think a semi structured interview would benefit my enquiry best.

The meaning of a semi structured interview is as follows; 'Semi-structured interviews consist of several key questions that help to define the areas to be explored, but also allows the interviewer or interviewee to diverge in order to pursue an idea or response in more detail.' (British Journal 204, 291 - 295 (2008) 
Published online: 22 March 2008)

This format of a semi structured interview would allow me to ask all the required questions and have a plan to follow but would also mean that I, with the participants permission, could delve into greater detail if a particular question sparks a responce that I feel might be beneficial to the enquiry.

• Where will my interviews be held?

 I think some form of neutral ground or a place where the participant is most confortable is the most beneficial place to hold interviews. I want my participants to feel comfortable enough in their surrounding to speak openly. This may also mean that a level of privacy needs to be ensured when deciding the venue. 

• Will all interviews contain the same questions?

As I intend for my interviews to be semi structured, I will begin all interviews with a list of generic questions which will then take different routes depending on the participant. 

• How will I access data from the interviews?

I will access data by transcribing my tape recordings and reflect on any notes I take.

• How will you record the interviews?

I think it is best to record the interviews by using a tape recorder. this means I can focus on the participant.

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The benefits of the qualitative method of interviews is that you 'Can follow up on ideas, probe responses and investigate motives and feelings' (Bell, 2005, p157.)

The disadvantages may be that the interviewer may affect the interviewee's responces for some reason, be it interpersonal variables (gender, ethnicity, personal qualities) or the way the questions are worded, creating a bias.

SURVEY/QUESTIONNAIRE

• check questionnaires as soon as they are completed
• make sure all questions are answered correctly
• add a reference number to the form
• store forms in a data file that is secure
• record data anonymously 
• accuracy is key when organising responces
• code questionnaires to be able to create percentages of data

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The benefit of using surveys and questionnaires;

• 'is the ability to gather data from a wide range of representative respondents' (reader 6, pg 24). 
• Question responces can be easily structured and coded. 
• The respondent has time to consider their answer. 
• Stadardised questionairres have already been validated so you can potentially compare your work to other studies. 

Disadvantages may be;

• If i don't administer the survey corrctly I may get minimal responce
• questions could be misinterpreted
• limited choice of answers if I create a pre coded questionnaire 

FOCUS GROUP

A group of people assembled to participate in a discussion about a product before it is launched, or to provide feedback on a political campaign, television series, etc. 'The following table groups topics that people in the focus group mentioned as of high interest to them.' (Oxford Dictionary)

• Create a list of trigger topics before group interview takes place in order to keep group and context of chat on topic
• channel the discussion to elicit the data needed for the research (Denscombe,2007)
• create a seating plan to allow optimum participation
• have people identify themselves before speaking for the benefit of the recording and the transcription

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the benefits;

• allows interaction between participants which could generate fresh ideas
• participants may prefer to share stories in a supportive group situation

the disadvantages;

• stronger personalities may influence the group
• recording voices and trandscription may be more difficult

OBSERVATION

Observation is a systematic data collection approach. Researchers use all of their senses to examine people in natural settings or naturally occurring situations. Observation of a field setting involves: prolonged engagement in a setting or social situation. (Qualitive Research Guidlines Project)

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• events may be recorded, at the time or subsequently
• obserations may be structured in a pre determined framework or open
• the observer may also the a participant or act solely as an observer

advantages;

• provides a rich source of information
• gives researcher an insider view

cons;

• time consuming
• difficult to record
• subjects may not act in true nature
• invasive/intrusive

REFERENCES

http://www.nature.com/bdj/journal/v204/n6/full/bdj.2008.192.html