We are nearing the final week of the US election. It has been an interesting ride to say the least. While I have no affiliation with either party in question, as a social researcher, I will provide some of my insights for those who may be interested.
However cynical,I have tried to remain skeptical and clinical in my observations. While not following the strict scientific procedure, wherein a systematic approach is followed, the resultant Qualitative research is heavily dependent on the experience of the researcher and the questions interpreted.
Problem:
Which party would best serve the people of USA?
Rules and procedures are an integral part of the process that set the objective.
Rules:
- Researchers need to practice ethics and a code of conduct while making observations or drawing conclusions.
- Research is based on logical reasoning and involves both inductive and deductive methods.
- The data or knowledge that is derived is in real time from actual observations in natural settings.
Setting:
Probe the focus group. The sample size restricted to 6-10 people. Information derived from observation and problem solving through debate on NP forum. The answers and analytics may not offer a final conclusion to the perceived problem.
Method:
Open-ended questions were asked in a manner that encouraged answers that lead to another question or group of questions. The purpose of asking open-ended questions is to gather was much information as possible. Use of SWOT analysis.
Observations:
Debate, divisiveness, fake news media, lies, temper, bias, ingrained values, mild aggression, verbal attack, logic, concession, proofs, witnesses, exaggeration, anger, language, misinformation, leadership debate, quotes, nuance, reflection, assertion, feedback, tribalism, fascism, affinity, likes, dislikes, honesty, opinion, memes, video, recall, teamwork, reason, assertion, understanding, lack of trust.
Assessment:
Natural discussion led to respondents providing useful criterion for assessment. Heavily influenced by tribalism, responses were colored. Strong media influence, errors due to false information from news sources. Biased opinion. Tribes united in dissent.
Conclusion:
The leader of one party is a populist. A charismatic leader that inspires a devoted following. The opinions offered within the responses from this sample range from calculated assertion to refutation to radical confutation. The leader of the opposition demonstrates candor, though less inspiring to his following. Notwithstanding the event of ulterior and underlying motives, he appeals to a wider audience. Neither leader has the ability to unite the subjects of this study.
Election results to be determined November 3, 2020. Final conclusions from respondents: no definitive consensus can be drawn.
