Final Exam Academic Paper Assessment

1 Final Exam: Academic Paper Assessment Mount Royal University COMM 3738: Research Design and Methodology Amanda Williams December 14th, 2023 2 Final Exam: Academic Paper Assessment 1. a) Identify the research question(s) or the research focus proposed in the paper. The research focus proposed in the paper is to explore the inclusivity and affordability of housing services, programs, and resources for older LGBT adults in five Canadian cities. The research questions include: 1. Based on your experiences, were these housing services, programs or resources [you have previously accessed] inclusive or affirming of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people? If so, what specifically made these inclusive or affirming? (Redden et al., p. 119) 2. What types of housing services, programs or resources do you think could improve access to safe and affordable housing for older LGBT adults? (Redden et al., p. 119) 3. Do you think there are barriers to accessing safe and affordable housing for older LGBT adults? If so, what are those barriers? (Redden et al., p. 119) The abstract discusses how the study involves group conversations with older LGBT people to learn about their housing needs (Redden et al., 2023). The goal is to help those who provide housing and make policies understand what kind of homes are best for these individuals’ health and happiness. The researchers talk about how important it is to consider the discrimination that older LGBT people have faced throughout their lives, their different backgrounds, the importance of making housing that welcomes LGBT people, the need to help them not feel isolated or left out, and the ways to help them find good places to live (Redden et al., 2023). The paper also uses a framework called the Social Ecological Model (SEM) to look at how different personal and social factors, including official policies, affect where and how this group lives (Redden et al., p. 116). Since housing is a big factor that can affect someone's health, especially for LGBT people who often deal with discrimination, the study wants to find clear solutions to make sure older LGBT Canadians have their housing needs met without facing discrimination or other issues. b) What do you think about the research questions or research focus? (i.e. does it follow the rules of asking a good research question outlined at the start of this course, please cite and source these rules). If you can't find a direct research question, offer an alternative, and explain how your alternative fits the rules for a good research question. The research questions proposed in the paper align with the qualities of a good research question outlined by Mount Royal University (2023c). It is written in the form of a question: Yes, all three research questions are written in the form of questions. It is clearly focused: Yes, each research question focuses on a specific aspect of housing for older LGBT adults. The first question addresses the inclusivity and affirmation of services, 3 programs, or resources accessed by LGBT individuals. The second question explores the potential improvements in access to safe and affordable housing. The third question investigates the barriers to accessing such housing. It is not a yes/no question: Yes, the research questions do not elicit simple yes or no answers. They require participants to provide detailed explanations, examples, and perspectives related to the housing experiences of older LGBT adults. It has more than one plausible answer: Yes, each question allows for multiple responses and perspectives. Participants can discuss various aspects of inclusive housing services, potential improvements, and barriers that older LGBT adults face. It considers relationships among multiple concepts: Yes, all three research questions consider the relationships between housing services, programs, resources, and the experiences, needs, and barriers encountered by older LGBT adults. Based on the qualities of a good research question presented by Mount Royal University (2023c), the research questions in the paper follow the rules of asking a good research question. They are clear, focused, not yes/no questions, have multiple plausible answers, and consider relationships among multiple concepts. c) What are the major concepts being measured or tested and how are they operationalized? Do you agree with the author(s) definitions of these concepts? Why or why not? The major concepts that are being measured or tested in this study are the housing needs of older LGBT Canadians and the barriers they face in accessing safe, affordable, and affirming housing. These major concepts are operationalized through focus group discussions with older LGBT adults across five Canadian provinces which are British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, and Nova Scotia (Redden et al., p. 117). They chose participants based on criteria like age (55 years or older), being able to speak and understand the English language, and those who identify themselves as a member of the LGBT community or as a housing provider within the LGBT community (Redden et al., p. 118). The participants were also asked to share their experiences and perspectives on safe and affordable housing for older LGBT individuals. The information that was gained from these discussions was used to understand the participants' views and identify effective ways like policies and programming approaches to improve housing for older LGBT people. The study also includes several other major concepts that are articulated by both the researchers and participants of the focus group study. Such concepts include challenges they face in finding housing, how housing affects their health, their specific housing needs, the amount of social support they have, and how this information could guide future policies. The research makes use of qualitative data collected from focus group discussions, shedding light on five main points. 