Analysis and Reflection
This study used a qualitative descriptive method, in the form of Noreen Thompson's Photovoice project (as discussed in a class reading). The intent of our study was to examine the subjective experience of being a Jewish student at Queen's University from each of our participants. In Noreen's words, we wanted to get an "insider view". We used in person interviews, as well as one Photo Voice project from participant Emma, to attain our information.
Our data collection took place on November 22nd, 2017. Researcher Jake Martin was the one who explained the study to participants, including potential risks, and obtained consent forms from each of them. Researcher Jessica Shapiro recorded the three interviews as Jake Martin conducted them. The participants were asked a series of questions, in the hope that their answers would give us a peak into their religious/cultural lives. The researchers were able to discover that by keeping the interview questions simple, and making the whole thing more like a conversation, the answers given by participants were more genuine and honest.
On average, participant interviews lasted about fifteen minutes each. The footage was edited by researcher Jessica Shapiro. These acted as the frameworks for our investigation towards an answer to our research question. The interviews can be found on the individual pages of each of our three participants.
We were able to deduce from our study that Judaism is much more than just a community. It is a way of life. Due to this fact, many Jews from all over the world are brought up in a very similar way. For example, we are all raised with similar beliefs, morals, and respect for other people. Each of our three participants had a similar generic reason to explain the change in their cultural agency. When in the Queen’s community, they are without their families! This can have a major impact on the way you “perform” in public. Upon leaving home and basically living on your own, you can eat what you want, wear what you want, and do what you want! This has the ability to change a person, as you are learning new things about yourself daily. It is hard to keep up with all the things you used to. Often, commitment to religion/culture is the first thing to take a back seat (according to our research and participant responses) to make room for new friends and academics!