In my investigation,
I will be analysing the use of Grice’s Maxims and comparing the difference
between these uses between face-to-face conversations, and those over a
walkie-talkie. To do so, I will be recording one person’s conversations through
both a walkie-talkie and face-to-face conversations at Holly Hedge animal
sanctuary, over the course of 1 – 2 hours to give me a reliable data
collection. Grice’s Maxims are quantity, quality, relation and manner and I
will be collecting quantitative as well as qualitative data from this in order
to broaden my analysis of the language used.
My hypothesis
is that more Maxims will be used in face-to-face conversations, and that
language over the walkie-talkie (technology) will be less complex. I will also
be using quantitative analysis of the maxims in order to compare which are used
most often, and if this differs over the use of technology. My expectations are
that the Maxim of quantity will be used least often over the use of technology,
but the Maxims of quality and manner may be used more frequently.
Ethicality
I will get full,
informed consent from everyone (over the age of consent) who may be recorded
during the investigation by creating a note explaining that they may be
recorded, what the data will be used for and who is likely to see it. These
people will most likely be staff, and so will be over the age of consent and
able to sign their informed consent for the investigation.
Reliability
I will be
recording the conversations over 1 – 2 hours until I have collected enough data
to analyse while still being reliable. I will aim to collect 10 recordings from
over the walkie-talkie, and 10 face-to-face conversations as I am expecting the
conversations to be relatively short.
Comparability
I will be
recording one specific person’s conversations with all of the other staff at
Holly Hedge as I believe I will get the broadest range of data for my analysis
this way. If possible, I will most likely focus on the manager, as I am
expecting that this will enable me to collect the relevant and complete data.
This will most likely be in the same context as the manager is usually in her office,
and this will ensure that there are no confounding variables that will affect
the data I will collect.
Some very good considerations. Read up on Grice's maxims as they are usually measured by how they are flouted or opted out of rather than when they are 'used'. It's a good idea to record the manager - what are the confounding variables that will be minimised (always give details of your thinking)?
ReplyDeleteThe permissions need to be a generalised one first (to avoid what?) and then more formal informed consent. Please send me the 'note' and the informed consent form before you use them so I can check them.