Analysing my tools of professional inquiry...

After studying reader 6 - Tools of Professional Inquiry, and piloting each method within my own inquiry, I have been able to establish which 'tool' is most effective when put into practice to acquire the most profound form of data and knowledge, essential in furthering my own investigation. I previously posted about the general positives and negatives with regards to each method, but upon analysis I found where each factor was relative to me and my inquiry.

Interview and Focus Group
Both of these provided me with a more in depth, qualitative explanation. The relaxed and informative nature of these processes allowed for the participants to really explore their own ideas and opinions on the topics being questioned. Though structure can be lost during the interview, it allowed for a more personal discovery. By nature of my inquiry, the learning and discovery process is very much reliant on learning from others experience, the more specialised knowledge that can be gained the better. Piloting the focus group particularly, has shown me that the answers you get are very much dependant on the group that you interview, as well as the technique in which the questions are asked. To avoid bias you very much have to make the entire process about the participant, avoiding the chance of posing an influential tone. Establishing this technique is also something I think, that if I can put into practice, will help me personally as I move from using my 'feet' to 'voice' for employment prospects. In terms of authenticity and validity in information and data collection between the differing tools, I couldn't place one above the other. The only advantage interviewing has over using a focus group is its practicality and convenience, arranging a time and a place for one person is far easier than organising three or four people in comparison.

Survey
The less personal and formal nature of this tool really doesn't suite the type of information I am looking to gather to further my own inquiry. The structured nature of this method doesn't allow for participant elaboration, and I found resulted in a lax approach to completing the document. It very much provides you with quantitive information, appropriate for calculating statistical data, but as my inquiry is very much based on experience and different directions, it is not something I can produce a formula for. I am not completely discarding my findings from this method, as all information is invaluable, but it is not tool I will be carrying forward within my professional inquiry.

Observation
I found this tool very difficult to evaluate as I feel the benefits, given the right situation for the method to be applied, would be invaluable. I have been observing videos on youtube with relevance to 'on' and 'off' screen television processes, but I feel without physically being within the atmosphere itself, you can portray a very biased point of view. I am hoping to gain some 'hands on' experience at the end of this year, at which time I will truly put the use of this tool into practice. Until then I will leave my full analysis open ended, as at this time it shows very little use to the direction of my inquiry in my given situation.

Campus Session 3 - Tools of Inquiry

In our final campus session of this module, Alan spoke to us about the four main tools we would pilot as we begin to explore and gather more information in relation to our own inquiries. We discussed all the positives and negatives involved when using each process, as well as the dynamic between the participant and the researcher.

Survey
+ Can be completed anonymously
+ Not as time consuming for the researcher or participant
+ Quantitive data of which stats/figures can represent findings
+ Provides a 'general' consensus

- Lack of authenticity due to the formality of the procedure
- Question could be left incomplete/misinterpreted
- Non-engagement with participant
- Non-leading questions could result in a lack of information being found

Interview
+ Depth due to a one on one situation
+ Leading questions/flexibility resulting in a more personal discovery
+ Higher authenticity
+ Less chance of misunderstanding

- Time consuming resulting in limited numbers being able to take part
- Non-anonymous could result in participant being influenced
- Good interview technique required to avoid bias
- Specific knowledge

Focus Group
+ Conversational nature allows ideas/opinions to be explored
+ The group share a common interest/specialised knowledge
+  Validating

- Influential factors
- Practicality of creating a focus group/convenience

Observation
+ There are different forms of observation which carry different opportunities

- Reliability of data

Within each of these methods there is a strong relationship between the participant and researcher. Ideally all the data gathered while using each tool should be a complete representation of the information provided by the participant, however as a result of bias/authenticity, these levels can be altered. After discussing these important factors we captured each tool of inquiry in a short video presentation filmed and compiled by Alan.


                      

Survey!!

Calling all SIG's please get involved with my inquiry even more and complete my survey! In addition to our blogging and discussions, it would be great to hear feedback on this more formal 'tool', as well as allowing me to analyse the results. Just click on the link below...

