PILOT METHODS

I have found the ‘pilot’ methods both interesting and enjoyable. The process of conducting the pilots were quite difficult, as there was so many questions I needed to ask and I intended to find an answer that would provoke thoughts and ideas for my inquiry.

Experimenting with my survey tools has encouraged me to prepare for my inquiry plan, I understand what pilots work best for me and what tools will enhance my research.

I prepared a survey using the on-line source “Survey monkey.” This tool was very easy to use and the answers most defiantly gave me an insight into other people’s opinions. I composed questions which were very personal, as all answers were confidential, which again inspired deeper viewpoints. After my survey was conducted I was able to see my responses as numerical data, meaning my answers were easy to review and it was in a very direct format. For example I asked “If you had the choice (at present) to change your career would you?” the choices I gave were ‘yes’ or ‘no’. I didn’t want reasons; I only wanted a straight answer. My response was 77% said no, 22% said yes. This format is very easy to analyze as I don’t need to explore their answers, this is their response comeback, and that’s that! When working with a questionnaire format, the respondents are limited somewhat by the parameters set. Surveys give you a limited answer and the respondents can’t jump out of the box and go into detail about their reply. I have analyzed my results and yes some of my answers I want to find out more, however I like the bluntness and it is easy to browse and filter my responses; I don’t need to solve anything. I understand that I will get quantitative and not so much qualitative results however I do feel as an evident research approach a questionnaire should be tick boxes and maybe a few explanations for the respondent’s choice. I feel this tool will be a very helpful when investigating my inquiry further as it achieves a wide-range of data in a simple format that is easy to evaluate.

I organized an interview with a friend of mine that is in the performing industry who I knew would give me broad answers. The time consuming aspect of this tool was actually finding the time to get together to conduct the interview, which I found to be demanding. My interview was structured; however I was able to probe responses encouraging more of a discussion, enabling a deeper outcome. I achieved inclusive results however this is only the view from one person. Yes I achieved quality results as the participant had freedom however I do feel on the purpose of analyses I am only reflecting on the answers of one person, my conclusion will be very limited. When I use this tool again I will intend to interview five people so I can compare the data, this will encourage rounder results. I didn’t record the interview which I might try next time, this way I can analyze quotes they have said.

My focus group has been my favorite pilot. The dynamics of a focus group means members have a similar interest or understand the topic involved; this encourages interaction between the participants. My focus group is easily reachable on Facebook; anybody can join or add which is a major positive aspect of a Focus group. I understand some people can go off on a ‘tangent’ however this persuades my inquiry to be taken on a larger scale.  The atmosphere found in my Focus group is both electric and self-motivating.  It has opened up issues and questions I would never have thought about, this has taken my inquiry on a completely different level.