Resolving and Unresolved Issues †Free Samples to Students

Question: Discuss about the Resolving and Unresolved Issues. Answer: Introduction: Ethnographic research entails studying an entire community with the intention of establishing the characteristics which describe the given community and distinguish it from other cultures. This form of research focuses on exploring the culture and beliefs of a given group of people and how the culture and beliefs held affect the behaviours and thoughts of the members of the particular group (Banks, 2013). Ethnographic design does not focus on the subjective observations and responses of a given individual within the community. This study design explores the entire community or group to establish the patterns that are prevalent and which characterise the group. This research often entails the researcher going out in the field to obtain information. The field in the ethnographic research design is the community or the group which the researcher intents to study. The researcher lives among the community or group, interacting with them and engaging in their activities in order to get them to build friendship and confidence in the researcher thereby enabling them to give information necessary for the research process (Maxwell, 2012). Nonetheless, the researcher in their interaction with the community has to keep some distance to enable them to take a clear-headed scientific view of the research and obtain the relevant data. The study topic in the research article by Banks (2013) on online gambling is compatible to ethnographic research design. This is because the researcher in this article studies an entire group of online gamblers to establish how online gambling contributes to crime and victimisation among the online gambling group as well as advantage play community manipulates the players for their own benefits (Yin, 2013). Moreover, the researcher, in attempt to obtain relevant information immerses himself into the online gambling activities enabling him to obtain data for the research. The method of sample selection A sample refers to a set of respondents usually selected from the larger population to participate in the research process. On the other hand, sampling refers to the technique through which a relevant sample is chosen from the larger population to participate in the research on behalf of the entire population. Ethnographic design uses samples to enable the research come up with conclusions about the study group or community (Kozinets, 2010). Through sampling, the ethnographic research is able to obtain inferential statistics that makes it possible for the researcher to make a determination of the characteristics of the entire population simply by observing the selected sample. The ethnographic research design in the article by Banks (2013) on online gambling uses sampling process to obtain information from respondents. The research employed the use of purposeful sampling selection methods such as; extreme and deviant sampling, intensity sampling, homogeneous sampling, stratified purposeful sampling and critical case sampling. Using extreme and deviant case sampling the researcher through the internet was able to select respondents based on the possession of manifestation such as outstanding success stories on betting as well as failures. For instance, samples were selected of those who had become successful from gambling as well as those who had failed due to gambling (Banks, 2014). The research also used maximum variation sampling to select research samples. Here, the researcher selected samples based on diverse variations in the population such as the rich game players and the gamblers who end up engaging in crimes and victimization as a result of gambli ng. Similarly, the research employed the use of heterogeneous sampling method. Using this method, the researcher narrowed down and selected respondents basing on simple areas of focus such as nationality whereby for instance, the researcher studied cases of gambling among American nationals. The methods used to collect data in the ethnographic research by Banks (2013) on online gambling include secondary data collection methods as well as the primary methods of data collection. Secondary data collection methods used entailed conducting academic reviews on the internet sources, reading books, articles and journals as well as reviewing past researches on similar topics by other scholars such as the researches by Strickland and Schlesinger on to conduct online researches (Hammersley, 2016). The researcher was also able to obtain data using primary methods of data collection. For instance, data was collected through the use of interviews conducted online. A sample of respondents selected from the larger population representing those who engage in gambling was interviewed to obtain relevant information on gambling and to determine the effects of gambling to the gambling group. The data analysis technique The techniques of data analysis used in this research include use of electronic software such as cross-tabulation since the underlying logic of measures in the research were not restricted. Ethnographic research design requires the researcher to participate in the research process. For instance, in this particular research, the researcher had to obtain information through participant observation. He had to engage in gambling too in order to be able to build a god relationship with the respondents so that they could disclose vital information relevant for the research topic (LeCompte, Scensul, 2010). Through participant observation, the researcher, though against his principles had to engage in online gambling. Moreover, the researcher had to lie to the respondents. It raises ethical questions when the researcher pretends to be one of the online gamblers. Through this pretence, the researcher manages to lure the respondents into giving vital information used by the researcher to answer the research question. However, according to the Divine Law Theory, it is unethical to lie hence this researcher raises ethical questions. This theory entails the use of constant comparative analysis to come up with a generalization on a social aspect. The researcher, using this theory, asks questions intended to lead to the generalization of a theory on a social life aspect. The sequence of questions leads to the development of the iteration of theoretical sampling where respondents are sampled to answer the raised questions (Troter, 2012). After analysis