Hi Heatherb1

My study is about exploring cultural/ethnic identity among a group of immigrant youth in the UK. I've considered critical inquiry as the group I'm studying is the new generation of a forced displaced population 40 years ago...

I understand I have to explain the philosophical assumptions that lie behind my methodology which is a qualitative study with narrative interviews, diaries, and photos...

Thank you.

Hi all

I'm supposed to write my methodology chapter by the end of this month and I'm still struggling on the different paradigms and the isms... I would like to do a sort of critical inquiry, does anyone know what paradigms go with that kind of inquiry?

Thank you very much...

Hi

I've been and I suppose I'm still am in a similar situation without luckily long term health struggles (my health plays tricks on me but there's nothing serious).

The advice I could give you relates to my own experience. I think you'll find the confidence you're looking for in yourself. It might sound cliché but a few months ago, I felt I was not making progress (I still feel the same but to a lesser extent), I lacked motivation, I felt my sup were not helping me the way I hoped they would do, I just had no sense of direction, I didn't know what to do and how, etc etc. I realised that noone will come and take my hand and sympathise with me and helped me in the way I wanted. I realised that time was passing by and I was moaning and moaning but it didn't change things. So I thought I had to do something MYSELF. I said to myself that I was wrong in waiting desperately for people to help me. The help had to come from me and only me. It was frustrating in a way as there's no miracle - there's just that realisation first and then with it, came the motivation and in my mind it was like, 'I will do it - time is not on my side, I have no choice, I will get things done'. Then I made a plan and I said I would stick to it. Instead of reading randomly, I said I would work in an orderly manner.

Also I have to say I listened to a lecturer a few weeks ago who was different from the other lecturers I had listened before. That woman was enthusiastic, dynamic and would boost you up. I talked to her and went to meet her. So I don't know if there's anyone you think of - it might be someone you've never met but who you know would understand your field and would be able to advise - make contact with that person. I was and still am greedy and thirsty of advice at the moment. Go and find the help where you think you might get it if the people around you might not inspire you. It doesn't mean your sup are not doing a good job - it might just be that at this point in time, right now when you're stuck, you probably need to speak to someone else. That someone else, you need to go and find him/her.

In the meantime trust yourself, believe that you can do it - make a plan on paper, set yourself small targets and stick to them.

Good luck, I hope it helps.

(up)

Hi I'm making a list of the key theorists in the field of identity among immigrant youth. In alphabetical order, my list is composed of (so far): Arnett, Berry, Bhatia S, Bhatia R, Bourdieu, Briones, Brubaker, Cooper, Côté, Erikson, Gergen, Montgomery, Ogbu, Phinney, Portes, Rosenbloom, Rumbaut, Schwartz, Suarez-Orozco, Tajfel, Triandis, Turner.

Anyone I've missed? I've been reading at random so far, will now try to read systematically to keep an order of things. Any advice would be helpful.

Thank you. ,-)

I think you're right Sneaks. I hope I find it in Crotty - will let you know. Thanks for your comments.
:-)

Hi Lindalou83,

Thank you for your advice - really helpful. I will indeed go and find that book and will keep an eye on what has been done in previous studies - I'm in my early 2nd year and I need to find time to catch up.
Again thank you so much.

Hi all,

I'm in social sciences. I'm struggling to choose a philosophical position for my research. I felt attracted by Critical Theory and wanted to know more about it but what I'm reading is so complicated to grasp. I don't know where to start - between the theories - the 'ism' etc - can anyone help please? Thank you.