Paper prepared for the DIA GSERM course ‘Qualitative Research Methods & Data Analysis’ taught by Prof. PhD Paul Mihas; Topic of choice: Climate Change and Alaska Stakeholders
Journal
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ISSN
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ISSN-Digital
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ISBN
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Type
conference paper
Date Issued
2021-07-23
Author(s)
Abstract
This paper was written as an assignment for the DIA GSERM Course "Qualitative Research Methods & Data Analysis". The assignment's objective was to provide an outline of a qualitative research design examining one of the following two topics: a) Having a family member who is in the military or; b) Climate change and Alaska stakeholders. Based on a series of prerecorded interview data on climate change and Alaska stakeholders, I chose to address the latter topic in my paper. To answer how climate change is affecting the region and its stakeholders, the following four areas of interest were identified as the result of a thorough literature review on the topic: water, temperature and weather, flora and fauna, and local communities. The study's design is explorative and therefore incorporates additional topics that emerged throughout interviews with stakeholders in the region. The interviews’ questions were designed in a semi-structured fashion. The interview data reveals that participants consistently note how climate change has affected the region’s water levels and facilitated fires and that both changes have, in turn, had significant effects on much of the local flora and fauna. Furthermore, all interviewees highlight that the changes that occurred to Alaska’s environment have had great ramifications for local communities in terms of health, security, and economic prosperity. The interviews also show that climate change has had a diverse impact on the region. Therefore, some species such as wolves and eagles have benefitted from the recent shifts in the environment. Moose, geese, and salmon populations, on the other hand, have suffered and partially lost their natural habitats. In terms of emerging themes, it can be noted that political contestation and decision-making may be a significant factor for communities in the region. Communities may therefore wish to become more involved in future governmental matters related to climate change.
Language
English
Keywords
qualitative research
qualitative research design
research design
climate change
Alaska
DIA GSERM
Book title
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Publisher place
Keine Veröffentlichung fand statt. Es handelt sich um eine Prüfungsleistung.
Volume
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Start page
1
End page
24
Pages
24
Event Title
Qualitative Research Methods & Data Analysis (DIA GSERM Course)
Event Location
Universität St. Gallen/Online
Event Date
21.06.2021 - 25.06.2021
Subject(s)
Contact Email Address
fernando.monteabrahao@student.unisg.ch
Eprints ID
265224