Networks and Communities

This week I attended 2 skype calls with other students. The first one was an all module discussion group, and the second had a module 2 focus. It was good to be able to connect with other students and listen to their thoughts on their work and the different ideas they have had. This week I have had to isolate due to a positive COVID-19 case at work, and so these skype calls came at a really good time for me. It reminded me of the importance of community and having contact with people- even if it is through a screen. This links to the concept of Affiliation which looks at how people benefit from forming close connections with others. Crisp and Turner (2007) explain affiliation as ‘a network of support that will help us when we are in need,’ (p. 266). I feel that the connections we make are so important at the moment, especially with what is happening in the world. These skype calls are an important place to make space for each other and to listen to what others have to say.

The skype call for all modules was interesting as we got to hear a lot about the module 3 student’s research. I found this really beneficial as it helped me see what I have to come in my next module. It gave me the opportunity to question my own plan for research and think about what I want to gain a deeper understanding of. The explanations of different ways to analyse data was something I found useful and I am going to look into further. It is important to remember that data can also be things that weren’t said. How authentic is what the participant is saying? Do they mean what they say or are they saying what they think they should say? When analysing my data it's important to remember this.  I am also, beginning to realise that although I have planned my inquiry a certain way, it may change- and that is ok. It is ok if things don’t go as planned. This gives me the opportunity to question myself and ask why and analyse what I have learnt from it.

The module 2 focused skype call was an opportunity to hear about the other student’s inquiry plans as well as being able to speak about my own. We were then able to ask each other questions to gain a deeper insight into what they are planning. It was quite nerve racking having to speak about everything I have planned and my ideas, as I care about this research and am interested in it- but that doesn’t mean everyone else will be. However, everyone was really supportive of each other and it gave a really strong sense of community. Although we are all physically apart, we gave each other the space to express ideas and then came together to build everyone up. It became a positive environment to be able to share our work in.

Something that came up in both skypes was the importance of the methodology we choose and how it links to our inquiry topic. They should work hand in hand and not be seen as separate things. Everything is interlinked in some way.

Some key points:

  • Its ok for things to change
  • Everything is interlinked
  • Networks and communities are important
  • Analysis- question myself and the data


Bibliography

Crisp. R. J. & Turner. R. N. (2007) Essential Social Psychology, London, Sage

Picture from: Community Quotes | Text & Image Quotes | QuoteReel | Community quotes, Social work quotes, Volunteer quotes (pinterest.co.uk) (Accessed 28/11/2020) 

Comments

  1. Serina Faull29 November 2020 at 05:56

    What a lovely post. Indeed, we do need community in this tough times even if it is virtually. Great reference to Crisp and Turner (2007), it reminded me of my module 1 theorists, which is needed for my critical reflection essay where I draw from my experiences across all three modules. I am glad the Skype sessions were beneficial, and you have a better sense of your plan and what to expect next term.

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    Replies
    1. Alys May-James29 November 2020 at 07:51

      Hi Serina, thank you for reading my post. I was reflecting on my module 1 work and was looking through the handbook and I felt that it was so accurate to mention it with the times we are living in. Alys :) x

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