He states that it is possible to categorise portrayals into four main stereotypes, the pitiful handicapped, the bitter cripple, the inspirational hero and the set dresser. These are the four stereotypes that I have decided look into. This introduces the concept of stereotypes. A stereotype is a one sided, exaggerated and usually prejudicial view of a group. One myth about physically challenged people is that people with disabilities have a poor standard of life, this is not the case. The stereotypes may have some factual basis, but in most cases are incongruent with reality.
Sheridan raises the question that because these portrayals are prevalent, are they an accurate account of what goes on in real life situations. He answered, as there is much diversity as there is commonality in the wheelchair community. There is no consensus as to what is accurate.
He offers no solution but says that there are advances in advertising, as people in wheelchairs are not seen as disabled but as consumers. He thinks advertisers will continue to add positively to the way society perceives wheelchair users, and that maybe one day we will change our perception from archaic stereotypes to more realistic portrayals. This brings me onto the concept of identity.
To acquire a sense of self identity and an image of your self is through socialization. If some body is labelled a specific type of person, it can be said that a social identity has been added to your self. Your social identity will then be seen as a label to show what kind of person you are. Resulting from the label you have now been given, you might start to think you are that type of person.
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Main Research Method and reasons
I’m decided to use content analysis. Content analysis is the analysis of communication, in this case the portrayal of the physically challenged in films. Since the media comes ready made it’s easy to gain access to the broadcast relevant to the study, this makes it cheap to build up your sample. This method is good because it is a more objective method, although it could be open to some prejudice or bias. Why I chose to use the method of content analysis as a pose to a survey is because if you conduct a survey there would be complications with what the participent thinks the stereotypes are. They also might not recall any films representing physically challenged people, so hopefully I have chosen the right method for my study. It is essential that the categories are precisely defined to minimize bias resulting from the judgments of different researchers.
I will create a set of categories using the definitions from context two. Defining the portrayal of the physically challenged as the pitiful handicapped, the bitter cripple, the inspirational hero and the dress setter. Lower sixth students are to be given these categorised sheets, carefully detailing what they have to do, a recording table and a detailed but brief account of the four stereotypes. They are to be asked that whenever they watch a film, during the period of three months would they please take note as to whether there is or isn’t a physically challenged person/persons in the film, and to record what kind of stereotype if applicable they represent.
To try to limit bias I will ask the researchers to record the person’s disability to make sure that they have recorded data relevant to the study.
The process produces quantative data, which can then be processed and analysed statistically. Our population are physically challenged people in films, our sampling frame is all films and my sampling unit is all films watched. The four stereotypes, which are to be recorded, are pitiful handicapped, bitter cripple, inspirational hero and set dressing. It is imperative that this pilot study is carried out because we need to know whether the research sheets are worded correctly and clearly. Therefore, it might be beneficial to ask the participants to express their views and reservations about the study. The importance of this stage is immense, because if there were any problems it would be unlikely that the study could be done again.
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Potential problems
There could be a number of potential problems affecting the study.
One of the most important potential problems would be the misinterpretation of the four stereotypes, which would be disastrous to my study as this is the way of collecting the data. This problem should not be a great one as the stereotypes are explained in detail on the research sheets, and my researchers should not get confused.
The researchers might not hand in the research sheets, resulting in a lack of data. This would initially affect the study, as the data would not be able to be sufficiently analysed, and the results will not be as valid.
Starting from the beginning the research sheets will have to be user friendly and brief but at the same time affective. If at the end of the study they have not met any of these criteria, the study will be in jeopardy. That is why I will try to get it right; by making sure, the researchers understand the stereotypes and what they have to do. I attempt this by briefing the researchers before handing out the research sheets; the brief is also written on the research sheets to ensure they do not forget what they have to do.
Although sometimes criticised for involving subjective judgments, which create data that, are not valid, content analysis seems to be the best way of conducting my research, as the study is on the represetation of the physically challenged in films.
Another problem could be that of the coding scheme, as they are open to personal interpretation and the researchers judgments and values could get in the way of the study.
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