Apply the scientific method to the study of a particular problem in community

Introduction

Most people mistake the linear model of science for everyday practice. According to the linear model, researchers move from hypothesis to discovery following a direct course guided by logic and objectivity based on The Scientific Method. The practice is quite different. Rarely do investigators select or test a hypotheses in a completely detached manner. Rather, every scientist carries out her/his work situated within particular life interests and commitments. (Sales 456-478) Moreover, instead of linear, the path from hypothesis to discovery tends to be highly ambiguous and convoluted with lots of dead ends.

Method

A case study of Townfield community relations was undertaken in a typical inner-city multicultural area of refugee settlement in Hayes, Middlesex, to respond to these issues and research gaps by:

Mapping existing Townfield community interactions between refugees and asylum seekers, other migrants and long-term residents

Exploring different perceptions, meanings and patterns of Townfield community relationships for refugees, other migrants and residents

Examining possible factors influencing Townfield community relations, cohesion and integration in a local area of recent refugee settlement. (Zetter 169-18)

The research was identified and developed through consultation with statutory, voluntary and Townfield community organizations working with refugees at local and regional levels. A case study area was selected from within a regional dispersal area by comparing information from these discussions and local demographic data to criteria developed from the research objectives above. The case study area was described by research participants as a culturally diverse but majority Asian Muslim area of historical and present migration, high population density, economic deprivation and insufficient social housing and public services (Valentine, 12).

The research was approached from an interpretivist perspective and used qualitative, collaborative and participatory methods. The aim of mapping and exploring Townfield community relations between different individuals and groups indicated an approach that could draw out subjective and multiple meanings, reflect different definitions, identifications and experiences of Townfield community and provide an in-depth insight into social complexity and diversity. Multiple data sources and methods were, therefore, used to capture different understandings of Townfield community workers and members and to provide insights into Townfield community relations. Interviews were chosen for eliciting the views of Townfield community workers who were able to provide complex, in-depth and rich data. A participatory method of visually mapping Townfield community relationshipswas regarded as more naturalistic, flexible and less intrusive for data collection with the Townfield community groups. Particular issues of research design, researcher reflexivity and ethics arose as a result of the chosen methodology, and strategies were developed to ensure awareness of these issues and to address their possible implications. (Sales, 456)

A sampling frame was constructed by accessing local information and a range of Townfield community workers and groups were selected using purposive sampling, after to reflect the diversity of backgrounds and perspectives in the case study area. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with six Townfield community workers, participatory mapping with nine Townfield community groups and three informal interviews with Townfield community leaders, giving an ...