MY ACTION RESEARCH!
INTRODUCTION:
Passionate about empowering women, particularly women of color, to maximize their potential and beat their circumstantial barriers, mental hindrances and increase optimism towards their respective futures, I decided to conduct my action research project on Motivation, Optimism and Women of Color. Though relatively new to the congregation where my family and I resided at the onset of the my research, the congregation consisted of a host of young women and I thought this would not only be the perfect time to unveil a near five year long plan to encourage and inspire, it would also present an opportunity to conduct my action research! After much thought and consideration, the group of 30 was formed and termed “Radiance.” With 21st century technology in mind and with social media at the fingertips of even pre-teens these days, a Facebook Group and radiance blog (radianceblog.weebly.com) was formed with the thought to virtually inspire; however, the research would reveal that much more was required to successfully encourage these women.
CYCLE 1: “GOT GOALS?”
With Etienne Wenger’s Communities of Practice Learning Theory in mind, I initially attempted to establish a social connection by way of personalized notes cards, which would not only provide insight into this ministry/research, it also allowed me to personally welcome each young woman into the Radiance community. To measure their current optimism levels and frequency of social media, I surveyed the 17 participants before posting the first blog entry to find that 47%, nearly half partook in social media at least 9 times per week. See Table 1.0 Frequency of Virtual Community Use. To ascertain a baseline, levels of optimism were also assessed where on a Likert scale of 1-10, 21% rated themselves at a 10 in optimism. With these numbers in mind, I thought it was appropriate to continue.
Table 1.0 Levels of Optimism
Additionally, Albert Bandura, founder of the Social Learning Theory, believed that people learned through observing others behaviors, attitudes and outcomes of those behaviors and with high hopes that my welcoming attitude, loving disposition and kinds words were well received, I hypothesized that this would promote the community and interest in the Radiance blog mentioned within the notes cards.
I also phoned each potential group member/research participant to affirm my passion, sincerity and desire for this work and collectively met with the group to verbally express my motives, but would later find that many more social, in-person interactions would be required maximize or even motivate usage of the blog, as these initial two steps were nice gestures, but miniscule to effectively motivate optimism in these young women.
The first blog entry was entitled, “Got Goals” and was designed to gain more insight regarding the types of goals these young women have and what they were or were not doing to accomplish their goals. Out of the near thirty participants, only one partook in the blog entry and I believe this was out of mere allegiance rather than a sincere desire. Naturally, I asked myself, “Is the blog working?” Clearly is was not. I was discouraged and forced to return to the drawing board, reassess the research and follow the action.
Despite the common use of social media, in order to motivate these women to truly think more optimistically about their futures, I then referenced John Keller’s ARCS Model of Motivation Design and began analyzing ways of making the information ascertained through Radiance relevant, grasping their attention, gaining their confidence and allowing them to see how their lives could be enhanced by taking part in this very special group. I would accomplish this within my next cycle, “Sleepover!”
CYCLE #2: SLEEPOVER!
During the second cycle, I decided to have a sleepover with the group members. If I could become vulnerable (remember, they didn’t know me very well) then perhaps I could gain their attention and confidence. My desire was to unveil our hindrances, success stories, hurts, etc. and establish future discussion topics surrounding these vary issues and I am proud to say that it was a success! We laughed, we cried, we bonded and were able to establish relevant, applicable topics for future gatherings. We began the evening with dinner, which was still quite formal, but once we arrived at the hotel, changed into our pajamas, plopped on the beds and began our discussion, it was as if we’d known one another for the duration of our lives. Even those who did shared that they had never experienced anything like this before.
CYCLE #3: “WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?”
As a result of our social interactions, the next blog entry, “What Motivates You?” received much more participation. Individuals were more comfortable expressing themselves virtually once the social connections had been established, affirming Albert Bandura’s Social Learning Theory. Our community of practice was formed; however it required a strong interpersonal connection to establish this community and I’d venture to say that the social aspect must continue to evolve for the virtual community to flourish as well.
