My current research is still hitting dead ends. I have taken the original idea and altered it into a survey format for alternative forms of opinions and information. I have created a survey, but found troubles sending it out because I cannot use Survey Monkey for free. The size and number of images I need to complete the survey requires that I upgrade to Pro and pay thirty dollars a month. After I received a response from my HREB reviewer, I decided to create several different surveys so I can use the survey format. The method I was trying to use prior caused a lack of anonymity. So, I am now trying to create several different surveys that fit the format for the free Survey Monkey so that I can use the platform. Once the surveys have been completed, I will post it to my school’s PTA Facebook page. From there I will inform participants that they can choose the survey in which they wish to participate. I am hoping it has some feedback since I have a few parents who are professors at RIT and Brockport. They know me pretty well from the art shows, and their avid dedication in fighting for the arts and the best education for their kids. I am hoping they take pity on me.
As for the photos, I still continue to take images and head throughout the city collecting pictures. I am expanding the imagery now to parts that are not covered in my data selections to use for studio. I have come to find that Rochester is a city for advocacy. Many personal statements can be found in the neighborhoods in peoples’ lawns. Many murals speak to things that are for beauty, kindness, and what supports the best interest in people. I am finding pride living here the more I see the work.
Despite the setbacks you have collected much and interesting data. You could for-go this piece and solely base your study upon your own semiotic study of the imagery [e.g. meaning that you utilize the Sturken/Carwright work provided to decode and encode the imagery and how these images work to ‘narrate’ the city space and what sort of narratives are being told and how might these narratives be competing…etc. But you can continue with ‘outsider’ perceptions via the survey to inform your findings and discern if there are any discrepancies. So, the study is still in-tact, but just not focused upon the students’ perceptions, something that you can pursue in the future give the admin. approves of it. 🙂
Keep up the interesting work.
Kevin