 |
 |
Dear colleagues, (Apologies for any cross-posting) We would like to invite you to the 3rd ENQUIRE Postgraduate Conference, 20th and 21st July 2010 at the School of Sociology & Social Policy, University of Nottingham: "Research Stories: Opportunities and Obstacles for Social Scientists" PLENARY SPEAKERS We are very excited to confirm: Professor Alan Bryman (University of Leicester) Professor Tim May (University of Salford) Dr. Nirmal Puwar (Goldsmiths, University of London) Dr. Lisa McKenzie (University of Nottingham) CALL FOR ABSTRACTS As social scientists, we are regularly engaged in the process of deciding upon and justifying our research methods, a process that includes devising theoretically well-informed research and simultaneously requires an ability to be responsive to the wider research environment. In planning our research, the choice of methods can be subject to a number of influences. External factors could include, amongst others, existing theory and traditional methodological boundaries, current theoretical movements, policy changes, ethical clearance procedures, project resources and acceptability to project funders. Internal factors such as expertise, personal preference, perception of risk and emotion can also shape our decisions. This conference aims to bring together postgraduate researchers and early career academics to reflect on our own research stories by exploring the complex interplay between the influences of theories, methodologies and institutional processes on research design and practice. The emphasis will be on how the opportunities and obstacles associated with research prevent and enable us to engage with the social and cultural problems that we are investigating. Example themes for papers include, but are not limited to: *Ethics *Theory in empirical research *The researcher's role in research *Researching race and ethnicity *Gendered methodologies *Role of funding organisations *Personal and professional risk in research *Computer software in data analysis *Innovative research design *Methodologies of globalisation *Qualitative methods *Quantitative methods ABSTRACT Please submit abstract of 300 words or less to [log in to unmask] by Monday, 24th May. A special edition of ENQUIRE journal will be based on conference papers. Abstracts should include the following, Name: Institution/Place of Study: Research Status: Your professional role: Email: Telephone number: Keywords: Title of presentation: Aims/ Purpose/ Approach: Design / Methodology: Results / Findings: Conclusions/Implications: ENQUIRE LINKS For videos and information on the work of the plenary speakers visit: http://enquireconference.posterous.com/ For more information on ENQUIRE and previous conferences visit: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/Sociology/Prospective/Postgraduate/ENQUIRE/About.aspx BOOKING Please download the conference booking form here: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/sociology/prospective/postgraduate/enquire/enquire-pdfs/enquire-conf-2010-reg-form.doc Cost is £10 per day or £15 for both days including refreshments. Accommodation available. Please return completed registration forms with payment by 14th June 2010. With best wishes, Warren Pearce & Diane Trusson School of Sociology and Social Policy University of Nottingham This message has been checked for viruses but the contents of an attachment may still contain software viruses which could damage your computer system: you are advised to perform your own checks. Email communications with the University of Nottingham may be monitored as permitted by UK legislation.