Thick Description Reflection

Assignment 2: Thick Description Reflection

Analyzing and Interpreting the Results of Research

Presenting the results of your research needs to include more than a simple presentation of data. You will need to help the reader understand the results of your research. This involves analysis and interpretation with the goal of understanding the problem and your recommended solution in a clearer light.

Cultural anthropologist Clifford Geertz adapted the term “thick description,” originally coined by the philosopher Gilbert Ryle, to identify the kind of analysis and interpretation of research that best helps others understand its significance.

The first step beyond the reporting of data is analysis. What are the results of your research saying? The next step in presenting a thick description of research is interpretation. What do the results of your research mean?

Ultimately, any research with people must have a human dimension that is better captured with narrative than with numbers. Your research produces a story (or stories) as well as results. Telling the story that is based on the data will help the reader understand both the ministry issue you address and the ministry solution you recommend.

In a 275-words paper, reflect on Geertz’s understanding of a thick description by addressing two questions: First, what does Geertz mean by “thick description”? Second, what is the “story” that your research should tell and how will you tell it?