Weekly Reflection 2

For me, who had not been exposed to statistics prior to this school year, AP Statistics, even if it only consisted of an introduction to statistics, was an enormous help. The way it reshaped my understanding of other theories, as well as real-life practice, is unparalleled. 

As I decided to carry out this research, I read a great deal of literature from predecessors and discovered that the task was more difficult than I anticipated.

Therefore, the basic application of statistics and the initial understanding of SPSS are what I consider to be the biggest gains, if only in terms of knowledge rather than competence.

Likewise, the application of observation, research, and theory, the ability to locate information from vast literature, and the ability to focus on details are also skills I am now beginning to realize. In my capacity as a member of the community, I am constantly searching for something I can contribute.

From the exploration, design, and planning stages to the implementation, entry, and analysis of these questionnaires, if I were the only one involved, there would be an extreme amount of control of details involved. As important as rigor is, how it can be combined with humanity is more important. Besides identifying the questions that need to be answered urgently, what measures must be taken to ensure the privacy of students, and what questions must be posed in order to address these issues to the greatest degree possible? Does the question elicit overly negative emotions in the students? Consequently, I was forced to consider not only the perspective of the student, but also that of the community.

I finished the exit interview last Thursday, which also meant that some conclusions were made about the survey. The results of the survey were unexpected, yet plausible. A significant difference in mental health issues was observed among students who reported experiencing such bias themselves. Moreover, students from sexual minority backgrounds were statistically significantly more likely to have mental health problems.

I felt somewhat powerless. Could it be changed?

Unfortunately, there is not much I can do about it. There is nothing I can do to eliminate stereotypes from people's minds, to stop some people from using prejudiced language, or to make people feel better suddenly and unaffected by mental health issues. I can only create awareness of these issues, bring them to the attention of the community, and allow people to speak for themselves.

We can do better. We need to do better.  

*adapted from narrative reflection