I want to do some research on lds

[dahlia]

Gang -

Y'all know that I am a professor. I had to write a statement as to the research I intend to do for the next few years and one aspect of that research is to focus on the positive (I like to examine failure, so this is a change for me, partly influenced by my membership in the Church). I've thought of some research on LDS information behavior that would be interesting for both the LDS community and my field.

So, being in RS and around a lot of young mothers, I would like to do a study of their information behavior (my field) and the extent to which being LDS affects it. I would probably narrow the behavior to concerns re parenting and childcare, since that's how they spend most of their time. I tend to do interviews, but I could do an anonymous online survey.

I would really like to do this project but have some concerns:

• Of course, I don't want my ward friends to think I joined to do some research. That's not the case, but do you think some people would think that? There are other professors in the ward, but their work is in areas that don't use human participants. Do you think it would be better to use participants from one of the other wards in town?

• How would you feel if someone wanted to do this in your ward?

• If I used a survey, they wouldn't have to give their names. If I interviewed people, I wouldn't publish their names, but of course I would know who they were when I interviewed them. Would you have a problem seeing me every week afterward? I don't intend to ask questions of a deeply personal nature.

  The info behavior of mothers is often studied in my field; the uniqueness here would be being LDS as a possible characteristic that influences the information behavior of the mother.

I intend to talk to my bishop about this, but it needs fleshing out. However, I don't want to waste his time if you think people would be freaked out or angered by my wanting to use them in a study. Based on what I hear in RS, it seems that a lot of these young mothers don't feel noticed or appreciated. I've found that people like it when others take an interest in what they do or what's on their mind, so I think I could get participants, but again, I don't want to spoil good relationships.

What would you do? Am I right in talking to the bishop first? Since he can't give permission for anyone, I really don't have to talk to him from a research ethics point of view, but I think I'd feel bad or awkward if someone mentioned the study and he didn't know about it.

Thanks.

[annewandering]

You absolutely need to talk to the bishop first. I am not sure its allowed to do that within a ward. Dont really know but I would be careful about it. People come to church and want to feel safe and they may not feel that way if they are in a survey.

[applepansy]

I would most definitely NOT participate if something like this was handed out at church and I don't know a Bishop who would approve it.

I agree with Anne. The first person to talk to is your Bishop. Maybe this could be done on a volunteer basis?

[dahlia]

I would never hand out a survey at church - I said specifically an anonymous online survey. There are rules and regulations that I have to follow to do research that is approved by my uni - which has oversight by the feds.

In addition to not wanting anything on paper (who does that anymore?), I also would want to separate myself from the actual survey itself, that is, I don't want people thinking of me when they do the survey. If they go online, that is less likely, compared to me giving them a paper survey in church. To me, that isn't even good research.

Maybe you guys aren't familiar with the online survey programs, but they can be anonymous and all I will get is the response; I won't know who responded.

[Leah]

I think this sounds like a very interesting study and I am surprised at the resistance to the thought of it. It is legitimate research and no one would be participating who didn't want to.

Regarding interviewing people in your ward.....of course that would be strictly voluntary, so I would imagine there are those who would understand what you are doing and would have no problem participating. But would it have to be women from your own ward? Would you be able to expand your pool to other wards/areas if you have concerns about interviewing in your own ward?

[Martain]

I think it would depend on your presentation.

"The Church teaches that families and children are important and also claims that living the gospel and having a correct understanding of gospel truths makes LDS mothers better at parenting and raising children. I want to know if there is any proof that justifies such a grandiose claim. Will you help?"

vs.

"You know how we're taught the importance of families and children? Well I know that living the gospel and having a correct understanding of gospel truths allows LDS mothers to be better at parenting and raising children and want to do a study to show it. Will you help me?"

Kind of like the difference between saying:

"You say the law of tithing is from God? Prove it!"

vs.

"I know that the law of tithing is from God and I'm compiling a book on faith promoting stories about tithing and wonder if you have any you would be willing to share with me?"

If they feel comfortable regarding what your intent is behind doing this research, what you're trying to confirm/prove, you're much more likely to get volunteers and participants then others =).

Edited June 24, 2012 by Martain

[JesusParadox]

The reason people are terrified to do it is because it kills the facade. We are trying to put off the impression, especially women, that noting is wrong. When in reality, like you said, these women feel unappreciated. Be prepared to meet heavy resistance, for the truth is scary to them. A people so centered on image will be hard pressed to give you any information.

Reality is reality.

To answer your question though, I would do the survey as it is much needed.

[Misshalfway]

Sounds like you are just afraid of disturbing people or afraid of what they'll think of your motives.

Cast a wider net and all your issues go away. Targeting one specific ward wouldn't give you a good cross-section of LDS experience anyway.

[Martain]

Targeting one specific ward wouldn't give you a good cross-section of LDS experience anyway.

True true!

[Finrock]

Good afternoon dahlia! I hope you are doing well. :)

What would you do? Am I right in talking to the bishop first? Since he can't give permission for anyone, I really don't have to talk to him from a research ethics point of view, but I think I'd feel bad or awkward if someone mentioned the study and he didn't know about it.

Thanks.

I know I wouldn't be offended or bothered by this. Many LDS moms already take part in surveys and research of all sorts on a regular basis so to be asked to participate in something that might help you in your field and which could benefit the greater LDS community would likely be seen as an honor.

I do not forsee this being an issue and in fact I forsee it being the opposite: It should be well received. But, what do I really know? Experience has shown not much!

Regards,

Finrock