Blog Entry: Dissertation Skype project needs volunteers (18+)

Dissertation Skype project needs volunteers (18+) Hello Everyone,

My name is Jacob and I’m a pro-LGBT student at the University of Gloucestershire, and if anyone would like to help, I am in need of participants for my dissertation.

The topic that I have chosen is ‘First-person perspectives of coming out in the early 21st century’. There are a lot of investigations that focus on the cause of homosexuality, an equal amount on culture differences between sexualities, however there is a general gap in understanding what a person goes through on a personal level upon realisation of their sexuality, through to accepting it and coming out. It has been done before, but as time goes by, society changes and old findings become less relevant, especially with changing schools of thought and personal beliefs on the subject matter people may have had.

We can all agree that equality and understanding has gotten a lot better in wider society. Obviously it’s far from ideal, and there’s still a long way to go, but things are significantly better than just 50-60 years ago. So what I want to know is, are things any easier in a more accepting world? How did you feel about yourself and the world around you? What people, events or things were most influential to you during this part of your life? What were your obstacles and how did you overcome them?

Normally these investigations are conducted by internet surveys, but I’ve chosen to go for a qualitative study because statistical tests, although they have their benefits, lack detail. They can tell us that something we’re looking for is there, but they cannot tell us much, if anything at all about the nature of the topic. For example, in a survey you could say that you ‘strongly agree’ about something, but through the qualitative method you can also tell me why you feel that way.

I understand that there are concerns about privacy and protection of identity and any information you give me, so I’ll explain the measures to protect you as I explain the procedure.

Firstly, the interview will take place over Skype. I have set up an account especially for this separate from my personal one. I may suggest you doing the same, however, if you’re comfortable to use your own one that’s fine. Note that once my work has been submitted, that account will be closed down. The conversation will be recorded, but only audio and not visual. The standard for conversation will be audio only, however if you feel more comfortable with a video call that is also possible. Your data will be converted into a transcript by me and only me. In the transcript, any name you’ll have given to me will be supplemented with a pseudonym. Any other details you may have said during the conversation that could be linked back to you will be edited or removed. Again, after submission, the original recordings and any copies of your transcript will be destroyed, along with the consent forms. If at any point you want to withdraw your data, in partial, or in full, you can by simply emailing me via the address that will be supplied to you. If at any point during the interview you feel uncomfortable talking about something, just say and I’ll move the topic forward. The only information I will require from you aside your experiences will be your age (please just state your age, and not DOB) and gender. Before the interview itself, you will receive a set of ‘main’ questions I will be asking, any other questions I may ask you will be formed off the feedback you give me. Nobody but myself will be able to attribute you to your contributions. During the interview, I will address you by your given name, but in any form of print it’ll come under as your pseudonym; i.e. if your name is John, anything said by you would be quoted as being said by ‘Dave’ or ‘Greg’ etc.

From the transcripts I will then analyse them, comparing any points that may run parallel or contradict previous research findings, as well as any common themes between transcripts. With the overall aim to gain a clearer understanding of what it’s like to go through everything and to come out the other side better for it.

I am happy for anyone to contact me, but you must be over 18 for ethical reasons, and have a good understanding and grasp of spoken English.

Thank you, and if you have any questions, please PM me on my account here: ‘JacobatUoG’

Thank you,

Jacob

s0905664@connect.glos.ac.uk

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