#490Perspective Results

blog 2

 

What are some specific differences that might influence how one interprets the mug?

This is the SECOND post in the #490perspective blog series. Please check out the following posts, as well!

http://capstonerel.as.ua.edu/projects/490perspective/

 

During the planning stages of our project, we discussed the ideal sample size of participants. We truly wished to have as many students from different social spheres on campus represented, yet we were restricted by time and accessibility. When formally presenting our project to our REL 490 class, we received feedback on what a representative sample size might look like on a campus of about 40,000 students. The most significant assertion made during our initial presentation is that our study is but a small iteration of what could potentially become an in-depth project on the variability of perspective and how it may be impacted by external variables. In turn, we were able to glean how environment and context influenced personal analytical biases.

blog 3

For example, we observed the influence of context on how participants perceived the task at hand.  After one of her workout sessions, which included boxing, Abbey asked someone at her gym to participate in the project. Interestingly, Abbey’s participant took a photo of the mug next to a pair of boxing gloves. This participant’s contribution reflects the impact of place and context on what was possibly most relevant at the time of the picture. (Picture on left)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

blog 4

In addition to the influence of one’s environment and context, we observed how a participants’ familiarity with the mug and/or the Religious Studies Department influenced the photograph and caption submitted. In the picture below, a senior REL major, who is extremely involved with the REL department, was asked to participate in the project while sitting in the REL lounge. This participant’s contribution highlighted the department and the various geographic locations where past REL graduates have/currently reside. (picture to the right)

 

blog 5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In juxtaposition, a non-REL major less familiar with the department submitted a more general, yet fun, photograph. The lack of familiarity with the department did not seem to deter this participant from giving a unique and thought-provoking submission.

Although we were unable to reach a sample size that would more accurately reflect the demographics of UA’s campus, we postulated additional variables that could influence future participants’ submissions. Such variables included, but are not limited to: reaching out to students who are not in the REL department or College of Arts & Science (We believe the results could lead to further analysis on how one’s “home” college’s pedagogy might influence their perception of the project and of the REL department); exploring the effects of age on one’s familiarity with Instagram and ability to participate in the project, and analyzing the effects of peer-pressure on one’s perception and participation.

Fully recognizing the plethora of the possible variables that could be explored, we intend to utilize this project as a springboard for future research initiatives. Not only did we benefit from the task of creating and implementing a project, but we learned how to be effective researchers by being more aware of the innumerable factors that one must account for when gathering qualitative research and recognizing that instructions given to participants necessarily influence their understanding and participation in one’s research.

We would greatly appreciate any suggestions for improvement/comments/ or more possible variables to be cognizant of!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *