Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: This paper makes the argument that international, cross national or transnational comparative methods are simply good methods. It further discusses that isolating the multi-country aspect of these methods will further marginalize the methods and relegate it to discussion among a small percentage of researchers. Examples are provided for why we should discuss these methods as mainstream good methods. First, this paper will briefly discuss the development of the literature, clarifying comparative design from comparative methods. Then, it will discuss some of the characteristics of comparative methods that have been touted as unique, such as language and culture. Finally, it makes the case for why they are not – or should not be – isolated as international methods.

Publication Type: Invited Paper
Abstract: When compared to the communication analysis speeches of the past, the CA’s of today seem to be spending more time on explaining their methods and drawing their conclusions while spending less and less time actually applying a methodological tool to a rhetorical artifact. This paper will consider this trend in relation to such topics as: (1) the historical evolution of Communication Analysis speeches, (2) the reasons for the reallocation of time/priorities, (3) the impact of this trend on student understanding of the process of conducting rhetorical criticism (and the concurrent ability to conduct meaningful analytic dissection), (4) the difficulty of drawing meaningful conclusions and implications at the end of the speech (and the difficulty of connecting these insights to the application step of the process), and (5) the implications of this trend for students who intend to pursue graduate work in rhetorical criticism.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: In this paper, I examine the experience of trying to insert feminist methods into a qualitative methods course as well as attempting to make that same qualitative methods course a requirement for all Social Science students at the University of Hawai`i, West O`ahu. Faculty attitudes and student resistance are also discussed.

Publication Type: Paper (prepared oral presentation)
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: This is a methodological paper which looks at how the use of focus groups, card sorts and interview data provide complex and rich information about identity construction which is not possible through traditional survey methods.
The argument is exemplified with reference to a study of identity construction in UK citizens of African Caribbean heritage and descent.
The paper illustrates the importance of allowing participants to talk about the multi-dimensionality of identity, views of category construction and permeability as well as (for this group) the importance of the temporal dimension.
I will conclude by considering the implications for political identities and behaviours and possible applications to other contexts.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Controversy continues to rage over the best method of judicial selection. This preliminary study contributes to the dearth of empirical research on the subject by presenting the results of an analysis of the relationship between method of judicial selection and judicial misconduct. Using judicial misconduct and selection method data provided by 20 states over a 10 year period, tests of the relationship between these variables indicate that selection by partisan elections produces the worst judges, as measured by frequency of judicial discipline findings. Merit selection appears to produce judges with fewer instances of judicial misconduct. The next stage of this research soon to be completed will collect and analyze an additional 10 years of data, thereby providing policy makers with empirical evidence from a 20 year period regarding the best method for selecting judges unlikely to engage in ethical or legal misconduct.