This week has been interesting and I have learned a lot more about quantitative research (QR). The first thing that QR represents are the "why" questions.To better understand a specific topic, a reader needs factual straight forward answers to questions. This can be done in a number of ways such as collecting data and then presenting results, like we did 2 weeks ago in our brief survey we conducted. The information we collect can then be easily transformed into some sort of digital indication or number. Data that is collected this way can be used to compare two groups of data and or for instance, two different competitors. There are some testing methods that we were taught about such as, sampling and response rates. The part that caught my eye this week was the indication that ethics play a role in QR data collection. In this class, we have not touched ethical situations that much but the fact that people in a leadership role need to mind their ethical decisions in QR intrigues me. My specific aspirations and goals do not directly fit into any type of QR scenario that I foresee at the moment. I would understand, however, the need to be able to collect raw data, turn that into a number and then distribute that information to colleagues or people who work under you. Having QR as a viable option in a leadership role creates another way to spotlight data and understanding of a specific topic or information set you'd like to help your business with. I think QR helps identify data and form conclusions. Sometimes though, the sampling sizes might be to large. In that case I understand how QR could be difficult. I would definitely keep this information in my back pocket as i move forward in any type of leadership role.
Friday, February 28, 2014
Sunday, February 23, 2014
A500.6.3_SeabournBeau
After my readings this week I've learned that qualitative research is "uses a naturalistic approach that seeks to understand phenomena in context-specific settings". This seems to be a very open definition so I'd like to summarize in my own words, this may assure me that I have the correct grasp of what I've read. As I understand it, qualitative research is the ability to identify information from sources and then having the capacity to report on a topic and also being able to share your research so the reader can identify with the author. This could be accomplished by sharing personal stories or some sort of insight to a personal story that the reader would/could relate to. That would allow the reader to understand my point of view in my research more easily.I do think that the article mentioned that QR has some trustworthiness effect. I would assume that a reader would find the author more trustworthy mostly do to the fact that the author is willing to use personal information to share research.
Personally, as I move forward with career goals, being able to understand leadership is an important task for me. I don't mean the basic idea of a leader, I mean the real differences behind what makes people respond better to one person, verse the next person. QR seems to have a form that people can use that will allow readers or participants to relate to. The reason that seems right, is because people want to identify with someone who shares a general understanding of their life circumstances. I think that QR is important and and that it brings substance to research as opposed to large quantities of information that cannot be related with. By interviewing and observing (like the reading states) a person can form a more intimate observation of the researched parties. I think this is a very good way to due research and a very important tool that I'll take into consideration in the future.
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Saturday, February 15, 2014
A500.5.3_SeabournBeau
When I first started this course, I didn't really have any perspective into the idea of critical thinking. I always would base judgments and ideas based on experience without taking anything into consideration. It was easy to form conclusions based on my past and background. There was no real depth in my thinking at all. I didn't really have a reason to think about my thinking.
Now, after being involved in this class, I find myself thinking about why I'm thinking what I am. I find it easier to understand other people's perspective or potential reason for thinking the way they do. I think it has helped me not rush to conclusions or form a decision without more perspective or information. This class has opened my eyes to the ability to reason and think more clear. It has become apparent that I formed opinions or conclusions based on mis-information or information that was a fallacy. Moving forward this will prove to be very helpful in becoming a better leader.
Moving forward, I think that practice makes perfect. Using the skills we've been exposed to and applying them daily will help keep me focused and sharp in the critical thinking department. It is obvious that critical thinking is a positive thing to do, therefore, I'll make it a priority to make sure I take time to evaluate my thinking and my thinking habits.
Now, after being involved in this class, I find myself thinking about why I'm thinking what I am. I find it easier to understand other people's perspective or potential reason for thinking the way they do. I think it has helped me not rush to conclusions or form a decision without more perspective or information. This class has opened my eyes to the ability to reason and think more clear. It has become apparent that I formed opinions or conclusions based on mis-information or information that was a fallacy. Moving forward this will prove to be very helpful in becoming a better leader.
