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- Last week the trainings and discussions we had cut across the disciplines. How does the interdisciplinary nature of this program, the fact that students are focusing on such a diverse range of projects, help you think about your project and/or your academic interests more broadly?
I think the interdisciplinary nature of this program has allowed me to take a multifaceted approach to the way in which I collect data and define research. For a long time, I viewed research as a component of the STEM field, but I think this program has opened my eyes to how meaningful research extends to the humanities. I am applying this nuance through my own research as I utilize both quantitative and qualitative methods to collect data. I am analyzing publicly available ELA scores to understand how literacy changes in different areas where school resources fluctuate and oral history interviews as a qualitative measure to craft a more complete narrative of my findings. I think the fact that I am able to incorporate a wide variety of research methodologies into my project reflects the beauty of interdisciplinary work and how it leads to a greater understanding of the research question at hand. - As you begin your individual research projects this week, do you anticipate any challenges in getting started? If so, what are they?
Right now, I am compiling sources for a literature review I plan to write on the existing literature surrounding my research question. However, I also am conducting oral history interviews which is a format I have never worked with. I imagine that there may be some growing pains in getting used to working in that format and so I am developing an interview guide which should make the process easier. I am also pivoting from conducting interviews with students because the NYC Department of Education would not approve it in time which means that I have to create a modification to my Columbia IRB proposal which may require more time and clarification. This should not be a major setback, but it makes the process of finding interviewees and developing my questions a bit slower.
University Student , Columbia University
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It is so interesting to hear your take on how the interdisciplinary nature of this program is contributing to the development of your research project. The training last week and interacting with others has also helped me reevaluate my own project to include other methodologies. I, too, am currently trying to figure out the IRB process, as it is my first time submitting a proposal with them. I have previously done oral histories, but since I wanted to publish my findings, I now realize I need to get IRB clearance. I hope that it works out for us both. I also think it is great that you are already getting done with your literature review, which will be quite helpful with the process.