4 Lifelong and Evolving Fears of Discrimination: Participants talked about their ongoing worries of being treated unfairly or facing hostility that affect where they can live. They were especially worried about the possibility of discrimination in places like nursing homes or assisted living, showing that fear of discrimination is a big factor in their decisions about housing. As one participant, George from Halifax, shared: "I came from a time when people could be kicked out of their apartment because they were gay" (Redden et al., p. 119). This historical context is critical for understanding their current fears around housing. Recognizing Diversity Among Older LGBT Populations: The study showed that older LGBT people are a varied group, each with different housing needs. Differences in things like race, money, and whether someone is transgender, for example, all affect what kind of housing they might need. So, policies should take into account these different backgrounds and identities to make sure everyone is included. This is underscored by one participant’s observation: "There are some of us who have the choice whether to be in or out. We can pass. There are others where that is not an option" (Redden et al., p. 121), addressing the variances in experiences amongst this demographic. Operationalizing LGBT-Inclusive Housing Philosophies: TThe study looked at how people who give others a place to live make sure they are welcoming to LGBT people. The people in the study said that it's important to really do things that make LGBT people feel safe and included, like making sure rules against discrimination are followed, keeping records that respect LGBT identities, and training staff properly. They pointed out that it's not enough just to have rules written down; these rules need to be put into practice. “You can put an inclusive flag on your doors . . . but how do you make sure that if someone feels unsafe, that they have somewhere to go?” (Redden et al., p. 123), suggesting the need for tangible practices. Addressing Isolation and Exclusion through Housing Interventions: The talks focused on how the type of housing can help or prevent people from making friends and socializing. Suggestions like creating housing for mixed age groups and housing specifically for LGBT people were made to help older LGBT adults avoid feeling lonely. They discussed how living arrangements, being part of a community, and health are all linked to tackling loneliness. "My model of growing older is to be living with birds of a feather somehow . . . because we’ll have a lot more fun together," Joe from Halifax expressed (Redden et al., p. 125). Providing Tools to Access Appropriate Housing: The conversation was about pushing for help and changes that would let people have more options for where they live. They talked about ways to help, like giving money aid, supporting shared housing, and providing legal help for creating housing that welcomes LGBT individuals. The research talks about how important it is for older LGBT people to have a voice and support when it comes to where they live. The idea of giving these people more control over their lives was a big point, with people like Francis from Nanaimo speaking up about it: "I think what we need to do is get serious about it. Start doing something, you know? Like even if we don’t have a lot of resources, there are people out there with resources" (Redden et al., p. 127), which encapsulates the proactive ethos desired by participants. 5 The authors' way of defining and using certain ideas for their study is thorough and well thought out. Using group discussions to hear directly from older LGBT Canadians means the study really focuses on this group's specific experiences. This way of doing things captures rich, detailed stories, offering insights that simple numbers or stats don't provide. Instead of just talking about discrimination in a general sense, the study looks at real-life examples, like being kicked out or badly treated, showing how discrimination is a real problem that needs fixing. By recognizing that older LGBT people are not all the same, the study helps create more effective policies that address different people's needs. The idea of making housing welcoming for LGBT people is a forward-thinking move that matches today's push for greater acceptance and inclusion. It's important because it's about actually putting inclusive ideas into practice, not just saying they're supported. Discussing loneliness and feeling left out gets at a key point that's often missed when thinking about housing and health. Providing ways for older LGBT people to get suitable housing is a practical part of the researchers' suggestions, which adds a proactive piece to their work. The way the study