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Colloquy on Minority Males in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (2012)

Chapter: 6 BREAKOUT SESSION 3: DISCUSSIONS OF POTENTIAL RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES

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Suggested Citation:"6 BREAKOUT SESSION 3: DISCUSSIONS OF POTENTIAL RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES." National Academy of Engineering. 2012. Colloquy on Minority Males in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13502.
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6

BREAKOUT SESSION 3:
DISCUSSIONS OF POTENTIAL RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES

After identifying theoretical frameworks, participants were randomly assigned to four groups of six to nine persons and turned their attention to identifying research methodologies for the questions raised the preceding day. Researchers in all four groups cautioned that the application of methodologies (and theories) must be driven by specific research questions and overall research design. Rapporteurs presented summaries of the groups’ discussion in the afternoon plenary session, after which there was an opportunity for general discussion.

Breakout Group 3A

Members of this group articulated alternative ways of generating knowledge beyond traditional empirical research. One idea suggested was to combine and amplify quantitative and qualitative methods to get more information about the nuances of experience for men of color in STEM fields compared with many traditional empirical methods.

Breakout Group 3B

The discussion in this group focused on recognizing differences between standard research methodologies (e.g., structural equation modeling, hierarchical linear modeling, and classroom research) and “grassroots” methodologies (e.g., histories of scientific racism or bias). One idea suggested was to develop a new methodology incorporating both standard research and grassroots methodologies that could (a) be transformative and tied to action; (b) be collaborative, interdisciplinary, inclusive, and innovative; and (c) create new data sources.

Breakout Group 3C

Members of this group discussed the utility of a research design that supports examination of the individual, communal, organizational, and societal factors embedded in a major research area. Methodologies that would support such a broad research design would include many different types of research methods, including life event storytelling and surveying, longitudinal data collection, and ethnographies.

Breakout Group 3D

Participants in this group emphasized the need for new methodologies with appropriate theoretical grounding and pilot study validation. They emphasized the importance of broad diversity—in ethnicity, discipline, and background, as well as research theories and

Suggested Citation:"6 BREAKOUT SESSION 3: DISCUSSIONS OF POTENTIAL RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES." National Academy of Engineering. 2012. Colloquy on Minority Males in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13502.
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methodological experience—in the reviewer pool for any grant program, and suggested that experienced researchers should nominate other experienced researchers for service on review panels. Finally, they stressed that any research program solicitation should communicate that all research methodologies are equally valued and possibly provide examples.

Suggested Citation:"6 BREAKOUT SESSION 3: DISCUSSIONS OF POTENTIAL RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES." National Academy of Engineering. 2012. Colloquy on Minority Males in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13502.
×
Page 20
Suggested Citation:"6 BREAKOUT SESSION 3: DISCUSSIONS OF POTENTIAL RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES." National Academy of Engineering. 2012. Colloquy on Minority Males in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13502.
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On August 8-12, 2010 the National Academy of Engineering (NAE), with funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF), convened the Colloquy on Minority Males in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), following the release of several reports highlighting the educational challenges facing minority males. The NSF recognized the need to gather input from research communities that focus on minority males about how to frame investigations of gender-based factors that impact learning and choice in STEM education (both at the precollege and higher education levels) and the workforce for minority males. There was particular interest in framing a research agenda to study how interactions between minority males and societal and educational systems (both formal and informal) encourage or discourage the young men's interest and persistence in STEM. In addition, NSF hoped to gain community input to inform the parameters of a future NSF research program that could effectively address minority male participation in STEM. The Colloquy was held at the Mt. Washington Conference Center in Baltimore, Maryland, with approximately 40 participants, most of them researchers in education, psychology, sociology, mathematics, and physics.

Colloquy on Minority Males in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics presents a summary of the Colloquy's breakout and plenary discussions, which addressed (a) research questions articulated in the breakout groups together with theories and methodologies to begin to address these questions; and (b) considerations for a potential research solicitation for the NSF, with major areas of inquiry concerning access, participation, and success for minority males in STEM.

This report reflects the views of the individuals who participated in the plenary and breakout groups. It has been reviewed in draft form by persons chosen for their diverse perspectives and expertise in accordance with procedures approved by the National Academies' Report Review Committee. The purpose of this independent review is to provide candid and critical comments that will assist the institution in making its published report as sound as possible and to ensure that the report meets institutional standards for quality and objectivity.

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