IRB

I have recently been working on IRB classes in 3 of my 6 classes. Joy. Two of them have been for my project in Wiamoase, and one was for my class with Professor Bibb, where we have been planning a pretend development project in Apamea, Syria.

As much as I have hated the IRB process, I have also appreciated it. Besides agreeing that it is necessary to prevent unethical study practices (although I think there is room for improvement especially for the social sciences, whose studies are completely different from something like a medical experiment), I also think the IRB application has allowed me to get a better grasp on my project, and what I will actually be doing in Wiamoase. For example, writing out my research aims and questions, and a literature review, has helped me to solidify what research I will need to collect, at least initially. Also, writing about mundane things such as how I will gain consent, if I will use a translator, how I will maintain confidentiality, etc, has helped me better understand what measures I will have to take in the field to conduct my research. I have realized how important it is that I will be organized, with my notes, and audio recording, and any other tools necessary. I also have been impressed with how much I will need to learn to successfully connect with the people, and how fully I will be dependent on them. If I want to talk to someone who only speaks in Twi, I will need another Ghanaian friend to translate, for example.

Anyway, I turn in my new and improved IRB draft on Tuesday. Although I have learned from the application, I have my fingers crossed it will become approved. I may have learned from it, but I definitely not in love with it.

Building Bridges

For my Anthropology of Development class we are reading "Three Cups of Tea," a book about Greg Mortenson's development projects building schools in the Middle East. So far we have only had to read the first 70 pages or so, and already Mortenson's experiences have given me insight into dealings in developing countries. When Mortenson returns to Pakistan after promising one village a school, he is almost immediately pressured by men who try to manipulate him to build schools for their own villages. However, at this point in his story he has only enough funding for one school. Then, when he gets to Korphe, the village he wants to build the school for, he is told that as grateful as the people are, they first need a bridge. Mortensen is astonished at this, as he had expected that receiving the funding would be the difficult part, and the building would be relatively straight forward once he was in Pakistan and had supplies.

This series of events reminded me of a few days ago in class, where we discussed a variety of scenarios that could occur in Ghana that may be confusing, regarding whether specific decisions would be ethical or socially appropriate. In class we talked about situations involving money, hospitality, or etiquette that might at surface seem right, but that could be problematic (for example, being asked to eat a nice dinner at a very poor family's home). Basically "Three Cups of Tea" and that class period made me recognize that things are not going to be as straight forward as I hope - ever. Various situations will cause me to have to think on my feet. Partially because of circumstances I may deem ethical or unethical, and also because of my limited understanding of the Ghanaian culture. Greg Mortenson went to Korphe with the supplies to build a school, and was first asked to build a bridge. I may go to Wiamose or Asamung with the supplies or preparation for my current project, and realize that their culture caters much better to some other topic that is more timely or appropriate. Maybe children and cocoa farming wont be as significant a topic as husband and wife relationships related to cocoa farming, or something even more different.

Basically, I need to be flexible, and realize that anthropological research is anything but straight forward. I may go with my tools to build a school and be asked to build a bridge (metaphorically of course - at least for now).