DATA ANALYSIS
Levels of optimism were based upon the number of responses to blog entries, with the first entry (cycle #1) consisting on one participant, revealing little interest in the blog and perhaps minimal optimism, while the latter blog entry (cycle #3) revealing an increase in optimism with seven participants after a socially bonding (cycle #2).
LIMITATIONS
The current research regarding motivation and change is overwhelmingly dominated by motivation to change destructive, drug/alcohol related disorders or eating disorders with very few studies emphasizing how to motivate one to alter pessimistic attitudes towards their futures: an internal change with potentially tangible results. Thus far, the research has assessed physically detrimental behaviors without necessarily considering how a particular attitude could just as well be to one’s demise.
Also, there has been an ample amount of research on previously tested methods of motivating one to change (e.g. the Transtheorectical Change Model); however, the data on what actually motivates people to change and more specifically women, is miniscule.
CONCLUSION
I began this study on motivation and optimism by sharing how and what the media depicts as positive in many African American communities: an independent woman. I began here because this mentality is so jaded, yet common and the baseline for far too many young, women of color. Unfortunately, I was unable to identify just what that “thing” is that causes one to change such attitudes. The literature revealed that circumstances, desires, experiences can all contribute to the desire to change, but it does not make the change. However, my action research project did reveal that positivity begats positivity. In other words, if such behavior is rendered it will more than likely cause others to model such expressions. This was revealed at the sleepover. I shared something very personal with these women, which caused one to open up, then another, then another, so on and so forth. The behavior was mimicked and sincere bonding took place, it was beautiful.
So, to answer my research question, “Can an online community promote optimism in women of color aged 18 -35?” This is still unclear. Motivation is intrinsic, and consequentially whether or not improvements to motivation can be accurately revealed and measured is questionable. Throughout the course of this study, women have made mention of how encouraged they were to return to school, exercise and eat healthier, but whether or not the optimism was based upon the online community is questionable. I would venture to say that as the research as already established, it was in fact the social interactions.
REFERENCES
Begun, A. L., Shelley, G., Strodthoff, T., & Short, L. (2001). Adopting a stages of change
Approach for individuals who are violent with their intimate partners. Journal of
Agression, Maltreatment and Trauma, 5, 105-127.
Blackmore, P. & Kandiko, C.B. (2011). Motivation in academic life: a prestige economy.
Research in Post-Compulsory Education 16(4), 399-411.
Bradshaw, S.D., Shumway, S.T., Harris, K.S., & Baker, A. (2013). Predictive Factors of
Readiness for Change During Inpatient Treatment. Alcoholism Treatment
Quaterly 31, 280-302.
Brown, V.B., Melchior, L.A., Panter, A.T., Slaughter, R., & Huba, G.J. (2000). Women
Steps of change and entry into drug abuse treatment: A multidimensional stages
of change model. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 18, 231-240.
Burrowes, N., & Needs, A. (2009). Time to contemplate change? A framework for
Assessing readiness to change with offenders. Aggression and Violent Behavior,
14, 39 – 49.
Carroll, A., Ashman, A., Bower, J., & Hemingway, F. (2012). Readiness for Change:
Case Studies of Young People with Challenging and Risky Behaviours.
Australian Journal of Guidance and Counseling 23(1), 49-71.
Collins, S.E., Logan, D.E., & Neighbors, C. (2010). Which came first: the readiness or
or the change? Longitudinal relationships between readiness to change drinking
amongst college drinkers. Addiction, 105,1899 – 1909.
Czuchry, M., Sia, T.L., & Dansereau, D.F. (2006). Improving early engagement and
Treatment readiness of probationers: Gender differences. The Prison Journal, 86,
56-74.
Geller, J., Srikameswaran, S., Brown, K.E., Piper, W., Dunn, & E.C (2013).
The Psychometric Properties of the Readiness and Motivation Questionnaire: A Symptom-Specific Measure of Readiness for Change in the Eating Disorders. Psychological Assessment 25(3), 759-768.
