For my third and final tutorial at Capilano University, I wanted to create a survey study that examined anti-vaccination attitudes. I threw the emerging idea out to a few professors that I was fortunate enough to have classes with early in the summer of 2021. Originally, I knew I wanted this tutorial to include the notion of COVID-19, a deadly virus which continues to grow as a phenomenon all over the world, but I wasn’t sure what exactly the tutorial would consist of. By the time the tutorial was in full swing, vaccinations became available; so naturally my study shifted focus solely to vaccinations and eventually factors that may predict anti-vaccination attitudes. I was happy to work alongside Douglas W Alards-Tomalin, a professor who taught me statistics for social sciences. It seemed only fitting that for my final tutorial I didn’t take any shortcuts and got the assignment approved through the Capilano University Research Ethics Board. By the end of the assignment, being taught how to use applications to use some of the forgotten statistics that help illustrate the value of our study, was probably my favourite part. Although it cannot quite be included in the self-reflection, I’m excited to attempt getting my article published- leading to even greater experience from the tutorial.
Overall, this tutorial was an exceptionally experience. I got to witness firsthand how critical recruitment and ethical research considerations must be when conducting a study of this nature. Participant data security is very important and must be dealt with in a precautionary manner. I completed this tutorial while also working on my graduation project and getting trained in a new occupation, which meant that meeting deadlines was another very important factor throughout the tutorial experience. The topic nature was very relevant, but also controversial and potentially sensitive; navigating these notions while also finishing the necessary work was at times difficult but another important lesson to consider. It was very nice to touch back to some of the statistical models and formulas that need to be used in social sciences such as psychology; it was great being able to use an application which contributing to analyzing our data in a professional and user-friendly manner. Having dealt with the participant questions through email and funding the projecting through my own means helped accelerate the process forward. For any individuals who decided to partake in my study and wanted a summary, I will not post any of the results on this self-reflection. Feel free to send me an email at soroushsharafzadeh@my.capilanou.ca for a short summary of the results. Thank you for everyone that helped make this tutorial experience possible.
Best,
Soroush