5001-Sampling Using an Anti-Oppressive Research Lens

Sampling and Bias Another part of the research process includes the sampling method—how researchers obtain the data they need for their research, and measurement—how the understanding of a concept is applied. Measurement includes what variables researchers will use to measure the data. For example, if someone says, “It's warm outside today,” the word “warm” may have a different meaning for different people. If they made the statement, “It's 88 degrees outside with 55% relative humidity,” more specific information is available to create an understanding related to the temperature and humidity. Temperature and humidity might be considered variables. As you have learned during previous weeks of this course, much of the current research has been biased with sample populations which are predominantly Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic (WEIRD). It is important, therefore, to utilize an anti-oppressive lens as you seek to challenge and dismantle systems of oppression and marginalization. As you consider study variables, you would also want to incorporate theories of power, privilege, and relationships that explain how oppression operates at different levels and how it affects different groups of people based on race, class, gender, sexuality, disability, et cetera (Rogers, 2011). Anti-oppressive research practice often involves drawing a study sample from marginalized or oppressed populations and measuring study variables that can help to shed light on the experiences and perspectives of these groups. By centering the voices and experiences of marginalized individuals and communities, anti-oppressive research can promote social justice and equity. Reference Rogers, J. (2011). Anti-oppressive social work research: Reflections on power in the creation of knowledge. Social Work Education 31(7): 1–14. DOI: 10.1080/02615479.2011.602965 Sampling Using an Anti-Oppressive Research Lens In Week 6, our focus is on study sampling and measuring variables. You revisited research regarding how sample populations are predominantly Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic (WEIRD) and how to use an anti-oppressive lens to challenge and dismantle systems of oppression and marginalization. As you think about some of the principles of Anti-oppressive research practice: Which research method design do you prefer? What are some strengths of the method? What are some limitations?