The Research Consultations at the AFTA Conference By Martha Edwards Are you applying for a Fullbright Fellowship? Do
you want to integrate family research into a family therapy training program?
Do you want to enter the research arena but are having trouble identifying
a question that will focus your efforts? Do you want to evaluate the impact
of an empowerment approach to community organizing on participants'
self concept and self esteem? These were just some of the goals of the 14
participants in the research consultations at the AFTA conference in Miami
Beach. They met with an able group of consultants including: Peter Fraenkel,
Robert-Jay Green, Gonzalo Bacigalupe, Jay Lebow, Thorana Nelson, Volker Thomas,
and your truly, Martha Edwards. After hearing briefly about the various projects,
we divided into small groups so that each consultant met with one to three
individuals working on similar projects. The idea of the research consultations is to meet
the consultees wherever they are in the conceptualization or implementation
of their research ideas. For some, this meant help is formulating a useful
research question that could guide their work over time—a most critical
phase, but often a surprisingly difficult thing to do precisely. For others,
the consultation enabled them to clarify their thinking about their project,
stimulated the redesign of some of their methods, and provided suggestions
for specific instruments to consider. We were also very fortunate to have consultants
who were knowledgeable and experienced in qualitative research methods to
help conceive of creative ways to use these methods in the various projects.
The consultants were also attuned to the process of research, confirming one
group's use of a reflecting interview as part of grounded research and
encouraging them to work on developing a shared language and perspective within
a team whose members held quite different ideas about their common project.
Finally, consultees helped one another, providing encouragement as well as
specific suggestions for references or instruments. The consultations were a unique opportunity for
AFTA conference participants to learn more about what their colleagues were
doing and to be stimulated by the exchanges. We have further opportunities
for such exchanges throughout the year thanks to Peter Fraenkel's work
in developing the Research Resource Network. The AFTA office will soon be sending out a questionnaire
for members to complete, asking for information on current and past research
projects and interests. This information will be posted on AFTA's website
and available for members to learn more about each other's work and
to facilitate continued collaboration with one another. When the time comes,
please let us know about you and your work, and let's make this a real
resource for one another. Martha Edwards, Ph.D., is a member of AFTA's
Board of Directors and incoming Chair of the Research Committee. She is a
faculty member and Director of the Early Prevention and Enrichment Project
at the Ackerman Institute for the Family. She is also a Clinical Assistant
Professor of Psychiatry at the NYU Child Study Center, working as Co-Principal
Investigator on a project to develop family-focused treatment for bipolar
disorder in children and supervising child psychiatry fellows in family therapy. |
