Research: methods, bibliography & social issues (topics)

Solution Preview

Dear Student,

Hello. First let's start with your last 2 questions so that we can set that aside.

1. Q1 - What are the criteria for determining appropriate rigor in qualitative research?

Qualitative research is about collection of details - the messier, the better, especially with regards to ethnographic or anthropological research. By rigorous research, one can be assured that the study is using the appropriate tools (philosophy, methods, hypothesis, equipment, etc.) to meet or reach the stated goals of the study (i.e. Do the tools applied maximise the possibilities of the investigation?) hence one important criteria is the analysis, establishment and utilisation of appropriate investigative tools. A second criteria would be the transparency as well as the explicitness of the research itself - making it comprehensible, simple and easier to validate. Third, the researcher must be familiar with all methods and techniques available so as to ensure the appropriateness and affectivity of processes utilised, by doing so the research will avoid being too 'stuck' and reliant on one paradigm alone. Fourth, the review of publications and other related manuscripts should have been thorough with a good selection of readings. I believe that by using these criteria to review an ethnography, for example, rigour can be established.

2. Q2 - What are some advantages of writing good annotated bibliographic entries? What is the value of annotated bibliographies?

A bibliography indicates references and resources that the researcher or the team used to inform the study/undertaking. Hence, a review of the bibliography can show the theoretical, philosophical and even literary influences that could have affected the study and its outcome. Additionally, data and information presented can be validated by doing a bibliography review. In the case of annotated bibliography, where an 'annotation' provides a discussion or a commentary on the cited works in relation to elements of the study, the reader is provided critical information that gives value, depth and a descriptive dimension to the study/research. Annotated bibliographies are also used, especially for expansion of ideas presented as grounds for further study.

I hope the concise Q&A passage answers your last 2 questions. The solution below is meant to provide you with 2 possible problems you can investigate - both are social issues that are of great interest to society and previously published materials on these topics are widely available. I have created these topic proposals below assuming that your 'field of study' is the social sciences and as such, these social issues might be of interest for social scientists and researchers. Thank you for using Brainmass.

Sincerely,
OTA 105878/Xenia Jones
------------------------------------------------------

Proposed Problem 1: Study of Mental Disorders among the Homeless

The United States Department of Urban and Housing Development (HUD) defines A chronically homeless person as (2008) - "an unaccompanied homeless individual with a disabling condition who has either been continuously homeless for a year or more, or has had at least four episodes of homelessness in the past three years." Prior to the Recession of 2008, it was estimated that around 2.3 to 3.5 million Americans were homeless (National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty) with the highest rates in the following States - Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, ...