looks at the important ideas matches up with what's already known in this area. It accurately considers the many facets of housing and health for older LGBT Canadians. The authors' methods do a good job of capturing both the personal and the wider issues that impact housing as a key factor in health, backed up by real evidence that supports their theories. d) Is the research question answered? Show me how such questions were answered or where the author(s) are still missing some details. (3 points) The research study did answer the research questions by engaging in focus group discussions with participants to share their experiences and perceptions related to housing for older LGBT adults. The outcomes of these discussions were organized into five themes that address the questions to guide housing providers and policymakers. For the first question regarding inclusivity and affirming elements of previously accessed services, the study's findings included insights from participants who emphasized the need for flexibility and responsiveness in housing programs to older people's needs. For example, one participant named Chris from Halifax mentioned the importance of having "the flexibility in the space to allow people to stay or at least transition within the building so they keep their same group of friends'' (Redden et al., p. 126). There was a call for housing solutions tailored to address the diverse needs based on various intersecting factors such as race, income, gender identity, and expression rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach. Regarding the second question on how to improve access to safe and affordable housing for older LGBT adults, the participants emphasized the need for flexible housing programs that adapt to the changing needs of older adults, such as allowing for aging in place with supports or the ability to transition within a building to maintain social connections, which suggests what types of services could improve housing access (Redden et al., p. 126). Considering historical 6 and current societal attitudes towards LGBT individuals, participants expressed the desire for assurances that they would be safe and accepted in their housing environments. Concerning barriers to accessing safe and affordable housing, the research indicated that finding such housing is challenging for older LGBT individuals. As expressed in the quotation by Chris from Halifax, there's a concern for needing to look at long-term solutions so that older LGBT adults do not find themselves without appropriate options as their needs evolve; "If you’re coming up with one solution you’ve gotta look at what comes next so that people just don’t give into another dead end..." (Redden et al., p. 126). Operationalizing LGBT-inclusive philosophies was also a key theme, with participants advocating for strict actions to support written statements of LGBT support from housing providers. They suggested that inclusive policies need to be enforced, with education and training for those involved in housing and long-term care, to ensure environments that are affirming and secure (Redden et al., 2023). The focus groups highlighted that older LGBT adults should have more active participation in decisions regarding housing, suggesting that this demographic should be consulted in creating housing programs and policies that are affirming and sensitive to their unique needs (Redden et al., 2023). There was a consensus on the need for government intervention and support to facilitate housing solutions that are financially viable and appropriate for older LGBT individuals (Redden et al., 2023). 2. a) What are THREE main takeaways from the literature review? (i.e. a lit review is the discussion of the literature in an article that sets the context for the study, not the findings, sometimes it is also called the background) 1. Need for Inclusive and Discrimination-Free Housing Environment: Older LGBT Canadians have historically faced significant discrimination and social isolation, making it really important to create a housing environment that is free from discrimination and inclusive of their identity (Redden et al.,2023). Despite advances in legal rights, there is a constant fear among older LGBT adults regarding discrimination in various housing contexts, especially in settings like long-term care facilities (Redden et al., 2023). To ensure safe and welcoming housing for older LGBT adults, it is crucial for housing providers and policymakers to enforce anti-discrimination policies and create a culture that is openly supportive and celebratory of LGBT identities. 2. Acknowledging Diversity within Older LGBT Populations: The literature highlights that LGBT individuals are not a homogenous group; hence, housing solutions cannot adopt a one-size-fits-all approach (Redden et al., 2023). Housing policy and programs need to account for the diversity within older LGBT communities, including variation in financial status, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and differing levels of 'out' identity. Factors such as race, affordability, physical ability, and gender identity/expression play significant roles in shaping housing needs and experiences (Redden et al., 2023). This implies a need for a change in housing interventions that are responsive to the complex and varied needs of older LGBT populations. 7 3. Empowerment and Community Engagement in Housing Solutions: Older LGBT Canadians want to be involved in creating housing that is supportive and affirming (Redden et al., 2023). They are looking for housing options that encourage community and social interaction to help reduce feelings of isolation. The research suggests exploring new housing models, like intergenerational and co-housing arrangements, and emphasizes the importance of giving older LGBT people the freedom and resources to find suitable housing (Redden et al., 2023). Participants also expressed the need for financial support and legal frameworks to make these housing options sustainable. This highlights the value of prioritizing the voices and choices of the older LGBT community in developing housing policies and programs (Redden et al., 2023). The literature review gives a detailed look at the challenges and hopes related to housing for older LGBT Canadians. It suggests a comprehensive approach that includes enforcing antidiscrimination measures, recognizing the diversity within the community, and actively involving older LGBT adults in creating housing solutions that meet their unique needs. This approach aims to create a supportive, inclusive, and lively environment for everyone. b) Identify BOTH a strength and limitation of the literature review. Please use the checklist at the end of the exam to support you in this response. (3 points) Strength: The literature review carefully explains why certain sources were included by clearly stating the criteria that match its research goals and this helps ensure that the review is focused on the right kind of information (Redden et al., 2023). It carefully examines earlier studies by comparing and contrasting different perspectives, such as variations in financial status, and racial and ethnic backgrounds within older LGBT populations (Redden et al., 2023). he review puts the discussion in the context of academic work, highlighting the importance of creating housing environments that are inclusive and free from discrimination for older LGBT adults (Redden et al., 2023). Limitation: Despite the strengths, the literature review presents an important limitation in that it unintentionally overlooks a more detailed discussion of minority groups within the older LGBT population. According to the study, most of the people in the focus groups were white, and there were very few transgender individuals. This means that the experiences of minority groups within the older LGBT community may not have been fully represented in the study (Redden et al., 2023). The study briefly mentions that racialized LGBT people face direct racism and subtle forms of discrimination, and it suggests that these voices need to be more included in discussions about housing for older LGBT individuals (Redden et al., 2023). The study suggests that it should explore more about the different experiences of racialized and transgender members of the older LGBT community. This is because the study itself acknowledges that it may not have included enough of these voices due to its sample limitations. 8 3. a) What is the sample? What is the implied population? Please define these terms using the course textbook and or slides. A sample is defined as “the group (people, events, newspapers) from which you actually collect data” (Mount Royal University, 2023d, slide 5). The sample in the study is 52 members of the LGBT community and LGBT housing providers. The middle age of the participants was 66, ranging from 39-94 and the focus group included 2-15 people ranging in duration from 5 minutes to 2 hours (Redden et al., p. 118). The implied population is seen as “the group (people, events, newspaper, etc.) that you want to be able to draw conclusions about at the end of your study” (Mount Royal University, 2023d, slide 5). In the study the implied population is older LGBT individuals in Canada with the study focusing on understanding their housing needs. These participants had diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, educational backgrounds, and income levels however, the study mainly included white people and not many transgender individuals. The research acknowledged that it didn't represent a wide range of LGBT people well, like those of different races, from countryside areas, with different languages, or facing extra challenges because of their race, ethnicity, or where they're from (Redden et al., p. 118). b) Was there enough information in the article to determine the exact type of sampling used? Yes, the article provided explicit information that the type of sampling used was non-probability and, more specifically, purposive sampling. This approach was deliberately chosen to ensure that the participants selected for the focus group discussions possessed specific characteristics or experiences that aligned with the research objectives, enabling a detailed exploration of the unique housing challenges faced by older LGBT Canadians (Redden et al., p. 118). c) If the sampling method is not clear, make your best estimate of the type of sampling method used. Why do you think the authors used the sampling method they did? Does it seem appropriate? Please use probability versus non-probability language and the four different techniques for each type (i.e. such as convenience or stratified) in order to answer this question. (3 points) This study uses