The 'runner' behind the industry...

Following on from my previous post I decided to look forward into the industry I am inquiring about, and ultimately want to achieve. I discovered a fantastic article reported by the website www.wanttoworkintelevision.com and written by Louise McNamara, an experienced runner still working in the industry herself in her bid to reach the role of her dream job as a producer. She described the job of a runner, as 'entry level' for television media, and it definitely looks like a possible way in!
She goes on to describe the trials and tribulations the jobs entails, from distributing morning coffees and toast, to the joys of being involved in the production on set. Rather than making the tasks sound tough, I feel she depicts this role as being more repetitive, involving long days and really being a perfect reflection of the title - 'Runner'! Continuing to highlight these negatives in saying:

'The money is shocking. I figured out recently that I earned more working 36hrs in a video shop than I did working 60hrs a week as a runner. If you enjoy it enough you will find a way, although living on the breadline becomes a way of life.'

This is definitely a quote that would see most falling at the first hurdle, however this is a very similar situation we have all experienced within the performance industry. The insecurity and under payed employment is something that has become second nature. Though not ideal, like she says if you have enough passion for the job you will always find a way. This similarity between the two industries is definitely the requirement of a particular personality trait or skill which is transferable - determination.

In spite of this her article also shows support for the statement 'its not what you know, but who you know' when stating how she initially broke into this industry:

'I started out in a fairly conventional way. I was exceptionally fortunate to have a contact, my Mum’s best friend’s son, who was a post-production engineer at ITV. He got me a job as a post-production runner on ITV’s ‘Dancing on Ice’ programme.' 

A very lucky and convenient contact providing her a platform to the rest of her career - this I do not say lightly though as I very much do believe that without the right attributes and personality strength to endure this form of work, this industry it can be very short lived.

For all those interested in the television industry I would definitely recommend giving this article a read, The Real Life of a Television Runner, an extremely open and informative article with an informal tone - a great insight into another side of this fascinating industry. 

Looking at more literature...

I previously began reading into already established theories relative to my inquiry of which I blogged about in an earlier post entitled 'Looking at Literature...' . Here I found guidance in which direction I should pursue the analysis of my literature, after absorbing the already sound knowledge discovered by a past BAPP student with a similar line of inquiry to mine. Intrigued by her findings, rather than re-evaluating her own research, it seemed most logical to build upon, and expand in the reading of theories, articles and interviews, but where to start...?

I began by looking into 'professionals' that have made the transition themselves, my first port of call was none other then the prime advocate for dance, Darcey Bussell. Re-nown for the way she graced the stage whilst under the title of 'principle dancer' for The Royal Ballet, her later years have seen her moving more so into the media lime light, establishing herself as TV personality. I stumbled across an article in the guardian which read 'Dance legend Darcey Bussell's next step' followed by a similar article in the mail being captioned as; 'Darcey's new world! When superstar prima ballerina Darcey Bussell retired last year her life turned upside down – literally – as she moved to Australia to become a full-time mum. But, as she launches a series of children’s books, has she put away those ballet shoes for good?'
Both of these reported on Darcey's retirement for motherhood, and a look into her life after dance. They each wanted to know how this had affected her moral as a person, how she'd been keeping busy and ultimately what was next, her response being:

"I'm still a dancer, and I suppose I'll never escape that"

This really got me thinking, however versatile we may be as trained performers are we emotionally pigeon holed? Are we influenced by others opinions on where we should be as professionals? The media hype created around Darcy and her retirement expressed a 'loss' to the world of dance, allowing her to relive her 'hay-days' in articles on a weekly basis, which can't of been healthy for a 'dance addict' as she describes herself: 

'Dancing is a passion, one that I will probably never be rid of. It is a bug and you are addicted to rehearsing and performing'

So could this have been the cause for her next steps? I think it's fair to say despite her sensational and established success as a ballet dancer, she struggled like many to find her feet during this tough transition. Wanting to succeed so badly at 'walking away' from dance left her in the land of unknown. I further read another article published earlier this year in the mail entitled 'My battle with depression, by Darcey Bussell'. Describing her turmoil after leaving the stage she says:

I got depressed. I didn’t appreciate how low I got. My husband did. He said, ‘‘You know, Darcey, you’re better when you’re busy’’. I thought it was weakness to show you couldn’t cope.’