of the answered given by the sampled respondents, the researcher uses the obtained data to come up theories on a given topic. The researcher chooses the next sample based on the first theory developed in the research process. The second sampling process is regarded to as theoretical sampling. The researcher continues with the process of asking questions, seeking answers, formulating theories, selecting samples until he reaches saturation. In this approach, the researcher uses three processes to analyse data (Timmermans Tavory, 2007). These include open coding, axial coding and selective coding. Open coding entails the researcher dividing data into groups that are similar and eventually come up with information categories about the phenomena under study. Axial coding entails the researcher collecting together the categories grouped in the open coding process. Data is organized in a manner to present information that enables one to understand and view the phenomena under study from a different angle (Merriam Tisdell, 2015). On the other hand, selective coding the researcher organizes and integrates the grouped information into categories that enable it to form themes that enables one to understand a specific theory generated in the study. I would use this approach to conduct the research and present adequate information on the research topic presented by Banks (2013). I would begin by doing a comparative analysis on the online gambling by exploring the benefits of online gambling versus the consequences. This would lead into development of questions on the research topic such as, what are the economic benefits of gambling? What are the economic implications of gambling? Why should gambling be stopped? Why should gambling be encouraged? I would then analyse the answers to these questions to come up with a generalization on online gambling. Is it bad or good? Should it be encouraged or stopped? I come up with a theory such as online gambling contributes to social evils. Using this theory, I would select my sample respondents to help gather information to address this theory (Schwartz-Shea Yanow, 2013). Basing on the information gathered, I would choose my next theory which could be online gambling leads to an increase in crime rate in the society. I would continue with the same process of formulating a theory, selecting samples until I get saturated. I would them analyse the acquired data using three process which are open coding, axial coding and selective coding. Gender and race identity world view The writer points out that she and her assistant Norah were the only Caucasians in the group. She also points out that the girls had been dull during the sessions but when the two boys came in, the girls were lively and opened up to the discussions. Moreover, the writer, from the discussions with the girls, the writer points out that the girls regarded themselves with their race, which was black and were proud about it (Lambert Lambert, 2012). To the girls, their race marked a symbol of strength and it came first before gender. Initially the researcher was not free with the girls and though that maybe her race acted as a hindrance to the good relationship between them and the students. She points out how she could stay inside her car on the drive way signalling that she did not enjoy a mutual relationship with the girls. Norah thinks that the change of mood by the girls was as a result of the pizza they had bought them. Later, the writer points out that the change in the relationship was as a result of the two boys who had joined the class. Through participant observation, the writer is able to study and discover the various characteristics that shape the behaviour of humanity. For instance, she learns that in the acquisition of knowledge (epistemology), human beings need an environment where they feel free and comfortable as well as an environment they are used to. For example, in this case, the girls were used to learning and interacting with the boys hence introduction of the boys in the classroom made t hem active as opposed to when the boys were absent. Through the reflexology, the writer brings it out clearly the fact that human beings (ontology) in their existence embrace differences. For instance, she maintains that the girls recognized themselves first as being black humans and associated the race with strength (Dourish, 2006). The writer in appreciation of the differences in humanity wonders how the whites would act in the same scenario. The methodology used in the collection of data in this research is participant observation where the researcher using an ethnographic research design learns about the culture and operations of the students by interacting with them. To enable the students to open up and give vital information essential for the study, the researcher had to constantly be with the students, interacting with them, participating in their practice with the aim of building their trust and confidence in the researcher so that they end up giving the required information. The researcher is able to understand the values held by the students (axiology) that makes them act in the manner they do. She learns why black women are generally characterised by strength (Blomberg, et al. 2009). They grow up learning the value of black being associated to strength and thus do heavy work as compared to their white counterparts. It is rhetorical that the black girls would associate their colour to strength yet they are scared of going out due to the fear of violence. Strengths of focus group discussions as a method of data collection This method of data collection allows use of a qualified moderator whose face-to-face involvement serves to ensure that the conversation remains on track. The presence of the moderator also ensures that every member of the group participates in the discussions and that no member of the discussion group dominates others in the group. The face to face interactions might generate new additional information which might broaden the scope of the topic and generate more knowledge among the members of the group. Face-to-face interactions in the focus group discussion also allow the use of non-verbal communication cues. This will end up reinforcing the information and make it more professional and easier to understand. Use of non-verbal cues also serves the purpose of allowing the expression of emotions and attitudes of the participants enabling the information passed to be understood even better. This method of data