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?"

MSLD500-Activity3.4-StevensEric

                                                        MSLD500_Activity3.4_StevensEric

How is the scholarly information you found in the library different from the typical information you find when you Google a leadership concept?

The information that I found in the Hunt Library is different than the information that I found in the Google search functions.  The Hunt library is set up in categories that assist you in the research of a topic. I f I was trying to find literature about an article that may have been posted referencing a specific topic the article can be located with relative ease. The information in the Hunt Library is full of information that has been verified by other scholars using the cited references. The information has been reviewed and determined that there is merit or backing to the reference material. The Hunt Library is also featured to have a librarian that can assist you with topics of research or where to find additional information that you are studying.

The Google search function allows you to find a topic with speed. The topics or reference material that you are searching for cannot always be verified. This can be a problem with the creditability of the researcher who is using these sources as data for input in the project or paper they are writing. The works cited portion of the website locations have not always been verified by scholars as to the accuracy of the topic. In the case of Wikipedia anyone can post material on this website without proper supporting documentation from fellow researchers.

In my opinion it is very important for a researcher to use data that can be objectively reviewed by fellow scholars and be presented as accurate for production. These findings can be examined and similar conclusions could be found by other researchers using the same variable the originating author presented. This will give credibility to the topic that the author is trying to present.

MSLD500_Activity2.3_StevensEric

 I will tell you about my story about being a parent in a non-critical way of thinking.  I was 20 years old when I had my first son.  I was fresh out of high school and the mother of my child was my high school sweetheart.  She was 18 years old and what I soon realized was that I was too young to raise a child.

I came from a family where I was the youngest of three boys. My oldest brother is four years older than I am, and my middle brother is three years older. I remember the first thought I felt when I found out that my girlfriend was pregnant. I was excited at the thought of having a child but then a sudden rush of terror overcame me. I remember going to my oldest brother since he had already had his first child and asking “What does it take to raise a child?” My brother just looked at me and said “You just have to figure it out.” I had no idea what he meant at that time so my fear was still there. I remember going to my parents and telling them this exciting news that they were going to be grandparents. I never thought the words I heard would strike so deeply into my heart. My father just looked at me and said “You really screwed up this time. I could not imagine the negative reaction I received that day. That was it I had no one to lean on during this time.

We had our son on August 19, 1995 and remember the day that he was born just like it was yesterday. That day I felt changed something in me and at the time I wasn’t quite sure what it was. I felt that I could accomplish anything if I just put my mind to it. After a few days in the hospital I remember thinking “How do I even change his diaper?” That was a question that was soon to be answered. I returned home with my little guy all wrapped up in a blanket all cuddled up and not a care in the world. Then the truth finally smacked me in the face or rather the nose. The little man had a dirty diaper and I had no idea how to change him. Well I grabbed the bull by the horns well maybe his feet and I gave it a shot. It only took me 15 or so minutes to change that first diaper that day.  After that I realized that something had to be done if I was going to be a decent father. I set my standards low at that point and only achieved for the decent status.

Three years had passed since the birth of my first son when my second son was born. I remember being a little more confident in my parenting skills so I knew how to take care of a baby. I had practice since the birth of my first son so the second wasn’t bad at all.

On July 7^th, 2009 came my third son Ian. By this time it had been quite some years, and now I was 35 years old. When I found out my wife was pregnant I remember the excitement I felt at the news of the new addition to our family. I had no thought of fear or anxiety that I felt with the birth of my oldest son. I remember when my youngest son was born I was shocked to learn that he had a life threatening condition and without surgery he would die. I then sunk back into the thought of my oldest son “What am I going to do?” I no longer felt confident and sure of myself. Thankfully with the skill of his heart surgeon our son is here today with us.

I would say that everybody can experience a situation where you learn from it. You learn how to grow and become a more loving a devoted father. A father that doesn’t take for granted the simple pleasures of having a child. There should be no type of father that assumes that there is a manual on how to be a father. I can say with certainty I have looked and never found it. You learn from your past experiences and it makes you grow into a better person.

MSLD500_Activity1.6_StevensEric

How I would relate intellectual perseverance is that I would look at the goal of the subject I am studying. Is the goal of the course to get an A or get a clear understanding at the subject at hand?  I would like to say both, but the reality of this concept can be seen as you should accomplish one of the tasks in order to obtain the other. I think that you have to find a solution to this problem by breaking the studying process down. I think that you have to set the goals of what you need to accomplish. Break it down into steps that you have to take in order to achieve both the understanding and the A for the course. If I concentrate on each topic and look at the different types of outcomes that could be obtained depending on the effort, and thought put in the course you would have a general idea on what to expect as a final result. You could look at unorthodox ways of studying which the individual may have not considered in the past when tackling these issues. Do you use flash cards in order to memorize the topic at hand? Do you read the subject matter numerous times until you have an understanding or your interpretations of the material covered? Do you study where you have a firm understanding of the section which you are studying before moving on to the next chapter?

I think it would be important to break each of the objectives down, and have an understanding of the meaning before moving on. You don’t have to be an expert at the material covered but you should have a basic understanding so you can make an informed decision. The next step is to tackle the next objective and repeat the process until you are confident of you solution or end result.

The question that I relate to leadership is often what I would as is “What does it take to be a leader?”  I would classify this as a parent type of question, and I would like to try and break the question down into simpler form.

To be a leader what does it take? I would think that a leader should be able to quickly analyze a given situation and identify what are the hurdles that may be encountered.  I know that these hurdles can often be unseen at the time of first analysis.  The first step is clearly to identify the goal or the desired results of the task being asked.  Once this is identified then you have to break each variable or obstacle down. To do this you have to look at the possible alternatives that could solve this variable. This can be looked at the decision making process where input from other can contribute to a desired outcome. 

The next step is to brain storm on the best solutions to find a plausible outcome to the problem. This can be looked at by others as a delay tactic if the solution is not found right away.  This can also be misconstrued as a hesitation of failure to make a decision. Where other leaders may be good at make split second or quick decisions they could lack the ability to find a long term solution to a problem. The leader should have an open mind to all possibilities. A leader needs to be a critical thinker exploring all possible outcomes positive or negative. The leader should not change the variable just to promote the outcome which they desire the most. The critical thinker who is open to all possibilities will most often or not be a good leader. The good leader is willing to accept negative outcomes, and learn from these experiences. The leader will improve when faced with this type of scenario in the future.