Post Module 2 Skype

Yesterday I had a plethora of information about Module 2. In the morning I had a Skype session with Adesola, my supervisor, and in the evening there was an open Skype with a Module 2 focus. I have to say I now have a much better handle on how to go forward.

The MORE form looks very official and very daunting. It's set up as a safeguarding tool both for researchers and those who may be included in a study, to avoid any unnecessary harm. It is slanted towards science subjects, but does cover safeguarding vulnerable participants in the arts sector as well. My form is mostly finished, as I started it last term. I had to defer on account of being on tour for so long. It does take a long time, but isn't nearly as complicated as it seems at first. My advice is get stuck in and get it done. Planning your research project is much more work and will take longer.

So that's me, head down, getting on with it. I am, however, looking forward to the Community Skypes, which I hope will keep me on track. I know that those on Module 3 have a group chat and plan group Skypes. Perhaps this is something we could also consider? Although this is a distance learning degree, I went along to the Hendon campus to catch one of the Module 3 presentations last year. It was good to put faces to names, but, more importantly, speak to some of the students and pick their brains a bit. I know this won't be possible for everyone, but the more contact we have with each other, the better, I think. It's a virtual classroom, but a classroom nonetheless.

See y'all at the next one!

♫ Looking Down On Creation ♬♪

It's The Carpenters, to save you wondering. Yes, Karen Carpenter had a wonderful voice, no I didn't like the songs. It's an oblique reference to a topic that arose in this evening's Skype Sunday. I admit to zoning out here and there, but one thing that reeled me in was the discussion of bias. My own bias is that opinions are a good thing. Inevitably, your bias is influenced by your upbringing, lifestyle, social status and many other things and your opinions derive therefrom. However, whilst always acknowledging my bias, my opinions can change a great deal. For me, this is because opinions depend on information and evolving circumstances. I cannot understand why they would not. Retaining the same opinion, given new, pertinent information, is idiotic. That also is my opinion. I have a declared bias against wilful ignorance.

Adesola and Helen joined us for the second half of the Skype session. This was a new arrangement, to me anyway. There was a lot of talk about research and Adesola questioned the relationship between bias and control. For me it works thus; first acknowledge your bias, then accept it will influence how you react to information, however do not let it stifle the responses of others. Do not consciously let your bias control the outcome of your research. Unconscious bias? Who knows? I'll do my best!

We also touched on the current global pandemic and what we can do to assuage the isolation of many of us trapped at home. Apart from the usual instability of freelancers, this illness has wiped out work for many of us, or is about to. Having recourse to an online study community will at least keep our minds occupied. The suggestion was to have more informal Skype sessions. I will certainly look forward to this, as guilt will force me to do my bit and keep me on my toes.

So, with my MORE form put to bed, I think, next stop essays. There are always drawers to sort out, so I can always find a distraction, but I'm determined not to leave it to the last minute. Again. Pray for me, Karen!