Haimovitz, K. & Henderlong-Corpus, J. (2011). Effects of person versus process praise
on student motivation: stability and change in emerging adulthood. Educational
Psychology 31(5), 595-609.
Leung, S.F., Ma, J., & Russell, J. (2013). Enhancing motivation to change in eating
disorders with an online self-help program. International Journal of Mental
Health Nursing, 22, 329-339.
Marcus, B.H., Selby, V.C., Niaura, R.S., & Rossi, J.S. (1992). Self-efficacy and the
stages of exercise behavior change. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport,
63, 60-66.
Minaj, Nicki ft. Ne-Yo. ― Miss Independent (Remix).‖ Stargate/Def Jam, 2008
Moore, L.E., Tambling, R.B., & Anderson, S.R. (2012). The Intersection of Therapy
Constructs: The Relationship Between Motivation to Change, Distress, Referral
Source & Pressure to Attend. The American Journal of Family Therapy 41,
245-258.
Petrocelli, J.V. (2002). Processes and stages of change: Counseling with the
transtheorectical model of change. Journal of Counseling and Development, 80,
22-30.
Prochaska, J.O.(2000). Change at differing times. In C.R. Snyder & R.E. Ingram (Eds.),
Handbook of psychological change: Psychotheraphy processes and practices for
21st century (pp. 109-127). New York: Wiley.
Redd, Candy Ft. Rasheeda, & Kandi ―Independent Bitches (Remix). ‖ Unauthorized Entertainment/ Aslyum Records, 2010/ Video Directed By Mr. Boomtown
Rowley, M. E., Lown, J. M., & Piercy, K.W. (2012). Motivating Women to Adopt
Positive Financial Behaviors. Journal of Financial Counseling and Planning
23(1), 47-59
Trina. ―I‘m Single Again.‖ Slip and Slide Records, 2008/Video directed by Billy Woodcuff/
Williamson, P., Day, A., Howells, K. Bubner, S., & Jauncey, S. (2003). Assessing
Offender readiness to change problems with anger. Psychology, Crime and Law,
9, 295 – 307.
INTRODUCTION:
Passionate about empowering women, particularly women of color, to maximize their potential and beat their circumstantial barriers, mental hindrances and increase optimism towards their respective futures, I decided to conduct my action research project on Motivation, Optimism and Women of Color. Though relatively new to the congregation where my family and I resided at the onset of the my research, the congregation consisted of a host of young women and I thought this would not only be the perfect time to unveil a near five year long plan to encourage and inspire, it would also present an opportunity to conduct my action research! After much thought and consideration, the group of 30 was formed and termed “Radiance.” With 21st century technology in mind and with social media at the fingertips of even pre-teens these days, a Facebook Group and radiance blog (radianceblog.weebly.com) was formed with the thought to virtually inspire; however, the research would reveal that much more was required to successfully encourage these women.
CYCLE 1: “GOT GOALS?”
With Etienne Wenger’s Communities of Practice Learning Theory in mind, I initially attempted to establish a social connection by way of personalized notes cards, which would not only provide insight into this ministry/research, it also allowed me to personally welcome each young woman into the Radiance community. To measure their current optimism levels and frequency of social media, I surveyed the 17 participants before posting the first blog entry to find that 47%, nearly half partook in social media at least 9 times per week. See Table 1.0 Frequency of Virtual Community Use. To ascertain a baseline, levels of optimism were also assessed where on a Likert scale of 1-10, 21% rated themselves at a 10 in optimism. With these numbers in mind, I thought it was appropriate to continue.
Table 1.0 Levels of Optimism
Additionally, Albert Bandura, founder of the Social Learning Theory, believed that people learned through observing others behaviors, attitudes and outcomes of those behaviors and with high hopes that my welcoming attitude, loving disposition and kinds words were well received, I hypothesized that this would promote the community and interest in the Radiance blog mentioned within the notes cards.
I also phoned each potential group member/research participant to affirm my passion, sincerity and desire for this work and collectively met with the group to verbally express my motives, but would later find that many more social, in-person interactions would be required maximize or even motivate usage of the blog, as these initial two steps were nice gestures, but miniscule to effectively motivate optimism in these young women.
