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MA/PhD Theses Abstracts of Current Students & Alumni |
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Brown, Connie J. (MA). Mapping a generation: oral history research in Sulphur Springs, FL, (Angrosino). 2004.
This thesis is an analysis of the pros and cons of doing ethnographic
and oral history research with elders. The subjects are women born before
1933 and residing in Sulphur Springs, Florida for most of their adolescence
and adult lives. They were selected from attendees of the semiannual
reunion of students who attended the Sulphur Springs School during the
years it served both elementary and junior high. This method of research,
with an elder population presents specific challenges and rewards. The
pros and cons of such research are discussed within the context of doing
ethnography of Sulphur Springs from the perspective of a select group
of women. Interviews were conducted with eight (8) women in their homes,
yielding approximately fourteen (14) hours of recordings. A list of questions
was developed to prompt memories during the interviews.
A small tabletop recorder was used to record unstructured interviews
regarding their years in Sulphur Springs, with emphasis on the years
they consider most memorable. A social network analysis of attendees
of the recent reunions was conducted with the responses to a mailed questionnaire.
The study revealed the importance of understanding the culture of a generation
through the lens of history and place. Special considerations need to
be made in preparation of survey instruments and interview questions
for any physical limitations and/or security concerns. Researchers also
need to be flexible in the application of their pre- determined research
designs in order to assure maximum quality and quantity of resulting
data.
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