Thankfully, my group and I managed to complete the rough draft of our project to turn in on time. We managed to meet a few more times through Microsoft Teams and better structure our paper by using the grading rubric found on the syllabus. Having that available was a lifesaver, as we wanted to make sure that we understood the standards for what we were trying to accomplish. My focus was on the research portion of the assignment, and I paired off with Joe to get it done. I volunteered for it as I had a better idea of the variables we’d selected to study, as well as how to organize it. However as we started delving deeper into the project, I quickly realized how much deeper we could go with the research. At that point I began considering widening our research to include other variables, but I was afraid that since we’d already gotten our IRB approval that it would nullify the project data collected. Ultimately, my group and I decided to just keep the information we had because my research directly affected the content being contributed by other members. To change the basis of their analysis would cause them a great deal of work to amend, and since we were focusing on the main variables that we got approved, we felt we were in the clear as far as quality of research. It was enlightening, however, to see how we could further develop and improve the research design. Had we been able to continue meeting in person, I don’t doubt we would have, however as the situation permitted we were a bit stuck with the plan we had created before we left for Coronafurlough.
Our results were, at the end of it all, inconclusive. Because the research wasn’t irrefutable, we couldn’t fully reject the null hypothesis that there was no relation between time spent under colonial rule and current economic development. We did seem to notice a trend in that direction, however more research was definitely needed to provide a solid platform to make such a claim. As I stated before, I still think it is a possibility to continue researching, however for the sake of the timely project’s completion, we opted for simplicity so that at the very least we could cover the variables that we got approved.
When we’re able to start working on the revisions once we get feedback on our efforts, I hope we’ll make some greater advancements towards a better data and a more solid conclusion for this project. I have faith in the team to give it our best effort, although I hope our ability to coordinate this week isn’t too hampered by everyone studying for and taking finals. I personally don’t have many, but I’ve had multiple projects due this week and chores at home that have really divided my attention. All that’s left to do at this point is to focus and zero in on what’s left to be done! Here’s to our first ever home-bound Finals Week!