Collecting Data for Research

The most critical part of action research is collecting data. There are many types of data such as quantitative and qualitative. There are many tools that can be used as instruments for obtaining information. This week I was given the opportunity to select a type of data that I wanted to collect as exercise for class. I created a ratings checklist based on the five characteristics and qualities that make a good TV show. Here's what I came up with. Let's see if you agree.

Ratings of TV Shows

Name of Show: Better Call Saul

Key: 5=Very High, 4-High, 3=Average, 2=Low, 1=Very Low

Rate the quality of TV Show based on the following Criteria
1. Creativity/Originality	4: Spin off of Breaking Bad.  Like a prequel going back in time.  Get to see sides of main character “Saul” that did not exist in original show.
2. Integration of Shows, tangible theme with connection to prior episodes	5.  Characters from Breaking Bad show up in this show.  Each episodes ties backwards and forwards in time to the next episodes.  Integration is so complex that director uses the title to give clues to the next season.
3. Memorable Characters	5. The characters reactions to events is not always predictable.  It keeps the viewer guessing.
4. Complex writing/intriguing dialogue	5. The writing is so good that I have certain lines memorized.
5. Thought provoking, emotion provoking and/or viewer immersion into story	4. I find myself thinking about the show after it’s over.  I am always surprised when the show is over.  It feels likes 10 minutes instead of an hour.

Ratings of TV Shows

Name of Show: Downton Abbey

Key: 5=Very High, 4-High, 3=Average, 2=Low, 1=Very Low

Rate the quality of TV Show based on the following Criteria
1. Creativity/Originality	4. There has never been a show like this.  The show is intriguing because it’s so a glimpse into history and the characters are not exactly what you expect.
2. Integration of Shows, tangible theme with connection to prior episodes	3. The show is plots itself along a timeline. Themes seem to relate to the show’s season.  I feel like there is room for improvement here.
3. Memorable Characters	5. Each character is very memorable.  No matter what their station in life they all have a complex story to tell.
4. Complex writing/intriguing dialogue	3.  Because it’s set in historical context and they are British characters sometimes the show seems a little stilted.
5. Thought provoking, emotion provoking and/or viewer immersion into story	4. A complex storyline with many emotional moments.

Ratings of TV Shows

Name of Show: Younger

Key: 5=Very High, 4-High, 3=Average, 2=Low, 1=Very Low

Rate the quality of TV Show based on the following Criteria
1. Creativity/Originality	4. Based off a book and intriguing premise to the plot.
2. Integration of Shows, tangible theme with connection to prior episodes	3. The theme is consistent throughout all seasons as main character attempts to hide a secret.  The integration among episodes and seasons could be better.
3. Memorable Characters	4. The characters are strong and help move the story forward.
4. Complex writing/intriguing dialogue	2. The acting is better than writing.  Characters say interesting things but nothing that stands out.
5. Thought provoking, emotion provoking and/or viewer immersion into story	4. The story evolves around a secret first and then a love triangle second.  Because the episodes last only 30 minutes and story moves so rapidly, the viewer gets quickly caught up in the episode.

Ratings of TV Shows

Name of Show: The Path

Key: 5=Very High, 4-High, 3=Average, 2=Low, 1=Very Low

Rate the quality of TV Show based on the following Criteria
1. Creativity/Originality	4. Characters are part of a cult who establish rules and order to build community with questionable recruiting methods.
2. Integration of Shows, tangible theme with connection to prior episodes	3. There are two main themes one is the well-being of the organization and the other is the well-being of the main character’s family. The integration among episodes is a little lost.
3. Memorable Characters	2. The characters are interesting but not that memorable.
4. Complex writing/intriguing dialogue	3. There is a strong moral/ethical story that attempts to define religion, family and loyalty.  The dialogue between characters is lackluster.
5. Thought provoking, emotion provoking and/or viewer immersion into story	2. Story is very modern but it is hard to gain attachment to the characters.  The story starts bright and quickly turns dark.  Sometimes the story is confusing and hard to relate to.