collection allows the moderator to adjust the topic of discussion to suite the available information. Weaknesses of focus group discussion as a method of research The output is likely to be biased due to dominance by a few in the group. This method of data collection is prone to bias as the discussion might be dominated by one or two individuals. For instance, the moderator in this method of data collection is always mandated with a big say hence the entire discussion may represent his personal views and ignore the views of other members of the group making the information unreliable. Sometimes this method of data collection makes respondents scared of sharing information public due to the presence of many people. Some respondents prefer other methods of data collection where they will get a chance to share information with few or one individual as opposed to a multitude usually present in the focus group discussion. This article addresses various themes faced by the lesbian women. Some of the most notable themes discussed by the author include positive talk about the lesbian members of society, positive feeling about the physical self among the members of the lesbian group in the society, negative view of the physical self among the members of the lesbian group in the society, dating and marriage in relation to the psychological view about ones physical self among the members of the lesbian group, satisfaction with the physical self by the members of the lesbian group, separation from the mainstream society based on the physical appearance among the members of the lesbian group, on-going awareness of identity and acceptability of the physical identity among the members of the lesbian group as well as the psychological effects caused to the individuals among the lesbian group as a result of how they view their physical self in comparison to other members of the society (Mills, et al. 2006). The above themes are presented throughout the interview and shape the flow of the discussion. For instance, the theme of dating and marriage. The respondent points out that the physical self among the lesbian group affects their dating and marriage relationship. She points out that some of her friends are in relationship dating while others married in-spite of their body shapes (Taylor, 2008). On the other hand, some of the friends are not in relationships because they are either too thin or too fat. There is the theme of satisfaction among the members of the lesbian group according to their physical self. The interviewee points out that some people were not satisfied with their physical appearance while others were comfortable with how they look. For instance, a few of her friends who are considered thin do not care about it and are able to move on with their normal lives on the other hand, some of her friends who are thin while others who are fat do not feel comfortable in their bo dy shape and as a result are psychologically disturbed to the extent they cannot move on with their normal lives. Similarly, the theme of theme of positive talk among the members of the lesbian group is presented (Verganti, 2008). The interviewee points out that most of the negative talk and overeating towards the members of the group based on their body shape does not arise during their meetings. Such issues only arise on the outside. However, the interviewee talks positive about the members of the group who have different shapes. She maintains that most straight women have more issues with their physical self than members of the lesbian group (Onwuegbuzie Leech, 2006). According to her, most of these people have no issue with their physical self and are able to easily move on with their normal lives. There is also the theme of negative talk. The interviewee points out that most of the negative talk on the body shapes of the lesbians arises while outside but during meetings such negative talks do not arise. The negative talk has affected some members of the group negatively and changed the way they view themselves (Smith, 2015). She also sites cases of overeating among this group of persons as a result of the negative talk. However, according to her, some do not find any issue and are able to move on with normal lives despite the negative talk. In order to improve the trustworthiness of my research findings, it essential to observe ethics in the research process and engage in ethical practices likely to encourage the interviewee to give out information (Brinkman, 2014). Ethical practices should be observed throughout the interview process and ensure trustworthiness in terms of; To obtain credible information from the respondent during the interview, it is essential to build trust. By making the respondents have trust, they will easily give out information that is essential for the research (Braun Ckarke, 2006). One way of building trust is by living among the respondents and operating in a way that do not raise any suspicions from the respondents. I would improve trustworthiness by engaging in transparent practices. This entails following the ethical rules of the research process such as exercising objectivity, transparency, confidentiality as well as acting in a responsible manner. This will make the respondents to build trust in me and thereby give vital information for the research without raising any conflict as there is no any suspicion (Banister, 2011). I would improve the level of trust from the respondents by being consistent in my questions. This reduces the chances of doubt from the respondents as they able to view the interview process as being professional and authentic. To improve the level of trustworthiness from the respondents during the interview, I would be neutral to the responses given by the respondents. I would not react to the responses nor give any comments that may deter the respondents from giving information. References Banister, P. (2011). Qualitative methods in psychology: A research guide. McGraw-Hill Education (UK). Banks, J. (2013). Edging your bets: Advantage play, gambling, crime and victimisation. Crime, media, culture, 9(2), 171-187. Banks, J. (2014). Online gambling and crime: Causes, controls and controversies. Ashgate Publishing, Ltd.. Blomberg, J., Burrell, M., Guest, G. (2009). An ethnographic approach to design. Human-Computer Interaction, 71-94. Braun, V., Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative research in psychology, 3(2), 77-101. Brinkmann, S. (2014). 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