non-probability sampling methods to gather qualitative data from the participants within the demographic of older LGBT Canadians. The non-probability technique the study uses is purposive sampling. Purposive sampling involves intentionally selecting individuals who have specific characteristics or experiences that align with the research objectives (Mount Royal University, 2023d, slide 9). In this case, the study included “55 years of age or older, being able to communicate and understand English, and self-identifying as a member of the LGBT communities” as part of the recruitment criteria (Redden et al., 2023, p. 118). This deliberate participant selection is a characteristic of purposive sampling and was crucial in creating in-depth discussions and 9 insights from participants who could speak personally to the intersection of aging, sexual orientation, gender identity, and housing experiences. To explore the personal experiences of the individuals and ensure an inclusive and comprehensive understanding of housing issues among the older LGBT demographic, purposive sampling was a strategic choice. It allowed the researchers to gather rich, qualitative data that could inform future housing policies and interventions for this marginalized and often overlooked group. The appropriateness of the purposive sampling method is also reflected in the study's goals that aimed at revealing detailed lived experiences and identifying potential ways to bring change within housing policy. By directly engaging with older LGBT individuals, the study understood the many different housing challenges that older LGBT people face, aligning with the principles of community-based research. However, the study does acknowledge some limitations, including the predominantly white sample and the underrepresentation of certain identities within the LGBT community, such as transgender individuals (Redden et al., 2023, p. 131). The study's findings suggest that while purposive sampling was useful for achieving certain research goals, it also highlights the need for more inclusive research methods in the future. This is important to ensure a complete understanding of the housing experiences and needs of the older LGBT population 4. a) What are potential ethical concerns raised by this study? Please connect these concerns to ALL three principles discussed in class and source and cite. In the ethics of Respect for Persons, issues such as informed consent and privacy violations are important. Participants must be told the risks and the benefits of the study and research that is taking place (Mount Royal University, 2023a). Furthermore, they must have the option to opt out at any point of the study and it is really important for people to understand what they are agreeing to and to be able to agree to it (Mount Royal University, 2023a). According to the study, participants provided informed consent in writing and also completed a demographic questionnaire before the focus group discussions (Redden et al., 2023, p. 118). This shows that they were initially briefed and agreed to participate. The study also shows that the participants participate in the study voluntarily as the researchers shared a link for the study and any people who were interested in the study were to reach out to the researchers (Redden et al., 2023, p. 118). Concern of Welfare can be seen as a principle in which the participants “well-being avoid any harm, embarrassment, inadvertent identification” (Mount Royal University, 2023a, slide 8). Within this principle confidentiality of participants must also be obtained (Mount Royal University, 2023a). The study had to take extra precautions to lighten any possible emotional distress, harm, or discomfort, given the vulnerability of the older LGBT population and the sensitive topic of housing and discrimination. “Ethics approval was received from the principal investigator’s university” (Redden et al., 2023, p. 117). The study shows that there were efforts 10 to ensure data security and protection of participants' identities. The study clearly states, “All names presented are pseudonyms” (Redden et al., 2023, p. 119). Participants were likely assured that their contributions would remain confidential and that any published results would not include identifying information. Given that focus group discussions were audiorecorded, the research team would have a responsibility to securely store these recordings and anonymize any data before analysis or publication to prevent inadvertent identification (Redden et al., 2023). In terms of Justice, Mount Royal University (2023a), states that no person or group should be exploited for research, and no one should be systematically excluded from the benefits. The study states that “no incentives were offered for participation” (Redden et al., 2023, p. 118). The study aimed to include a diverse group of LGBT seniors to capture a broad range of experiences and perspectives, which reflects an effort to distribute the benefits and burdens of research fairly. Including people from different cities and being aware of the limitations of the group of people being studied shows that the researchers are being careful to make sure that everyone is fairly represented. Moreover, making policy recommendations based on the study's findings could contribute to systemic changes that benefit the broader older LGBT