Methods

        Pre- Writing:  The Methods section of my paper will help me to organize what exactly it is that I am doing.  It will also help my audience to have a better understanding of my techniques.  This section will differ from other sections of my paper because it discusses what I will actually be doing to collect my data.  I hope to accomplish by the end of this paper, a clear and focused understanding of my method intentions.

           For my research paper, I have written in what is known as an “autoethonography.”  I felt that Sarah Wall, who was involved with the International Institute for Qualitative Methodology at the University of Alberta, described the concept of autoethnography very well.  She stated that, 

 ”Autoethnography is an emerging qualitative research method that allows the author to write in a highly personalized style, drawing on his or her experience to extend understandings about a social phenomenon.  Autoethnography is grounded in postmodern philosophy and is linked to growing debate about reflexivity and voice in social research. The intent of autoethnography is to acknowledge the inextricable link between the personal and the cultural and to make room for nontraditional forms of inquiry and expression. In this autoethnography, the author explores the state of understanding regarding autoethnography as a research method and describes the experience of an emerging qualitative researcher in learning about this new and ideologically challenging genre of inquiry.” 

          Since I have wrote in the form of an autoethnography, the participant in my research was myself.  This is why my research question specifically pertained to  ”a white, American, 20 year old, Catholic, female.”    One reason why I chose to do an authoethonography was because I felt that this would make my research unique.  Another reason why I chose this method was, to be able to share my personal experiences that I have experienced with this particular subject.   

         In my specific research, I used a Phenomenology/Heuristic Analysis approach for my paper.  I have observed my reactions to different forms of advertisements that have been used in the cosmetic industry.  I have looked at some specific examples of various advertisements that have been done in the cosmetic industry.  After observing these advertisements, I then recorded my reactions to them.  I discussed issues such as, if these advertisements were believable to me, whether I felt that this product is something I would consider trying, or if I thought that the company was using good marketing techniques, just to name a few.  I have also incorporated my own personal issues that I have experienced with past cosmetic advertisements.  

  

Works Cited 

 Wall, Sarah. “An Autoethnography on Learning about Autoethonography.” International Journal of Qualitative Methods. June 2006. March 18, 2010. <http://www.ualberta.ca/~iiqm/backissues/5_2/PDF/wall.pdf >