MSLD500_Activity7.3_StevensEric

When I first was exposed to the concept of qualitative research I was unsure on how the process worked. I had been exposed to quantitative research in my undergraduate studies based upon data that was already provided therefore a numerical value was easily obtainable to conclude the research.

I qualitative research I learned that this research is more in depth than quantitative research. Qualitative research is more descriptive and emergent. Not only does this research describe just simple data introduced but it also shares the experiences of the test subjects (e.g. people, places, and conditions.) The study is conducted as a whole and not just in parts to describe an event.

I also learned that qualitative research can begin anywhere in the research wheel and not just at a theory. The steps of qualitative research not necessarily in this order are data collection, generalization, theory, and hypothesis. It is very important to keep prospective at the very beginning of the research and throughout.  Examples of qualitative research are interviews, field notes, and observations of the test subjects. It is important to narrow the focus of data to determine what is important and what is not.

Generalizations in the way you describe the way you sample can start to develop theory which can guide you to the next process. Hypothesis can begin to emerge and change from you original theory.  Qualitative research is hard to recognize at times when the research is done due to the every changing condition of the test subjects. That is why the research could last years to prove the hypothesis. Multiple researchers are desirable to assist you in research due to observations that may be missed for important data collection. In the end the researcher must have a conclusion supporting the research conducted. This type of research can be subjective by peers and can often lead to disagreement of the finding.

MSLD500_Activity6.3_StevensEric

Qualitative research can be described in terms of research as a long term study. Qualitative research is in fact subjective in nature when it come to the data. When I first was exposed to Qualitative research I remember it was a research methods class during my undergraduate studies. My first impression of qualitative research was there is no way this will work. I thought that this type of research was too subjective and the variables could be manipulated to produce the desired results. As part of the curriculum of this research class we had several student in the group to collaborate in collecting the data. This was my first exposure to qualitative research which was compared to a previous project involving quantitative research which I found easier to conduct as far as time and interpretation of the data.

Data: This type of information can be descriptive and emergent. The data can be what people experience and how they react to their environment. Example of this could be if you do a study in a low income neighborhood versus a middle class neighborhood. The subjects will more then likely have different approaches to situations that require a financial outlook to solve a problem.

Generalization: This part of the research can also be subjective on how the researcher obtains their data. Example would be did the researcher conduct interviews on select subjects based upon appearance or cultural attributes.Where did the researcher obtain his data, and what location did the researcher go and why?

Theory: The theory is an untested hypothesis that can not be corroborated until the data is analyzed to support the hypothesis of the researcher. An example of this would be that the researcher believes that people react differently based upon social standards of financial statuses.

Hypothesis: The hypothesis is an untested theory based upon observations. An example of this can be confused with a theory. An example would be that a hypothesis can be the collection of data that has not been tested to prove or disprove a theory based upon the researchers own beliefs.

In conclusion qualitative research is a process that can start anywhere in the research wheel. One can start at the theory process before ever gaining data to support their research. Once the research is concluded in the field the researcher needs to conduct an analysis of of the data collected and form a conclusion that either supports their hypothesis or could support another hypothesis explaining the interpretation of the data collected.

MSLD500_Activity5.3_StevensEric

When I first began the course I thought I had a firm understanding of critical thinking based upon my pat experiences. I have learned that I have been missing critical elements of critical thinking. The critical thinking test was a real eye opening experience knowing that I have missed key points in my logic of thinking. I have realized that my current state of thinking has improved and I know as questions with the data or situation that I have in front of me. I have learned to break down my thinking by breaking down the elements of the question posed. I have noticed that the more I use this style of thinking the quicker I am getting in my appropriate response.

I can say without any hesitation that my thinking has changed since the start of the course. There have been times where I was unsure of the response or better question what type of response is needed or required. When I began this course I would make a decision to a question or situation and I would not explore any other options. I have learned to in essence slow down my thinking and analyze the question in its entirety.

I have begun to internalize the concepts of critical thinking by looking at things objectively. I have become aware of some biased ways of thinking based upon past influences. I have been able to adequately challenge issues that have arose and respond with more than just the “because” answer. I have learned that when you respond with this type of answer then you are viewed as a narrow minded thinker who has a closed mind to the possibilities of other solutions.  I was faced not only in my professional life but also my personal life and got away from the “that’s how it has always been done” type of thinking. I realize that my ability to be a critical thinker is improving the more I focus on using this method.

To make critical thinking a lasting and positive way of how I think I realize that I need to first keep an open mind. The moment that I close my mind I have lost the ability to remain a critical thinker. I have to utilize this valuable asset in my everyday thinking. I know this type of thinking is not going to be an overnight transition. Critical thinking is a skill that will constantly be an evolving skill that will require constant learning. Just when you think you have learned everything you need to know to get through life another skill comes along and shows you that an old dog can be taught new tricks. I look forward to my expanding knowledge in this area of thinking.

MSLD500_Activity4.3_StevensEric

The assumptions made by Sheena were that choices were necessary but what is to much choice. I agree with her analysis that people are influenced by cultural or life experiences. I believe that you should make your own choices. This ideal I think is closely related to critical thinking which involves the problem solving for the leader. Does the leader have only one choice in making a decision with the issue at hand? I believe that all avenues should be explored to achieve the desired outcome. The leader can make decisions on several options concluded by his/her research.

The question of is more choices a better solution then less choices. I was surprised to see that geographically this question was answered differently by subjects of different nationality. This I believe can be contributed with the customs of the region. In the example that she made with the green tea and sugar where the Japanese were almost to the point of being offended by her desire to put sugar in her green tea was profound in my thought of choices. This in contrast with the study that she did with the children involving free choice or being told what picture and marker to use. This in my understanding supported my belief that choices are more cultural in basis then in actual individual choice. This was also true when the eastern Europeans were given the choice of the seven different varieties of sodas. I was surprised when the seven sodas were categorized into one category. I again believe this was a cultural influence in the choice process.

The ideal of never say never to choice is one for debate.  This was proven by her research into the different area of the world. From a research standard I think the research can be flawed if you have not fully evaluated all avenues of your research covering all spectrum's of the topic at hand.

How these implications on Leadership relate to the study is that your leadership techniques will vary depending on the subject group. If you attempted to impose if you will your American leadership style on Japanese workers I believe there will be a tragic  misunderstanding on what is expected of your workers. This can be applied vice versa  where the American workers will see this as a challenge to their freedom of choice on how to accomplish the task at hand. In both regions the end result we are obtaining are the same. To complete the task and get the desired results. So the question may still be asked "What is the best leadership style choice or no choice?" The answer will depend on the individual and which I believe the most important concept. "How do I make my choice?"