Exploration of In-depth Inquiry: The Sit-Down Conversation
In the world of social sciences, Andrea Reino, our correspondent, delves into an intriguing research project by a dedicated student, Albert Lee '24, for his Junior Paper. The focus of Lee's research is the contentious practice of shackling pregnant inmates in New York state prisons.
Lee has chosen a qualitative research approach for his project, which involves analyzing literature, conducting interviews, and gathering information on his own. This method presents its own set of challenges, as the researcher has to find their own data or create their own.
To effectively find and contact potential interviewees, Lee has clarified his research goals and target audience carefully. He has identified potential participants with direct experience or expertise, such as former or current incarcerated pregnant women, advocates and legal experts, healthcare providers, and representatives from advocacy organizations.
Lee has recruited participants through multiple channels, including contacting advocacy groups, using social media, and employing the snowball effect - asking interviewees to recommend others. Despite reaching out to three leaders of prison reform organizations, none of them responded to his emails.
Conducting interviews correctly can yield a wealth of information. Lee has developed a structured interview guide and uses in-depth interviews, which are ideal for exploring nuanced perceptions and experiences confidentially. However, the interview process has been challenging but rewarding for Lee.
One of the interviews was with a New York Times contributor, who had recently given birth. This unexpected event necessitated a timeline adjustment for Lee's Junior Paper.
Finding a dataset with all desired variables can be a limitation in itself for quantitative research. Once a dataset is found, quantitative research is relatively straightforward, involving running regressions and forming analysis.
Despite the hurdles, Lee remains undeterred, steadfast in his pursuit of shedding light on this sensitive and important issue. His journey serves as a testament to the value of perseverance in the face of challenges, and the potential for qualitative research to provide unique and insightful perspectives on complex topics.
[1] Bernard, H. R., & Ryan, D. (2018). Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences. Sage Publications. [2] Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. Sage Publications. [3] Kvale, S., & Brinkmann, S. (2009). Interviews: An Explanatory Study. Sage Publications.
- Albert Lee's Junior Paper in the field of social sciences, focused on the practice of shackling pregnant inmates, is a testament to the importance of education-and-self-development and personal-growth, as he employs a qualitative research approach for his study, meticulously gathering information, conducting interviews, and analyzing literature.
- In his quest for uncovering nuanced perceptions and experiences within the practice of shackling pregnant inmates, Lee's qualitative research journey exemplifies the challenges and rewards of this learning method, drawing upon resources such as books like 'Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences' by Burnard and Ryan (2018) and 'Interviews: An Explanatory Study' by Kvale and Brinkmann (2009).