Moving forward, I think that practice makes perfect. Using the skills we've been exposed to and applying them daily will help keep me focused and sharp in the critical thinking department. It is obvious that critical thinking is a positive thing to do, therefore, I'll make it a priority to make sure I take time to evaluate my thinking and my thinking habits.
Saturday, February 8, 2014
A500.4.3RB_SeabournBeau
This video, along with the information presented made me scratch my head. Initially, my thought was that this cannot be true, American culture doesn't require so much choice. Do we as a society basically demand choice, each and ever day in every facet of our life? I thought about that for awhile. I find myself answering, yes. I do agree with her in this matter. I think back to the parents she mentioned that had sick children that passed away. I do think that the American participants were given a choice and they ultimately blame themselves for that choice. Our culture dictates those choices. The pink nail polish story was also funny and interesting. I think that we make silly observations and choices like that everyday. Pink nail polish is pink nail polish, no? Thinking further into this, how many companies are able to sell things or promote things based on a name brand or a celebrity endorser? The nail polish could be from the same company, in the same bottle and serve the same purpose, but because that endorsement is there, we spend millions of dollars more. This is a huge problem I think. The American culture is based around choice and being able to do what we want, when we want. When people feel as though they are threatened in some way, they are negative reactions and the ability to rationalize correctly is lost. I think that is also why we tend to be thought of as hot headed or gun blazing people.
The leadership implications to me could get interesting. A good leader needs to understand and give direction in a specific "culture" or workplace. Knowing how to handle and inspire the people under you could turn out to be harder than a person in that leadership role may think. Leadership requires leaders to think critically and to understand why some people might do or operate the way they do, perspective in some ways. The leadership skills that may be successful in one area or company may not be such a good idea elsewhere. Assumptions and feelings toward a specific trend or topic could change regionally, nationally and in small communities. I think that is evident, just look at how adamant people are about their sports teams. Leaders need to be able to adapt and understand who they are working with and for who they are leading. This will undoubtedly lead to a successful leader in the long run.
The leadership implications to me could get interesting. A good leader needs to understand and give direction in a specific "culture" or workplace. Knowing how to handle and inspire the people under you could turn out to be harder than a person in that leadership role may think. Leadership requires leaders to think critically and to understand why some people might do or operate the way they do, perspective in some ways. The leadership skills that may be successful in one area or company may not be such a good idea elsewhere. Assumptions and feelings toward a specific trend or topic could change regionally, nationally and in small communities. I think that is evident, just look at how adamant people are about their sports teams. Leaders need to be able to adapt and understand who they are working with and for who they are leading. This will undoubtedly lead to a successful leader in the long run.
Sunday, February 2, 2014
A500.3.4_SeabournBeau
How is the scholarly information you found in the library different from the typical information you find when you Google a leadership concept?
To be honest I haven't looked into the Hunt Library in some time. I was surprised to find the amount useful information and links you can find by doing simple research. When you Google leadership concepts, you find a wide variety of information that isn't in any real type of categorical order. When you use the Hunt Library, everything is in a easy to find area and you can do easy sub-searches to find information more easily. The information in the Hunt Library is pretty easy to locate. When you Google leadership concepts, Google just gives you the most recent and easily found information. The other interesting piece of information I found was, that Google can accept money to move certain links and searches up in the search list. This particular information does not make the ability to find useful information a bit tougher. Overall I would say that the Hunt Library is a lot easier to use and operate for scholarly information. I would much rather use the Hunt Library for any of my research, especially in the aviation field.
To be honest I haven't looked into the Hunt Library in some time. I was surprised to find the amount useful information and links you can find by doing simple research. When you Google leadership concepts, you find a wide variety of information that isn't in any real type of categorical order. When you use the Hunt Library, everything is in a easy to find area and you can do easy sub-searches to find information more easily. The information in the Hunt Library is pretty easy to locate. When you Google leadership concepts, Google just gives you the most recent and easily found information. The other interesting piece of information I found was, that Google can accept money to move certain links and searches up in the search list. This particular information does not make the ability to find useful information a bit tougher. Overall I would say that the Hunt Library is a lot easier to use and operate for scholarly information. I would much rather use the Hunt Library for any of my research, especially in the aviation field.
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