Society and Culture Association

1. Society and Culture Association Personal Interest Projects Introduction, Log & Conclusion extracts

2. Introduction The introduction requires a brief description (no more than 500 words) of what the topic is about, why this topic was chosen and in what ways it contributes to a better understanding of Society and Culture. The choice of methodologies should be explained and justified. Log The log should be based on the student’s Personal Interest Project diary and will be a summary (no more than 500 words) of the development of the final product, outlining the procedures undertaken in researching the topic. Conclusion The conclusion requires a statement (no more than 500 words) of what the student learnt from the Personal Interest Project. Assessment and Reporting in Society and Culture, pages 10 - 11

3. Examples of IntroductionsTopic choiceSample 1 My Personal Interest Project is centred upon the depiction of race and gender in Disney films and how it impacts on the socialisation of young audiences. Upon visiting Disneyland – ‘the happiest place on earth’ - when I was eleven, I became fascinated with the level of acclaim, public interest and profit Disney has continued to receive throughout its 86-year history. Through undertaking my PIP I hope to uncover some reasons behind its continuing (and seemingly ever-increasing) success. I also seek to better understand the power of media in our lives, its role in our socialisation process and how it has changed or stayed the same in recent history.

4. Examples of IntroductionsMethodologiesSample 2 In order to effectively investigate this topic, I have decided to undertake two research methodologies: a questionnaire and participant observation. With these two instruments of investigation I hope to receive accurate and detailed information (both qualitative and quantitative) that will address my PIP and further my knowledge on this subject. I feel the disadvantages of some methodologies are alleviated by conducting others. Continued next slide…

5. Examples of IntroductionsMethodologiesSample 2 (cont…) …A questionnaire is appropriate as it will allow me to gather large amounts of data from both males and females within a reasonably short period of time. Questionnaires also allow for the responder to remain completely anonymous – enabling more truthful results. Participant observation was chosen as a methodology in order to accurately understand how individuals interact with the culture of MySpace, and to learn the practices and expectations of this. Whilst participant observation can be seen by some as unethical, I will attempt to ensure that no unethical practices take place during the course of my research.

6. Examples of IntroductionsCross-cultural componentSample 3 As the proclaimed leaders of tomorrow and at a ripe stage of socialisation and self-discovery, I have focused on teenagers. I will be looking into out perceptions about change, the power we feel we have over our lives in the micro world and our ability to create change in the world. By choosing gender as the cross-cultural component I hope to determine how much of a difference there is between the sexes today in relation to power and authority, how they each believe they can make change, which appears to be more subject to social control. As a female, the remaining dominance of men in the macro world, for example in government, is baffling so what does the future hold?

7. Examples of LogsSample 1 I began drafting my Introduction and Chapter One, which crystallized the need for further primary research: I had the opinions of many educational experts, but none from students themselves. To combat this, I conducted a focus group of Year 12 students. This formed a foundational basis on which to structure Chapter Two, as my findings were especially pertinent to socialization through education, and the current issues within the education system. Continued next slide…

8. Examples of LogsSample 1 (cont…) It became clear, however, through the writing and editing of the chapters, that although my focus group findings yielded important information regarding the opinions of students, it was necessary, in order to reduce bias, to seek the opinions of those who had already graduated school, in order to utilize their hindsight. Therefore, I circulated a questionnaire. Although slightly disappointed at the 36% return rate, the surveys were nevertheless infinitely helpful in triangulating my findings, and reinforcing my PIP.

9. Examples of LogsSample 2 I originally planned to include content analysis as a methodology, however found obtaining relevant texts from South Africa was too great a challenge, and also that many of those directed towards a white audience were in Afrikaans, a language I never learnt. Thus I decided to focus on secondary research, personal reflection, interview and questionnaire. Continued next slide…

10. Examples of LogsSample 2 (cont…) I expected the questionnaire to yield the least useful results due to the challenge the questions posed to respondents. However, I was surprised by the range of responses I received, and also by their depth and honesty. Unexpectedly, I found interviews to be the most challenging methodology. I had difficulty finding people to interview, as my topic focuses on a specific aspect of society. As well as finding for myself the questions I actually wanted answered, what I was hoping to show with those answers, and whether I was prepared to show it, it was not until I started writing my chapters that I found much of the information I had gained from my interviews fitting into place.

11. Examples of LogsSample 3 November: Brainstormed my topic Christmas holidays: Found it difficult to motivate myself because of my social life March: Starting to panic because I went to the PIP day and I realised I haven’t done much, so I did a survey. April /May: My teacher asked me for a progress report and my diary and told me ways to improve. June: The deadline is near and I need to interview some people. Got some info from the internet and printed it off. Holidays: Started writing up my PIP July: Handed a draft to my teacher

12. Examples of ConclusionsSample 1 During my primary research I got involved with people in my home town. Since moving to the city I had lost touch, but this interaction changed my view of country life from being slow and unstimulating to seeing all the positives. The infrastructure, facilities, education, job opportunities and strength of community I investigated were refreshing, however the reconnection with relatives far outweighed any tangible benefits. Continued next slide…

13. Examples of ConclusionsSample 1 (cont…) I have learned to share the passion and loyalty my interviewees expressed towards their country town, and as a result I feel as though I have achieved my aim of overcoming superficial prejudices of both the town and its people. Although I understand the desire to gain more diverse life experiences that Sydney has to offer, the PIP has opened my eyes to the enriching experiences of a close and supportive community that is my home town. As such, I would happily move and raise a family in the place where my values and my attitudes were established.

14. Examples of ConclusionsSample 2 While media mythology continues to depict the homeless as a single homogenous group, negative stereotypes will continue to develop. Perhaps volunteers can seek to dispel this myth. So, is volunteering a big issue? The analysis and synthesis of primary and secondary research enabled me to gain a deeper understanding of homelessness as a social issue. Continued next slide…

15. Examples of ConclusionsSample 2 (cont…) I also have insight into the processes of motivation for volunteerism and how this forms part of the volunteers own socialisation process. The personal experience of volunteering has been invaluable. I started volunteering as a means to an end for my PIP but the unmatched insight provided me with more empathy than any other methodology could have ever revealed. It is for this reason I will continue to volunteer to work with disenfranchised groups in need of help, in the search for self actualisation.

16. Examples of ConclusionsSample 3 The trauma caused by the Khmer Rouge has left many survivors with life-lasting effects that I was not aware of until I completed my interviews. I was so surprised by the extent to which it impacted them psychologically. I noticed that these psychological impacts were symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, that many were not diagnosed with, due to traditional cultural practises. The tyranny of time and life in refugee camps means a few of my interviewees are still suffering severely from their trauma. Continued next slide…

17. Examples of ConclusionsSample 3 (cont…) The journey that I have travelled over the past year has been very cathartic but equally as remarkable. Over the last few months in particular, I have grown to sympathise with Cambodian refugees to a greater degree because of the PIP process. Research undertaken, the people I’ve met and the knowledge I’ve gained has made this PIP a unique experience. This is my heritage, my family and my identity.