OUTD 2511 Blog Prompt 9-10
 Three things I know for certain about outdoor recreation research:Â
One thing I know is what qualitative data is and how itâs used. Researchers reflect on ideas before data collection and develop conceptual findings (Neuman 2018). This data is collected by a variety of methods including interviews and observations. Qualitative data is useful when youâre not dealing with hard data but are pursuing a more story-based result.
I also know the nine different question types that can occur during a qualitative interview which are as follows:
- Introducing questions are used when you want a detailed description from the interviewee. The interviewee is prompted to give a personal account of a situation in this instance (Neuman 2018). Â
- Follow-up questions are used to get additional information from the interviewee (Neuman 2018).
- Probing questions are asked when more details are required, typically because the intervieweeâs response to a question was brief or not specific enough. These differ from follow-up questions. Where follow-up questions prompt the interviewee to expand on a particular point, probing questions initiate a general expansion (Neuman 2018).
- Specifying questions are asked to get more detailed descriptions about parts of the interviewees answers that lack specifics.
- Direct questions are typically introduced toward the end of the interview and are questions that have not yet been answered or discussed by the interviewee (Neuman 2018).
- Indirect questions are asked to get a feeling of how the interviewee feels about the actions and thoughts of other people. Interpretation of these answers can be complicated because it needs to be determined if the answers and opinions given are reflective of how the interviewee really feels or if they are answers that the interviewee feels would be correct and expected (Neuman 2018).
- Structuring questions are used to keep the interview focused and on track if it has gone off topic or if the question has already been answered and itâs time to move on (Neuman 2018).
3. Additionally, I know how to do a literature review. Literature reviews typically begin by defining and refining a topic and then designing a search strategy. Research reports are then located, notes are taken, and finally a review is written. When writing reviews it is important to âcritically read articles and other literature.â (Neuman 2018) Good organizational skills are very beneficial at this stage as well. Things like keeping track of research in organized documents, effectively tracking URLâs and prioritizing articles you know youâll be using are some examples of these.
These two things I am still confused by:Â
One thing that confuses me is the absence of a real world application of this content if you donât intend on writing a thesis. Itâs unclear to me exactly when Iâd use this information outside of the classroom. Iâm sure thereâs practical applications for this information but itâs not something that was initially clear to me and I am still fuzzy on.
I also wonder why a podcast format and Tumbler posts were chosen over discussion posts and papers. Technology and social engagement methods on the internet move and change quickly and I wonder if theyâll be relevant further down the road. Additionally, I feel that there was a lacking of practical applications on what was taught and that did not help me learn as quickly or easily.
These three things I know for certain about me as an outdoor recreation researcher:
One thing that I learned about myself as an outdoor recreation researcher is that the field of research is not something I excel at or find particularly fulfilling. It is just something that I donât particularly enjoy and just feels like something I need to do.
I also learned that I prefer working with qualitative data vs. quantitative data. Basically I feel that talking with and interviewing someone is more engaging and rewarding than just interpreting numbers and analyzing data.
It is clear to me that I enjoy researching things I already have an interest in, as I would assume most people do. An example of this is things relating to plants and biology - like the Herbarium Iâm working on for one of my classes. I enjoy this topic and put a lot of effort into the project because I care about doing well and producing good work. Although this actually makes me feel anxious (my interest in it makes the stakes higher because I want it to turn out well) it does motivate and encourage me too. In comparison, when itâs a topic Iâm not interested in Iâll procrastinate and feel an overwhelming sense of frustration. Obviously the end product suffers in this scenario.
These two areas I need to spend time developing/learning in order to feel more confident in my skills:Â
One area I would like to improve in is my survey skills. I feel that I could develop more confidence if I had more experience in this area. The more opportunities to conduct interviews the better. Participating in other peoplesâ surveys would also be beneficial and allow me the opportunity to gather ideas. Iâd also like to better my preparation beforehand so that I feel more prepared and confident going in.
I would also like to improve my organizational skills. Whether itâs as simple as keeping search results on my computer organized or more involved like developing efficient time management skills, there are definitely areas I would like to improve on.
Some things Iâd be looking at implementing when compiling research include:
Color coding files and folders
Organizing open tabs on the computers
Utilizing physical folders when necessary
Developing a manageable calendar and scheduling method to chart out goals, deadlines and expectations
Focusing on time management throughout the project
Being flexible and adaptable depending on the method of organization that each individual project requires
References:
Neuman, W. L., & Robson, K. (2018). Chapter 4 Reviewing the Scholarly Literature and Planning a Study. In Basics of Social Research Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches (4th Canadian Edition). Pearson.
Neuman, W. L., & Robson, K. (2018). Chapter 6 Qualitative and Quantitative Measurement. In Basics of Social Research Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches (4th Canadian Edition). Pearson.
Neuman, W. L., & Robson, K. (2018). Chapter 12 Qualitative Interviewing. In Basics of Social Research Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches (4th Canadian Edition). Pearson.
Hi Molly,
Your blog is super in depth and detailed which makes it really interesting to read. Through reading a lot of these blogs I have notice a common theme; a lot of people feel the need to spend more time developing their survey skills.Â
What do you feel makes surveying so hard for us in the current position of our lives?
(Could it be due to age? Experience? Difficulty? etcâŠ).
Because of your confidence in posing qualitative interview questions, I am hoping to hear your opinion on the intentions of indirect questions. You touched on it a bit in the blog, but I would like to know if you feel the intention of indirect questions is similar to that of a placebo, or test group, where the participant is required to be unaware of the situation or question being posed. Is it meant to be more dismissive, or do you believe indirect questions still have some sort of direction? (If you do, can you explain the motive?)
You also mention literature reviews in your blog along with designing search strategies. Are you able to describe what you feel is an effective search strategy?
I really enjoyed reading about yourself as a recreation researcher, it felt very relatable as I too get more anxious about assignments I have put more effort into. If we are more invested in a research project of course we want to do better on it, but the anxiety of its success definitely has an effect on myself as well and Im sure we arenât the only ones who feel this way.
You have a strong set of goals, it appears that you have set out specific goals to improving your research skills and I believe you are more than capable of achieving them. I wish you luck in your future research endeavours, great blog!



