community, potentially addressing a concern for justice. However, the study does note demographic limitations and a lack of diversity, which shows that this could be an area for improvement in ensuring that all sub-groups within the older LGBT community are represented and have the opportunity to benefit from the research outcomes. b) Are these concerns acknowledged in the article? Should they be? Why or why not? (2 points) Yes, the concerns regarding informed consent, confidentiality, and welfare are acknowledged in the article. The study includes details about how participants provided informed consent and that all names presented are pseudonyms to ensure confidentiality (Redden et al., 2023). Efforts were also made to prevent emotional distress or harm, especially given the vulnerability of the older LGBT population. In terms of justice, the study aimed to include a diverse group of LGBT seniors and it does acknowledge its demographic limitations and lack of diversity, suggesting the need for improvement to ensure fair representation and opportunity for all subgroups within the older LGBT community (Redden et al., 2023). 5. a) Identify the exact method of data collection and whether the study is qualitative or quantitative. Based on this information, where would you situate this article epistemologically and ontologically? If you are unsure, articulate why. The exact method of data collection was focus group discussions with older LGBT individuals and housing providers in five Canadian provinces. Issues were first identified in an online survey, and during the group discussions, people could talk more about these issues and share their thoughts on how to afford housing, face discrimination, and improve policies (Redden et al., p. 117). 11 Given the nature of the study's data collection method and its focus on the lived experiences, perceptions, and insights of older LGBT individuals regarding housing, the study falls under qualitative research. The study can be seen as epistemologically within the constructivist approach. It views knowledge as constructed by individuals through their social interactions and experiences (Redden et al., p. 113). The focus group discussions among older LGBT individuals are a prime example of constructivist methods, as the participants share and reflect upon their experiences, which in turn helps to generate a deeper understanding of their unique housing issues. Ontologically, the study adopts a relativist approach. This is evident as the study recognizes that the realities of housing experiences for older LGBT individuals are subjective and vary greatly from person to person. The relativist perspective acknowledges that these experiences are influenced by various factors, including individual backgrounds, social dynamics, and cultural contexts (Redden et al., p. 118). The study assumes that there isn't a single objective reality but instead multiple, co-existing realities as perceived differently by each individual based on their personal experiences with housing as older LGBT individuals. b) Identify a potential benefit and limitation to the method(s) selected. Please source and cite using the course material. One significant benefit of employing focus group discussions, as observed in the study is the rich interaction among participants. Focus group discussions are “less artificial, Involves group interaction [and] Often involves natural groups” (Mount Royal University, 2023b, slide 13). This approach enables the individuals in the study to freely share experiences and insights, generating new understanding and ideas about specific experiences of older LGBT Canadians related to housing (Redden et al., 2023). Interactions within the group can often lead to a deeper and more nuanced exploration of issues, including the intersection of sexual orientation, gender identity, aging, and housing. As the study suggests, through the group dynamics, participants were able to vocalize their concerns, preferences, and needs, which are central to addressing the housing and associated health determinants within this community (Redden et al., 2023). Focus groups can be both challenging when discussing sensitive topics, social hierarchy, and strongly opposed positions (Mount Royal University, 2023b, slide 12). For participants, discussing their experiences related to housing discrimination, for instance, could be distressing or triggering. While In a group, they can find comfort in sharing similar experiences, some may feel too worried about being judged or getting upset to talk about their own personal stories. This might mean that the information collected isn't as detailed as it could be, because some people might choose not to talk about the most personal issues. When a group of older LGBT Canadians talk about housing, the way they talk can be influenced by the group's dynamics. People who are more confident or belong to less marginalized parts of the LGBT community might end up speaking more, which could make others feel like they can't share their thoughts. For example, the voices of transgender individuals or those from racial minorities might not be heard as much if the more confident or privileged members of the 12 group talk a lot. This could mean that the information collected might not show the full picture, because some people might not feel comfortable sharing their most personal