The first blog entry was entitled, “Got Goals” and was designed to gain more insight regarding the types of goals these young women have and what they were or were not doing to accomplish their goals. Out of the near thirty participants, only one partook in the blog entry and I believe this was out of mere allegiance rather than a sincere desire. Naturally, I asked myself, “Is the blog working?” Clearly is was not. I was discouraged and forced to return to the drawing board, reassess the research and follow the action.
Despite the common use of social media, in order to motivate these women to truly think more optimistically about their futures, I then referenced John Keller’s ARCS Model of Motivation Design and began analyzing ways of making the information ascertained through Radiance relevant, grasping their attention, gaining their confidence and allowing them to see how their lives could be enhanced by taking part in this very special group. I would accomplish this within my next cycle, “Sleepover!”
CYCLE #2: SLEEPOVER!
During the second cycle, I decided to have a sleepover with the group members. If I could become vulnerable (remember, they didn’t know me very well) then perhaps I could gain their attention and confidence. My desire was to unveil our hindrances, success stories, hurts, etc. and establish future discussion topics surrounding these vary issues and I am proud to say that it was a success! We laughed, we cried, we bonded and were able to establish relevant, applicable topics for future gatherings. We began the evening with dinner, which was still quite formal, but once we arrived at the hotel, changed into our pajamas, plopped on the beds and began our discussion, it was as if we’d known one another for the duration of our lives. Even those who did shared that they had never experienced anything like this before.
CYCLE #3: “WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?”
As a result of our social interactions, the next blog entry, “What Motivates You?” received much more participation. Individuals were more comfortable expressing themselves virtually once the social connections had been established, affirming Albert Bandura’s Social Learning Theory. Our community of practice was formed; however it required a strong interpersonal connection to establish this community and I’d venture to say that the social aspect must continue to evolve for the virtual community to flourish as well.
DATA ANALYSIS
Levels of optimism were based upon the number of responses to blog entries, with the first entry (cycle #1) consisting on one participant, revealing little interest in the blog and perhaps minimal optimism, while the latter blog entry (cycle #3) revealing an increase in optimism with seven participants after a socially bonding (cycle #2).
LIMITATIONS
The current research regarding motivation and change is overwhelmingly dominated by motivation to change destructive, drug/alcohol related disorders or eating disorders with very few studies emphasizing how to motivate one to alter pessimistic attitudes towards their futures: an internal change with potentially tangible results. Thus far, the research has assessed physically detrimental behaviors without necessarily considering how a particular attitude could just as well be to one’s demise.
Also, there has been an ample amount of research on previously tested methods of motivating one to change (e.g. the Transtheorectical Change Model); however, the data on what actually motivates people to change and more specifically women, is miniscule.
CONCLUSION
I began this study on motivation and optimism by sharing how and what the media depicts as positive in many African American communities: an independent woman. I began here because this mentality is so jaded, yet common and the baseline for far too many young, women of color. Unfortunately, I was unable to identify just what that “thing” is that causes one to change such attitudes. The literature revealed that circumstances, desires, experiences can all contribute to the desire to change, but it does not make the change. However, my action research project did reveal that positivity begats positivity. In other words, if such behavior is rendered it will more than likely cause others to model such expressions. This was revealed at the sleepover. I shared something very personal with these women, which caused one to open up, then another, then another, so on and so forth. The behavior was mimicked and sincere bonding took place, it was beautiful.
So, to answer my research question, “Can an online community promote optimism in women of color aged 18 -35?” This is still unclear. Motivation is intrinsic, and consequentially whether or not improvements to motivation can be accurately revealed and measured is questionable. Throughout the course of this study, women have made mention of how encouraged they were to return to school, exercise and eat healthier, but whether or not the optimism was based upon the online community is questionable. I would venture to say that as the research as already established, it was in fact the social interactions.
