ANTHMETHGRP1-24-25-YURI-IMAMURA

[Last modified: December, 2 2024 11:38 AM]

Case Study on Data Collection by HIV Specialist Midwives

I classify this project as high risk due to the sensitive nature of the context and the hierarchical dynamics between the researcher and the participants. Below, I outline recommendations to ensure ethical compliance and mitigate risks.

Informed Consent and Voluntary Participation
The researcher must ensure that all participants, including midwives and administrative staff, understand the purpose, scope, and potential implications of the study. Given the hierarchical dynamics, there is a risk of participants feeling pressured to participate due to their professional relationship with the researcher. To counteract this, recruitment and consent processes should emphasize voluntariness and include anonymized methods, such as third-party invitations to participate. Consent must be documented but also re-confirmed at multiple stages of the research.

Minimizing Risks of Coercion and Bias
Given that the researcher works closely with the participants and plans to return to the same workplace after the dissertation, safeguards against coercion are essential. Power dynamics may unintentionally influence responses or participation. To address this, data collection should occur outside the hospital setting to create a neutral space, free from professional influence. Furthermore, an external moderator should review the interview questions to avoid leading participants toward certain responses.

Data Sensitivity and Privacy
The project involves medical and social data collected by HIV specialist midwives. These data pertain to a vulnerable population: HIV-positive women and their babies. While the research focuses on midwives’ engagement with data, any indirect reference to patient information must be strictly avoided. Ethical guidelines must ensure no identifiable patient data is included, discussed, or inferred in interviews. The researcher should use pseudonymization techniques to protect participants’ identities.

Avoiding Dual-Use of Data
Given the researcher’s dual role as both a student and a professional within the same institution, a clear boundary must be established between her research and professional responsibilities. No institutional data collected during employment should be used without explicit permission and ethical approval. Furthermore, the interviews must solely focus on the midwives’ experiences and attitudes toward data collection, avoiding any overlap with patient-related data.

Independent Ethical Review and Monitoring
Finally, an independent review board such as UCL REC should monitor the research process to ensure compliance with ethical standards. Regular updates and audits can help maintain transparency and protect both the researcher and participants from potential ethical breaches.

By adhering to these recommendations, the researcher can uphold ethical standards while conducting this high-risk but valuable study.

[Last modified: November, 25 2024 11:44 AM]

My experience with the Theater of the Oppressed left a profound impression, particularly during moments when the group collectively interpreted a scene. Observing from an external perspective, I was struck by the diversity of interpretations that emerged. For instance, a single scene could evoke diametrically opposed readings among participants, demonstrating the richness of human interaction and interpretation. This multiplicity highlights the fluidity of meaning within social interactions, shaped by individual experiences and collective dynamics.

From an ethnographical standpoint, this approach seems highly compatible with an interventionist methodology. The creation of specific social settings through performance offers a space to engage with voices from marginalized or oppressed communities. By enabling participants to enact scenarios and interact in ways reflective of their lived realities, researchers can gain deeper insights into the behavioral norms, constraints, and strategies within those communities. Such participatory frameworks allow for both the expression and analysis of underlying social dynamics in a way that conventional methods may overlook.

Performance and the Production of Knowledge
This method aligns closely with Erving Goffman’s concept of “performance” in social life. Goffman’s dramaturgical framework suggests that individuals perform roles within specific social contexts, using scripted behaviors to navigate societal expectations. In the controlled settings of Theater of the Oppressed, participants are not only enacting roles but are also revealing the implicit “scripts” of their social realities. By stepping into these performative acts, participants and observers alike can uncover the underlying structures of communication, power, and social relationships.

Furthermore, performance as a research method generates a unique type of knowledge—one that is embodied and relational. Unlike traditional ethnography, which often relies on observation and textual analysis, performance allows participants to “show” rather than merely “tell.” For example, the act of improvising responses within a set scenario can expose how individuals negotiate conflict, navigate hierarchies, or express resistance. These dynamic interactions provide researchers with rich, nuanced data that are deeply tied to the contexts in which they occur.

In sum, performance, as illustrated by Theater of the Oppressed, serves as both a mirror and a lens. It mirrors the complexities of human interaction while providing a lens through which we can study the layers of meaning, power, and resistance inherent in social life. Drawing on Goffman’s ideas, this method enhances our understanding of how people “act” their realities, making it an invaluable tool for ethnographic research.

[Last modified: November, 18 2024 05:30 AM]

One of the most surprising things I encountered upon arriving in London was how people often ignore traffic signals when crossing the street. While this behavior may seem chaotic at first, I soon realized that it is a practice of finely tuned bodily awareness and negotiation of space. The act of crossing the road in London, particularly in areas like Covent Garden or near busy intersections, is less about blind rebellion against traffic rules and more about a sophisticated interplay of the body with the environment.