I think this way of thinking links in with the strict and disciplined training received from a very young age as a dancer - failure is not an option. Being bought up in a particularly structured manner and environment you can become dependant on the routine from a day to day basis, to suddenly then live a life without that framework can be very difficult to adapt to. The article continues to detail her 're-inventiont' as it were, and her excitement at becoming involved with the popular BBC television programme 'strictly come dancing' as a respected judge. With regards to this career transition I feel that is very much a result of her specialist attribute. Her disciplined and professional nature combined with her versatility is most definitely a skill past on from her early training within dance, and is one of which I feel is compatible within the television industry. She has worked hard to become a house-hold name which has opened up many doors in this new stage of her life - a life after dance. I feel that this literature provides key evidence for the advantages of networking and 'name' status when moving from industries, while also highlighting the asset of specialist skills. Darcey's career as a ballet dancer is a product of her own determination and talent, though she demonstrates many 'cross-overs' in abilities between industries, her presence in television today alone merely draws us back to 'its not what you know, but who you know'.

And 'CLICK'...

Though I have just begun logging all of my useful and relevant sites, I thought I'd share my own collection so far, lets just see how much this will grow...

Tools of Professional Inquiry...

Having defined and explored my focused line of inquiry and the ethics that surround it, I must now establish the most effective 'tools' to put into practice, in order for me to gain a greater insight and direction in discovery. To achieve this I am going to create an initial pilot of a variety of methods to fully understand their pros and cons, together with an analysis into how they suite and benefit my own line of inquiry.

Pilot Interview

Using this method, I feel I would like to approach it in a more colloquial manner. Keeping my interviewee at ease throughout the process will ensure a greater opportunity for them to fully elaborate, and ultimately provide me with a greater insight. Ideally I would like to arrange to apply this technique 'face to face' with an individual, as I feel you can learn even more from their gestures and facial expressions, but am more than happy to take data from telephone interviews also. I am looking to question someone already within the world of media, so I can gain a more personal insight into their experiences, line of work and what they feel is required to make it in this industry. I will be applying the following structured list of questions, however am prepared to deviate dependant on the information and knowledge I receive.  

1. What is your experience of a career transition?

2. What specifically can be identified as 'cross-overs' between the 'arts' and 'media'?

3. Although there is a keen sense of 'its not what you know, but who you know', what additional qualifications/knowledge can I gain to put myself 'a step ahead'?

4. What qualities are required to reach a career within this field?

Pilot Focus Group

Much like an interview, but combining the minds of a larger group of people with similar interests, characteristics or experiences. I would again approach this method in the same relaxed tone as the process described within the inquiry tool of an interview. Without even realising, this is a technique I have already practiced and analysed in a previous post 'More Media...'. Here I got together with my brother and four of his friends, all studying a degree in radio media, to understand their thoughts on this industry together with their newly found learnings, knowledge and aspirations. The initial questions I prepared in rough to create a focus were as follows:

1. Who inspired you to make this career choice and where/what do you aspire to be?

2. What have you learnt on this course so far - relative the the industry? New information?

3. Whats next - qualifications/courses/experience?

4. Do you think there is 'cross-overs' between medias?

5. Can your knowledge in radio be applied within the different sectors - can you advise me of these skills/knowledge?

6. Do you know how likely employment is within media?

7. Have you made any new contacts/broaden your networks - how did you go about this?

As predicted everyone bounced an abundance of opinions and ideas between each other, propelling the conversation off of different tangents to create the exciting and interesting atmosphere. I made evidence of the whole session by using a vocal recording device linked up to my laptop, to allow me to share my findings. In addition to the vast informational benefits, I was also taught how to cut down the interview (as the total time was 37minutes), embed a track behind our discussion, and edit the sound quality. The finish product is as follows:

Upon reflection of my first focus group, I am very pleased and appreciative of the new computer software and technology skills I have gained, with relevance to editing and portraying an interview in an innovative way. It was also a good form of self evaluation for me to hear the manner in which I conduct my questions for future reference, as well as progression into television and the media. I think I would next like to apply this tool of inquiry by collaborating the ideas of either members of the BAPP course or a group of my professional peers. I think I would concentrate on using the same focus of questions as detailed within the method of my pilot interview, and although open to deviations keep along a much more solid track to gain more qualitative research.

Pilot Survey

A less personal way in which to acquire a more quantitive form of research. I have created my own and would love to hear feedback on the way I have designed and used this method. I have initially created the pilot to further my own line of inquiry, by gathering information from yourselves on my focus topic. However while designing the questionnaire I felt that the formality of this approach would be less beneficial in comparison to the other more methods, given their more accommodating nature. Thus I feel that this technique may be at better use given post interviews/focus groups to establish the quality of this more personal approach.

In spite of my views I am still keen to here from you all, your opinions matter...

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WPL7QNT

Pilot Observation

By nature of my inquiry, I am finding it difficult to use and reflect this method at its full advantage. I would love to gain first hand experience within television studios whereby I can observe others 'on the job', as well as participating myself to maximise my research and learning prospects. I am very much trying to create this opportunity, however to begin my pilot I will study 'behind the scenes' footage, more accessible for myself at this given moment in time. I will record what I notice about how each individual job is executed - from the runners, to the cameramen to the presenters - and how it all culminates to produce the programme as a whole. I will document and reflect upon my findings within my journal, as I observe a variety of media under the following headings:

1. Movements

2. Directions taken

3. Quantity of people required

4. Tasks

As each of these are all initial or 'pilot' plans I am very aware and prepared to make modifications as I begin to take the leap to gain a greater insight...

My 'Ethical' Inquiry...

'I wish to inquire about career transitions, specifically the movement from the discipline of dance to working within media and the world of television. I want to explore the similarities between these two industries to allow me to accentuate my already secured knowledge, as well as discovering the differences to expand my understanding. I am hoping a collaboration of my research within this inquiry will help me answer the ultimate question - how do you break into the industry?'

To execute this ethically I must particularly take into consideration the principle of confidentiality, respecting information sources and the right to remain anonymous. I am looking at speaking to people in both differing industries, combining the knowledge of students to well established professionals. As I will also be looking at secured studies relating to this topic, I must also keep in mind the act of plagiarism, as to learn from the documentation but to not extract beyond means. In addition to this I need to keep the interview process of a light hearted nature, I do not want my sources to feel as if they are under interrogation. A balance must be met in order for me to achieve the formal information I require at a relaxed informal level.

I would be most grateful for feedback on my inquiry so far. Along the right lines? Have I over looked any ethics? Lets hear from you SIG...

Learning about Ethics!

Before reaching this point within the course, 'ethics' truly was a term unthought of for me. Being aware of the word and completely understanding its meaning in relation to yourself and your practice are two very different things. Prior to studying the course reader I took the time to see how it was defined in the dictionary:

'eth·ics   [eth-iks] 
plural noun
1. (used with a singular or plural verb) a system of moral principles: the ethics of a culture.

2. the rules of conduct recognised in respect to a particular class of human actions or a particular group, culture, etc.: medical ethics; Christian ethics.

3. moral principles, as of an individual: His ethics forbade betrayal of a confidence.

4. (usually used with a singular verb) that branch of philosophy dealing with values relating to human conduct, with respect to the rightness and wrongness of certain actions and to the goodness and badness of the motives and ends of such actions.'