experiences. c) Drawing on the course material, propose an alternative method to overcome the limitation of the method/methods used that still fits within the research orientation (i.e. is still a qualitative method if the paper is qualitative). (3 points) To overcome the limitation of focus group discussions, a potential alternative method would be conducting individual semi-structured interviews. This method aligns with the qualitative research orientation and allows participants to share their personal experiences in a private setting, potentially reducing discomfort to share sensitive information. Although focus group discussions “are generally less time-consuming compared to one-on-one interviews” (Williams & Duke, 2023, p. 160), Individual interviews can provide a deeper exploration of personal experiences and perspectives, ensuring that all participants have an equal opportunity to share their thoughts without the influence of group dynamics. This also allows researchers to gather more detailed and comprehensive data from individuals who might not feel comfortable speaking up in a group setting. Additionally, the method of individual interviews could provide a more inclusive platform for diverse voices within the older LGBT community, ensuring that a wide range of experiences and perspectives are captured. 6. a) What conclusions did the authors draw on the basis of their results? Are these conclusions justified? The authors of the study concluded that older LGBT Canadians face distinct housing challenges, because of systematic discrimination and fears of rejection (Redden et al., 2023). The researchers emphasized the diversity within the LGBT community and that there isn't a single housing solution that works for everyone—sometimes, as captured by the assertion that economic privilege may lessen discrimination (Redden et al., 2023, p. 121). The study suggests we need strong laws and real changes to make sure housing is welcoming for everyone—not just by saying the right things but by actually doing them. Reflected in the call for meaningful inclusion measures instead of just "an inclusive flag on your doors" (Redden et al., 2023, p. 124). Participants also voiced their concerns about social isolation and advocated for community housing options that reduce this risk. They stressed the importance of involving older LGBT adults in housing policy development, with one participant suggesting government support for innovative housing options (Redden et al., 2023, p. 128). These conclusions made by the author are well-grounded in the qualitative data gathered from the focus group discussions and the participants’ personal experiences, fears, and perceived unfairness. The study's findings justify the authors’ conclusions, as they reflect the complex realities faced by older LGBT adults who are looking for safe and supportive housing. b) Identify two main concerns with this article overall. Consider operationalization, sampling, methods, analysis, and interpretation when discussing this. You can draw on answers from above. (3 points) 13 Sampling and Representativeness: One concern regarding the study's methodology could be the sampling strategy. The focus groups were conducted in five Canadian cities, which may not fully represent the geographic or cultural diversity of the older LGBT population across the entire country (Redden et al., 2023, p. 117). With ten focus groups and a specific age criterion (55 years and older), the sample may not capture the full range of experiences and opinions present within Canada's broader older LGBT community (Redden et al., 2023, p. 113). Also, the inclusion criteria excluded non-English speakers within the LGBT community, which could impact the generalizability of the findings. Operationalization and Measures of Inclusivity: Another concern was the operationalization of concepts like "safe," "affordable," and "affirming" in relation to housing. These are complex concepts that may have been understood differently by different individuals. The study emphasizes the importance of operationalizing LGBT-inclusive housing philosophies (Redden et al., 2023, p. 113); however, it may not provide a clear and consistent definition or measure of what inclusivity looks like in practice. This makes it challenging to assess whether housing providers are meeting these standards and what strict actions need to be taken to create truly inclusive environments for older LGBT individuals. TRANSLATION: 7. What is the story of this study for the public? To answer this summarize the story in 50-75 words and propose a headline. (1 point) Study Reveals Critical Housing Needs for Older LGBT Canadians A national study highlights the housing challenges faced by older LGBT Canadians, emphasizing the fear of discrimination and the need for inclusive, safe, and affordable living environments. With aging LGBT adults facing unique barriers, focus group findings urge for policy reforms, stronger community support, and the establishment of housing that respects diversity and promotes interconnected, accepting communities. 