When walking, you become hyperaware of the gaps between cars, timing your steps to slip into these small windows of opportunity. You observe the rhythm of the traffic flow, calculating the precise moment when you can cross without disrupting the movement of the vehicles. It’s not simply about following a pedestrian signal; it’s a dynamic decision-making process that involves constant assessment of your surroundings.

In more complex intersections, where multiple signals are in play, the body becomes a kind of sensor, constantly scanning the environment for visual cues and listening for auditory information. It’s not just what you see—it’s the sounds of the street that inform your actions. The hum of an approaching car, the screech of brakes, or the sound of a bicycle’s bell might signal a shift in the rhythm, prompting you to adjust your pace or direction. There is an unspoken but deeply ingrained awareness of how to move with and against the flow of traffic, making slight adjustments in your body’s movement to avoid potential dangers.

At times, you may even find yourself anticipating the behavior of others: pedestrians weaving between cars, cyclists darting through narrow gaps, or drivers slowing down as they notice your movement. This constant negotiation between the body and the surrounding environment becomes an exercise in fluidity, as your body responds not just to the visual stimuli but to the rhythms and sounds of the city. The act of crossing the street is not merely about reaching the other side; it’s a finely choreographed interaction with the urban space, where the body becomes a key participant in maintaining balance within the apparent disorder.

In this sense, ignoring traffic signals is not a form of lawlessness, but a bodily skill—a navigation of the city’s chaos, where awareness, timing, and movement converge in a seamless dance with London’s streets.

[Last modified: November, 4 2024 02:37 PM]

Reflecting on the political dimensions of my pilot project, several critical factors come to light, especially as the project now explores not only how the Arab Spring is preserved in digital archives but also how its narratives are revisited on contemporary social media, particularly TikTok. Originally, my research focused on analyzing past social media posts from the Arab Spring and the decisions made by institutions in preserving these digital traces. However, I have since shifted my focus to understanding how these historical events are narrated and reinterpreted today. Specifically, I am interested in how solidarity narratives from the Arab Spring are circulating on TikTok and whether these stories impact or inspire current social movements. This shift emphasizes my interest in the continuity of protest legacies and how past movements resonate in current digital spaces.

It is important to note that my project does not involve creating or contributing to an archive; rather, it seeks to analyze existing narratives and preservation efforts. The political aspects of this approach remain significant because any digital preservation inherently involves selectivity—whether by institutions or platforms—and therefore influences which narratives persist and which may be overlooked. Examining this selectivity is particularly important as it shapes the stories that are accessible to future generations and could impact how the Arab Spring and similar movements are remembered or forgotten.

My positionality as a Japanese researcher with a liberal perspective also influences my approach and interpretations. My interest in narratives of solidarity and social movements may incline me to prioritize or sympathize with voices advocating for grassroots action and social change. Furthermore, my position as an outsider adds a layer of detachment, but also a potential bias, as I interpret events with a cultural and political background distinct from those of the events and individuals in question. Recognizing this positionality helps me critically engage with my research and stay mindful of any biases that might shape my analysis.

Another important aspect of this research lies in the role of TikTok’s algorithm. TikTok’s recommendation system tailors content to users based on their preferences and behaviors, meaning that the narratives I access on this platform are already curated according to my digital footprint. As a result, my view of solidarity narratives on TikTok may not fully represent the diversity of perspectives present on the platform. This limited access is a methodological challenge with political implications, as it reinforces the influence of platform algorithms on the scope and diversity of accessible content. To address these limitations, my analysis will include a critical evaluation of how TikTok’s algorithmic curation might shape the narratives I encounter and affect my research outcomes. By remaining aware of this algorithmic influence, I aim to contextualize my findings within the broader constraints of platform design and to consider the potential impact of these limitations on the insights my research can offer.

[Last modified: October, 27 2024 07:47 PM]

 

Fieldwork Observation: A Study of Spatial Interaction and Usage at the Student Centre Staircase

Field Location: Large staircase at the Student Centre
Fieldwork Date and Time: October 25, 11:40–12:10

Field Notes Content: Observational sketches, personal insights into the environment’s characteristics, and interaction details.

Key Observations and Findings

During this particular observation period, the Student Centre’s large staircase served as a bustling hub of activity, coinciding with times when classes were either starting or finishing. This led to a rapid flow of people moving through the space, highlighting the staircase’s role as a central transition area. While some individuals sat in pairs or small groups to converse, the majority appeared focused on their smartphones or laptops, working independently. This dynamic space thus appeared to offer an environment where people could be aware of movement around them without feeling overly observed—a quality likely appealing to those who prefer some ambient activity while working.

