Jason Bell
Competency I
Understand research design and research methods and possess the analytical, written, and oral communication skills to synthesize and disseminate research findings
Introduction
Researchers are not limited to those individuals that come in to the Archive to gather knowledge. We archivists need to sharpen our research skills too. It is most helpful to know some of the research methods used. Research that I have participated in has lead me to understand the difference between qualitative and quantitate research methods. Just as qualitative research sounds, so it is. This method is focused primarily on digging deeper through observation to get a better understanding of the subject being researched. It is also known as field research. Whereas quantitative research has more to do with analyzing data already provided instead of gathering more through observation. Research is primarily conducted though the study of surveys and studies designed to gather information. This information is then calculated to prove or disprove a theory. Working with a group of three other classmates we developed a survey that was designed to capture data to get a better understanding of the people that are accessing a fictitious archive. I used qualitative research while developing my final paper for MARA 285. In this research I am able to dig through 13 plus references to find a way small organizations and archives can digitize their collection at a reasonable cost while maintaining the best practices and standards that larger institutions are able to better adhere to as they often have a greater budget. I have come to the understanding that when developing a quantitative research project that multiple people cloud be involved in developing surveys and analyzing data. Information may produce more knowledge with less bias.
Supporting Evidence
In this exercise we were asked to develop a survey to gain information that will help move the organization forward. We came up with a survey that would give us quantitative results that we could calculate what populations are using the organization’s resources the most. In our case we wanted to discover a way to better promote our organization on Web 2.0. Our exercise shows my understanding of the importance on working together to develop data gathering and analysis.'m a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It’s easy. Just click “Edit Text” or double click me to add your own content and make changes to the font. Feel free to drag and drop me anywhere you like on your page. I’m a great place for you to tell a story and let your users know a little more about you.
Group 2 Design Process Statement
This exercise gave me a new respect for surveys. I had not had much use for them, as I have never really put much faith into statistics. However, I now understand that if designed from the least biased perspective surveys can be developed by using ranking questions in addition to close ended positive or negative questions—thus allowing for the respondents to be more specific with their answers.
This was a great exploration into how small archives can be as digitally robust as the larger institutions through the study of 50 different historical societies. Though I did use a survey, I consider the method as being more qualitative as the questions were not designed to generate cumulative data; instead I was seeking more in-depth information and created questions that were open-ended allowing for the participant to describe their functions.
Conclusion
Working as a team and seeking information from archival institutions helps to shape our archival community for the better. There are many ways to gather information. The two I mention here, qualitative and quantitative research methods, taught me that I need to get over my biases by seeking ways to research in groups or reaching out to wider audiences. For example, when looking for ways to reduce digitization costs for smaller organizations, seek out many organizations and talk with them rather than asking yes or no questions. I am currently using a survey I made up for the volunteers at the Yolo County Archives to find out what they wish to help with and when they can devote their time.