Methods, methods, methods

• What methods will you use to collect data that will answer your research questions?

My primary means of data collection will be via interviews.  I'll have at least one in person interview  with my seven subjects, and conduct the rest of my data collection through email correspondence and survey.  

• What experience (formal or informal) have you already had with these data collection methods?

I really only have experience working with surveys on past small scale research projects.  I have conducted interviews before, but never to collect data for research.  I have however, been part of someone else's research project, and as such was part of a qualitative data collection interview. 

• What questions or concerns do you have about these methods?

My main concern with conducting email interviews is getting the most honest answers.  Giving subjects time to ponder the questions may lead them to write what they think I might want to hear, or embellish answers for whatever reason.

Let's Dig a Little Deeper

• How does your previous experience influence your thinking about your research project?

I was once a graduate myself who was unsure of my next life steps.  I was a reading tutor for a couple years before I was accepted at St. Kate's and committed to my chosen career path.  I remember my own agitation trying to find information on my next steps.  I feel a connection to the information seeking that this group of tutors is currently doing and I feel empathy for them.  I want them to be successful in their life pursuits.

• What do you think are the most important factors influencing the information seeking behavior of your target study group? 

There are multiple factors for this group.  One that they all share however is cost.  These are folks who are paying off loans, or paying tuition. some have rents to pay, car costs, etc.

• What design approaches could you use to answer your research questions? 

I will be doing in person and email interviews with these folks.  

Figuring Out What the Heck I'm Going to Focus On!

Since I will be completing my student teaching hours this semester, I immediately thought that it would be the perfect opportunity to do a research project with some of the students in the libraries I'll be working at.  However, after the first day of class, I learned how difficult doing that will ultimately be.  I went back to the drawing board and this is what I have:

1.  There are about half a dozen tutors at the high school I am currently student teaching at.  They do their tutoring in the library, so I've been able to talk to them on several occasions.  They are all willing to be my "research subjects".   These tutors are all between the ages of 22 and 27.  They are math tutors working with a grant from a local company.  

2.  In conversation, I've heard many of them talk about their next life steps.  Some are considering grad school, some are completing the last requirements of their undergraduate degrees.  All of them know that once this grant is done they will be looking to the next adventure.  I want to know what their current information seeking behavior is and what are their information seeking needs.

3.  I will start by conducting in-depth interviews with each of them, and when I move on to my next student teaching site, I will maintain contact with them via email.