The structure of the staircase itself, which functions both as a passage between floors and as a casual seating area, contributes to its utility and atmosphere. However, several factors limit its comfort for extended use. For instance, the hard seating surface and lack of desks make it difficult to work for long periods, especially for those balancing laptops on their knees. The indirect lighting on the cloudy day added to this challenge, making the staircase less ideal as a study space. Nonetheless, a few individuals appeared relaxed, leaning against the wall along the stair’s edge to work on their laptops, suggesting that some may prefer the staircase’s informal, adaptable seating to other more structured areas in the centre. Given the limited availability of comfortable seating like couches in the Student Centre, this space may attract those who seek unconventional seating arrangements where they can work in a casual posture.

The staircase’s role also extends beyond being a workspace. Some students were observed stopping momentarily to organize their belongings, check their phones, or glance over their schedules, using the staircase as a brief resting spot amid their movements through the centre. Others used it simply as a pathway or transitional area. This makes it an ideal location for quick, practical activities that require minimal time and interaction. Interestingly, in terms of interaction, I observed a student noticing and greeting a friend seated on the stairs. This brief encounter illustrates the space’s potential to facilitate casual, spontaneous social interactions, likely due to its open and accessible design, which encourages visibility and ease of interaction.

Reflection on Field Notes and Sketching Process

Reflecting on the field notes, I realized that the attempt to capture people’s movement using color in sketches added visual complexity that, while informative, seemed somewhat cluttered when reviewed later. While the sketches make sense to me now, they may appear unclear if revisited in a year due to the lack of specificity and context. The written descriptions of each element, on the other hand, are likely to remain interpretable over time, suggesting that detailing observations in words might be more effective for long-term documentation than relying solely on sketches.

Additionally, a key insight from this exercise was the value of characterizing individuals beyond generic terms like “a boy” or “a girl.” Such general descriptors offer little help in reconstructing the observation later; adding more defining characteristics would likely facilitate clearer recollection of specific interactions and contexts, enriching the overall analysis of the setting and its social dynamics.

[Last modified: October, 21 2024 11:28 AM]

In considering my positionality for the pilot project on the digital archives of the Arab Spring, it is essential to reflect on how my cultural background, experiences, and biases may influence my research approach and outcomes. As a Japanese individual with a deep familiarity with Japanese and East Asian cultures, my initial worldview and cultural lens differ significantly from the region and subjects I am studying. My interest in Arab culture was sparked during my first year of university, when I began to study Arabic. I completed two years of Arabic courses, during which I developed a broader interest in the political and cultural issues of the region, particularly in the context of the Palestinian struggle. I also engaged in activism on the issue, such as giving lectures to high school students on the Palestinian cause. Additionally, I made efforts to familiarize myself with Middle Eastern cultures through visits to mosques in Tokyo.

Despite these experiences, there are clear limitations in my understanding of Arab culture, especially considering that I am no longer fluent in Arabic. This creates a distance between myself and the primary materials of my research, such as the language used in the archives. Therefore, I may face challenges in fully grasping certain nuances that a native speaker or someone more embedded in the culture might pick up easily. My lack of linguistic fluency also places a limit on my ability to engage with the digital archives in their original form without relying on translations or secondary sources. This linguistic gap may unintentionally shape how I interpret or prioritize certain narratives within the archives.

Another key aspect of my positionality lies in my own cultural lens. As someone who has grown up in Japan, I may approach certain political and social dynamics of the Arab Spring from an outsider’s perspective, potentially influenced by my cultural biases. Japan’s own political and social context, particularly its relative homogeneity and different political climate, contrasts with the complexities and diversity of Middle Eastern societies. As such, I may unintentionally impose my own cultural framework on the interpretation of events that occurred in a completely different context. This raises the need for caution in my analysis, ensuring that I remain open to perspectives that challenge my preconceptions.

At the same time, my background could also offer certain advantages. As an outsider, I may be able to approach the digital archives with fresh eyes, noticing aspects that may be taken for granted by those closer to the culture. My unique perspective as someone with both Eastern and Western influences may allow for a multifaceted approach to analyzing the data, bridging different worldviews in the process. By being reflexive and aware of these possibilities and limitations, I can navigate my positionality to produce research that is both sensitive and insightful.

[Last modified: October, 14 2024 11:28 AM]

I conducted fieldwork at the café inside Waterstones. This café is divided into three separate sections, and I chose to focus my observation primarily on the area where the café counter is located. At 11:44 AM, there were 28 people present in this specific space. Out of these, six individuals were standing in line at the counter waiting to place their orders, and three were staff members serving behind the counter. The remaining 19 people were seated, engaging in various activities such as studying or working on laptops, having conversations with others, or simply enjoying a cup of coffee.