These simple definitions just scratch the surface of all that encompasses the principles behind ethics. The word has many subdivisions, values and theories all of which we have an opinion on and adhere to, yet I feel without actually thinking and applying the term fully to myself, my inquiry at the least could portray a lack of informed principle and knowledge.

Personal Ethics
Relative to the beliefs and values of the individual. This often derives from ideas instilled by family, religion and conscience, which can be reflective of the nature/nurture debate.

Professional Ethics
Evolved from the conduct required in each varying professions. Each practice expects a certain manner to be applied when in the working environment for a number of differing rationale.

Organisational Ethics
Referring to the established 'ethos' of particular organisations - relative to professional ethics in a more generalised context in alignment to the specified place of work.

Each of these subheadings are essentially created within each aspect of life to construct social good. In essence a set of moral guidelines to ensure principle and value is maintained. All relating to me in varying ways, I feel that; professional ethics is an influential cause of my own upbringing and surroundings, professional ethics is my own code of conduct when approaching a form of work. These may varying dependant on the jobs requirement though, which is where organisational ethics come into play with its already established set of morals.
I further looked at the theories behind what appears to be this invisible ethical framework, known but not seen, to gain a greater understanding:

Consequentialist
Practicing the idea of moral obligation. This theory suggests the most ethical decision is one that creates good for the greatest number. For example lying, upon circumstance, can be justified if it benefited the greatest number of people.

Deontologist
A rule based theory where everything is always either right or wrong regardless of the situation it is applied to.

Virtue Ethics
Importance is placed on the moral behaviour and character of the person, opposed to the action taken.

When taken into account all three theories I felt the one least applicable within my profession was that of deontologist. Without exception I feel that you cannot apply the same set of rules far any given situation. For example take the act of 'lying', when taken to trial in a court of justice if you were to practice this it would be considered morally wrong and therefore unethical. However, if apply this to myself in a teaching situation I may encourage young children with praise to maintain their enthusiasm and happiness within class. The terms I use may not be entirely true, but the effect it has is definitely not unethical.
Consolidating all that I have learnt, I feel that ethics are very much a personal strategy. It is an unwritten code of which is applicable at a very individual level. What one person my hold in high regard, another may not even spare a thought for it. This is something I will have to be very cautious of as I assemble my inquiry and its methods ethically, to take into consideration the very personal values of others. It is my responsibility to cultivate a truthful and accurate research plan and portrayal, maintaing as much documentation for ethical proof throughout the process.

Ethics within the work place...

After reflecting upon what I consider as my ethics, I started to look over previous contracts to see what I had agreed to follow under their employment. I felt that this was a good place to start as you often establish your own views as a performer through what is required of you 'on the job'. This was a really interesting task, as I found the 'code of practice' within each document to represent more legalities to sign for upon acceptance of the job. This made me question are these ethical values? Or is it just merely a way of the production covering 'its back' in a legally binding document? To research this further I spoke to a friend of mine who is currently touring with the 'Lion King', to gain an alternative perspective and to see how different contracts compare.
We both agreed that legalities stated are a form of 'ethics'. Without having a legal document in the form of a contract stating your work period, and guidelines throughout your employment, there would be no structure. It ensures your loyalty and reliability during your agreed work dates, as well as the level you are required to work at. If this is not met then there will be consequences, which could come at detriment to your career in the foreseeable future.
To establish where my more personal ethics have derived from we continued to talk about the 'professional etiquette' we learnt at college. We both trained at the same establishment and found that the values we carried with us were extremely similar. Before commencing our training we were encouraged to sign a student/teacher code of conduct, which was then built upon as we graduated each year. I took the time to analyse how each side can be interpreted, as I feel understanding each point of view is very valuable:

'Student/Teacher agreement:

• Contribute confidently - engage effectively with the development of ideas.
• Prepare thoroughly - preparation is key, look the part, feel the part, perform the part.
• Respect your training - attention and attendance is to be maintained at the highest level.'

