Reflections on Collecting Data
The discussion during our last class about collecting data and archival sites got me to think differently about the type of project I wanted to do. The discussion led me to ponder the idea of creating a site that would collect data about young Evangelicals. I chose this type of site because my paper for Research Seminar is on Resurgent Evangelicalism; with a focus on young evangelicals, mega churches, and progressive evangelicals. Thus creating a site that would attract those involved in the movement would help my research as well as serve my own interests. I would have areas on the site for visitors to post testimonials as well as answer surveys. However the class discussion also made me a little apprehensive in regard to creating such a site. Questions about the validity of postings on the various sites we had viewed for class lead me to question how I would be able to monitor postings on my own site. Through our discussion I realized just how much work goes into creating, monitoring, and maintaining a data collecting site. How would I stop individuals from posting fragrant lies about their involvement in the movement itself? I am still not sure of how to do this even though we had discussed in class the various speed bumps you can put into place to deter such individuals. Despite these uncertainties I still look forward to creating a data collecting site.
February 7th, 2006 at 2:40 pm
Have I mentioned how fascinated I am by your topic for R. Seminar? I think a collection site would be good use for you–but you’d have to get it up and running with enough time to gain info for your project (if that’s your intention). Otherwise…though it would be good supplemental tool for your final project.