Since it was a particularly sunny day, I noticed that many people preferred sitting by the windows, as the space received plenty of natural light. This was especially true for the four seats that were directly bathed in sunlight, all of which were occupied by individuals working alone. Each of these people had a laptop open in front of them, focusing on their tasks. It was interesting to observe that, during this time, most people in the café seemed to be working solo. Only one small group of two women appeared to be together, seated side by side by the window, engaging in lively conversation. Besides this group, I also noticed two women who had come to the café alone but started chatting with each other after both had settled into their seats. These spontaneous interactions seemed to occur naturally once they were seated in proximity to one another.

For this ethnographic study, my primary focus was simply to observe the environment and the people within it. I took time to sketch the layout of the space and made detailed notes on how people occupied the area in a static sense. However, I realized that I didn’t pay as much attention to the dynamic aspects of the environment, such as how people moved through the space, interacted with one another, or how connections were formed. In retrospect, I feel it would have been beneficial and intriguing to observe and capture more of this kind of information to deepen my understanding of social dynamics in this setting.

My pilot project revolves around the use of hashtags in social media protests, which involves examining how digital spaces foster connections and solidarity. While my fieldwork in the café focused on observing a physical space, I believe that in social media environments, dynamic interactions play a much more critical role. In the virtual world, the way people connect through shared hashtags, replies, and other interaction tools is central to understanding social bonds and collective actions. Moving forward, I aim to apply what I learned from this observational exercise and shift my focus to exploring these dynamic interactions within digital social spaces. I will closely examine how people engage, connect, and build a sense of community through virtual interactions, and how these connections may parallel or differ from those formed in physical environments.

[Last modified: October, 7 2024 11:31 AM]

Topic:

This pilot project investigates how social media, particularly Facebook and Twitter, was used during the Arab Spring, and examines how these digital records have been preserved. Rather than creating a new digital archive, the project will focus on analyzing social media posts and exploring existing efforts by media organizations and archival institutions to store this data. The aim is to understand the choices made in preserving these records and the narratives constructed around the archival process.

Research Questions:

1. How were Facebook and Twitter used during the Arab Spring to mobilize and disseminate information among protesters and the global audience?
2. Which organizations, institutions, or media outlets have preserved social media data from the Arab Spring, and what strategies were used for this preservation?
3. What are the key challenges in archiving social media data, particularly in terms of privacy, authenticity, and accessibility?
4. How do the choices made in the preservation and archiving of social media data shape the narratives about the Arab Spring that are being transmitted to future generations?

Why This Topic is Important:

The Arab Spring remains a landmark event in the history of social movements, and social media platforms played a central role in organizing protests, spreading information, and attracting global attention. While the immediate impact of these platforms is widely acknowledged, less attention has been paid to how these digital traces are being preserved for future research and historical memory. Investigating the preservation strategies of social media data from the Arab Spring not only contributes to digital preservation studies but also raises important questions about how historical events are framed and remembered through archival practices.

Methods:

1. Social Media Analysis: Using publicly available data from Twitter and Facebook during key periods of the Arab Spring, the project will analyze the content and role of social media posts. Key hashtags (e.g., #Jan25, #Syria, #Libya) will be examined to identify the dominant themes and narratives that emerged during the protests.
2. Investigation of Archival Efforts: The project will conduct a literature review and case studies of existing digital archives that have attempted to preserve social media data from the Arab Spring. This includes looking into media organizations, NGOs, or academic institutions that have undertaken efforts to store this data. Examples might include projects like the Internet Archive, news organizations, or academic collaborations focused on digital preservation.
3. Interviews and Archival Research: If possible, interviews with archivists or researchers involved in these preservation efforts will be conducted to gain insight into the decisions made during the archiving process. This will include understanding the technical and ethical considerations, as well as the challenges of curating such large-scale, ephemeral data.
4. Analysis of Archival Narratives: The final stage of the project will explore how the choices made in archiving social media data shape the historical narrative of the Arab Spring. This will involve a critical analysis of the narratives constructed through the selection and curation of the preserved materials, focusing on which voices or perspectives are highlighted or marginalized.

This project maintains a focus on the role of social media in the Arab Spring, while shifting the emphasis to an investigation of how these digital records are preserved and the implications of archival decisions.

[Last modified: October, 1 2024 05:16 PM]

Welcome to your brand new blog at Reflect – University College London.

To get started, simply log in, edit or delete this post and check out all the other options available to you.

Please see the Reflect Blogging Resource for more information, policies, and how to guides:
https://wiki.ucl.ac.uk/x/KYODBQ