The conduct is the same for both parties indicating a certain extent of equality whilst training. Respect is expected at each end to attain the most out of what is on offer, reaching a desirable achievement. This is definitely a value or ethic I hold in high esteem.

In addition to this, I began looking into the ethics within media. Though this is not my current professional place of work, this is the direction I wish to head in. I found this document on the site Wikipedia, which detailed media ethics at its entirety, however I really wanted to highlight the following section as I felt it shared more relevance to television specifically:

'Ethics of entertainment media
Issues in the ethics of entertainment media include:

• The depiction of violence and sex, and the presence of strong language. Ethical guidelines and legislation in this area are common and many media (e.g. film, computer games) are subject to ratings systems and supervision by agencies. An extensive guide to international systems of enforcement can be found under motion picture rating system.
• Product placement. An increasingly common marketing tactic is the placement of products in entertainment media. The producers of such media may be paid high sums to display branded products. The practice is controversial and largely unregulated. Detailed article: product placement.
• Stereotypes. Both advertising and entertainment media make heavy use of stereotypes. Stereotypes may negatively affect people's perceptions of themselves or promote socially undesirable behaviour. The stereotypical portrayals of men, affluence and ethnic groups are examples of major areas of debate.
• Taste and taboos. Entertainment media often questions of our values for artistic and entertainment purposes. Normative ethics is often about moral values, and what kinds should be enforced and protected. In media ethics, these two sides come into conflict. In the name of art, media may deliberately attempt to break with existing norms and shock the audience. That poses ethical problems when the norms abandoned are closely associated with certain relevant moral values or obligations. The extent to which this is acceptable is always a hotbed of ethical controversy.'

Having these enforced guidelines ensures the running of television programmes and distribution of multi-media products at an ethical level. Entertainment media is very much at the discretion and opinion of the public, but having these legal restraints and values opposes many views of unethical complaints, as we as the consumer condone them.

One more ethic I feel is extremely important within our industry, and also significant as we pursue our inquires upon this course, is that of confidentiality. It is a term present in every imaginable career, and provides the selected person the right to remain anonymous and/or for their information to be kept unshared and safe. I feel this value I must particularly take into consideration whilst interviewing and questioning others, as well as recording my findings.

It is interesting to see 'cross-overs' already emerging ethically between different fields of work. I think what is once learned, is eternally applicable, yet the learning process itself is endless...

My Ethics...

This is a topic of which I have never fully taken into consideration, particularly being entitled 'ethics'. Within my professional work place it has often been viewed to take etiquette as a performer into each job as common knowledge. Upon much thought and reflection, this is what I believe are my personal ethics within each aspect of my profession:

• Punctuality and time keeping are essential - you must become prepared and ready to work for your choreographer/employer. This includes arriving with enough time to warm-up and prepare yourself for the rehearsal/audition

• Pride in appearance - you must arrive appropriately dressed in a professional manner.

• Being aware of your surroundings - you must double check safety of stage sets and structures as to not injure yourself or anyone else.

• Keeping alert and taking exceptional direction - you must pay good attention to any instruction whether it be a production critique or a safety note. Never talk or stray attention when being spoken to as a group or individually.

• Curtesy to other performers - being spatially aware on and off stage.

• To ensure you are sure of the entire performance - be it lyrics, lines, choreography or your cues you MUST be sure of everything to ensure a faultless performance. Once it has been taught it is your responsibility to rehearse and retain the information.

• Loyalty to your contract - you must not breech anything stated within your contract. This can include; not divulging any information about the production, contracted working period, and holiday.

• Informing of illness/inability to perform - if you have been advised that it is unsafe for you as a performer to work you must present an affective doctors note immediately to your employer so they can resolve your absence as soon as possible.

Actually putting pen to paper to establish what I believe to be my ethics visually, has really helped me grasp a better concept of what I bring to each job. As my inquiry outlines the journey of 'transition' from dance to TV, I'm sure that these can be carried over as a matter of professionalism. It would be great to hear from anyone that has touched base within this industry to see whether if their ethics share some resemblance to mine...