8. Turn one finding from this study into an infographic intended for a specific audience. Explain in one to two sentences your audience choice. Consider using Canva to help support you with this. (1 point) This infographic is specifically made for people involved in making decisions about policies and building houses. This audience is directly involved in the creation and enforcement of housing programs and policies and has the power to make changes that ensure discrimination-free environments for older LGBT residents. It is designed to convey the urgency of recognizing and addressing discrimination in older LGBT populations' housing, presenting key points from the study in a visual format that policymakers and housing providers can quickly understand and act upon. 14 15 9. Identify one thing in this article you struggled to understand (include a quote with your explanation) that you would like to ask the study authors about. Compose a question that you would ask the researcher(s) if you were interviewing them. (1 point) The article talks about how older LGBT people feel about living in special housing just for them. Some are afraid they'll face discrimination. For example, Glenn from Nanaimo doesn't like the idea of LGBT-only housing because he thinks it separates LGBT people from everyone else. He states, “That would be my nightmare! I’ve worked all my life to get out of the [gay] ghetto, I don’t want to be back into one!”, contrasting with those who see it as safe and affirming (Redden et al., p. 121). Some people feel that it could be a safe place for them but Glenn doesn’t. This difference in opinions makes me wonder why people feel differently about this. Could you elaborate on what different older LGBT people think about living in special housing just for them, particularly how their past and the times they were left out have shaped their current perceptions of such housing solutions? 10. BONUS QUESTION (optional): List two ways this course helped you understand and reflect upon your chosen article differently. What two ideas, strategies, or concepts, were most illuminating or new to you? How might you use research differently in the future because of this course if at all)? (1 point) This course helped me gain a deeper understanding of how to analyze scholarly articles, particularly the deep factors of qualitative research and sampling methods. The use of methods like interviews and focus groups, along with purposive sampling, significantly changed how I view research methodologies. These approaches allowed me to understand people's experiences and perspectives in a more in-depth and subjective manner, providing rich and genuine insights. Purposive sampling was crucial in capturing diverse and relevant participant insights, enhancing the depth and authenticity of the data collected. Overall, these qualitative data collection methods and sampling techniques have reshaped my perception of research by emphasizing the importance of understanding and representing the voices of the participants in a true and meaningful way. Additionally, concepts such as the differentiation between qualitative and quantitative research were very new to me. The difference between qualitative and quantitative research is like using different tools for different jobs. Quantitative research focuses on objective truths and numerical data, while qualitative research explores the subjective and provides deeper insights into real-world problems. For example, qualitative research can help explain the reasons behind a correlation found in quantitative analysis. Despite their differences, some researchers suggest that the two methods can be integrated to offer valuable insights and perspectives that neither can achieve alone. Learning about the depth of narrative that qualitative research provides, compared to the numerical data analysis in quantitative research, has been eye-opening. Going forward, these insights will inform how I use research in my field. I will be better prepared to critique the research design of studies I encounter, understanding the implications 16 of the chosen methodology. I will also be more skilled at designing my own studies, ensuring that the methods used. Whether qualitative, quantitative, or a mixed approach align with the research questions and objectives. This course emphasized how it's crucial to use a well-thought-out method to get accurate and dependable results that can be practically applied. References Mount Royal University. (2023a). Ethics: Week 4 [Google slides]. In COMM 3738: Research design and Methodology. Mount Royal University D2L Brightspace. https://learn.mru.ca. Mount Royal University. (2023b). Interviews: Week 8 [Google slides]. In COMM 3738: Research design and Methodology. Mount Royal University D2L Brightspace. https://learn.mru.ca. Mount Royal University. (2023c). Reading Academic Research: Week 3 [Google slides]. In COMM 3738: Research design and Methodology. Mount Royal University D2L Brightspace. https://learn.mru.ca. Mount Royal University. (2023d). Sampling: Week 5 [Google slides]. In COMM 3738: Research design and Methodology. Mount Royal University D2L Brightspace. https://learn.mru.ca. Redden, M., Gahagan, J., Kia, H., Humble, Á. M., Stinchcombe, A., Manning, E., Ecker, J., … & Thomas, R. (2023). Housing as a determinant of health for older LGBT Canadians: Focus group findings from a national housing study. Housing and Society, 50(1), 113-137. https://doi.org/10.1080/08882746.2021.1905996 Williams, A & Duke, E. (2023). Navigating communication research: A practical guide for media practitioners [Unpublished manuscript]. Mount Royal University D2L Brightspace. https://learn.mru.ca.