REFERENCES
Begun, A. L., Shelley, G., Strodthoff, T., & Short, L. (2001). Adopting a stages of change
Approach for individuals who are violent with their intimate partners. Journal of
Agression, Maltreatment and Trauma, 5, 105-127.
Blackmore, P. & Kandiko, C.B. (2011). Motivation in academic life: a prestige economy.
Research in Post-Compulsory Education 16(4), 399-411.
Bradshaw, S.D., Shumway, S.T., Harris, K.S., & Baker, A. (2013). Predictive Factors of
Readiness for Change During Inpatient Treatment. Alcoholism Treatment
Quaterly 31, 280-302.
Brown, V.B., Melchior, L.A., Panter, A.T., Slaughter, R., & Huba, G.J. (2000). Women
Steps of change and entry into drug abuse treatment: A multidimensional stages
of change model. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 18, 231-240.
Burrowes, N., & Needs, A. (2009). Time to contemplate change? A framework for
Assessing readiness to change with offenders. Aggression and Violent Behavior,
14, 39 – 49.
Carroll, A., Ashman, A., Bower, J., & Hemingway, F. (2012). Readiness for Change:
Case Studies of Young People with Challenging and Risky Behaviours.
Australian Journal of Guidance and Counseling 23(1), 49-71.
Collins, S.E., Logan, D.E., & Neighbors, C. (2010). Which came first: the readiness or
or the change? Longitudinal relationships between readiness to change drinking
amongst college drinkers. Addiction, 105,1899 – 1909.
Czuchry, M., Sia, T.L., & Dansereau, D.F. (2006). Improving early engagement and
Treatment readiness of probationers: Gender differences. The Prison Journal, 86,
56-74.
Geller, J., Srikameswaran, S., Brown, K.E., Piper, W., Dunn, & E.C (2013).
The Psychometric Properties of the Readiness and Motivation Questionnaire: A Symptom-Specific Measure of Readiness for Change in the Eating Disorders. Psychological Assessment 25(3), 759-768.
Haimovitz, K. & Henderlong-Corpus, J. (2011). Effects of person versus process praise
on student motivation: stability and change in emerging adulthood. Educational
Psychology 31(5), 595-609.
Leung, S.F., Ma, J., & Russell, J. (2013). Enhancing motivation to change in eating
disorders with an online self-help program. International Journal of Mental
Health Nursing, 22, 329-339.
Marcus, B.H., Selby, V.C., Niaura, R.S., & Rossi, J.S. (1992). Self-efficacy and the
stages of exercise behavior change. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport,
63, 60-66.
Minaj, Nicki ft. Ne-Yo. ― Miss Independent (Remix).‖ Stargate/Def Jam, 2008
Moore, L.E., Tambling, R.B., & Anderson, S.R. (2012). The Intersection of Therapy
Constructs: The Relationship Between Motivation to Change, Distress, Referral
Source & Pressure to Attend. The American Journal of Family Therapy 41,
245-258.
Petrocelli, J.V. (2002). Processes and stages of change: Counseling with the
transtheorectical model of change. Journal of Counseling and Development, 80,
22-30.
Prochaska, J.O.(2000). Change at differing times. In C.R. Snyder & R.E. Ingram (Eds.),
Handbook of psychological change: Psychotheraphy processes and practices for
21st century (pp. 109-127). New York: Wiley.
Redd, Candy Ft. Rasheeda, & Kandi ―Independent Bitches (Remix). ‖ Unauthorized Entertainment/ Aslyum Records, 2010/ Video Directed By Mr. Boomtown
Rowley, M. E., Lown, J. M., & Piercy, K.W. (2012). Motivating Women to Adopt
Positive Financial Behaviors. Journal of Financial Counseling and Planning
23(1), 47-59
Trina. ―I‘m Single Again.‖ Slip and Slide Records, 2008/Video directed by Billy Woodcuff/
Williamson, P., Day, A., Howells, K. Bubner, S., & Jauncey, S. (2003). Assessing
Offender readiness to change problems with anger. Psychology, Crime and Law,
9, 295 – 307.
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