Methodology - Unit 10 Section 1 Page 3/3

Facts & Interpretations

When one obtains information, - the facts - then the key objective is how to interpret those facts. The Social Science Method that we learned shows us that one can have a hypothesis and use the results to analyze how well reality agrees with our initial questions. Looking at the analysis in the AAS Poster Session Database, I came up with some characterizations and some recommendations that were based on the characteristics and ideas that I had previously discussed. For example, I posited that Posters would be an advantage for some foreign colleagues to better present their research. The percentage of foreign colleagues who participated in the posters (25%) is disproportionate to their meeting attendance (not more than 5%). Thus, my initial hypothesis on this characteristic of utilizing posters at the national level looks likely.

This section includes:

Some Characteristics of the 1995 & 1996 Poster Presentations

 

  • The presenters were essentially evenly divided in terms of gender.

  • Approximtaely 25% of presenters are colleagues from foreign institutions.

  • Approximately 70% of the papers were in the East Asian field.

  • The posters were very diversified in terms of the fields presented. Out of 39 presentations there are over 16 different fields.

Recommendations for the 1997 & 1998 AAS Meeting

Recommendations for the 1997 AAS Meeting
Based on the study of previous poster sessions and informal comments on the poster presentations, I have essentially four recommendations for the 1997 AAS meeting to consider:

The establishment of a "Poster Information Center" on the AAS Homepage. This would include a poster diagram, instructions, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), a few photos of posters, and a dialogue box to provide ongoing suggestions by the membership. (I in fact did develop this poster web site).

An evaluation instrument and single information sheet describing posters should be included inside the 1997 program as a tear-out (See Appendix 2 - Evaluation & Information Sheets). The evaluation is to be returned to the AAS Information booth or to M. Levine. The evaluation is designed to obtain both quantitative and qualitative data on key issues of the Poster Session. First, the quality of the posters is a concern. Other questions are also explored. For example, should posters be limited to those who have already received their PhD's or should it be used to display/discuss graduate and undergraduate research? Another issue is to gain some views on the utility of posters in comparison to some paper presentations.

Assign the Poster Session(s) to a regular room at regular meeting times.

Integrate the individual poster papers, as properly recognized papers in the newsletter and program - listed in "Panels Listed by World "Area /Interarea Topic." Instead of the word Panels, perhaps "Presentations" or "Papers" could be considered. A Poster session really isn't a unified panel format, but a series of research-based presentations, each one of which is equivalent to a paper presented in a panel. Each poster should receive recognition and it would be helpful to conference attendees to have them separated and overviewed in this manner.

Recommendations for the 1998 AAS Meeting

Based on the evaluative processes which will take place at the 1997 meeting, a reasoned approach can be taken to incorporate, or not incorporate Posters within the AAS conference structure. Based on ongoing reflection, as possible procedures to consider, I would suggest the following:

  • Keep the Poster Information Center on the AAS Homepage actively updated.

  • Tabulate and analyze the evaluation instrument.

  • Broaden the accessiblity of the posters for students (See Appendix 3, A New Poster Session Call for Papers).

  • Consider an award for "Best Student Poster."

Original Survey
Association for Asian Studies - Poster Evaluation - 1997

This Evaluation will be presented at the AAS Meeting in March 1997 to all interested conference attendees.

1. I have attended ______ Poster Sessions.
No, I have not attended a Poster Session, but would like to submit an evaluation.

2. Had you previous knowledge of what a poster presentation was?
Yes No

3. In general, were the posters clearly presented? Yes No

4. Were the presenters available for discussion about their research during the scheduled time? Yes No

5. Did you think that some papers you had seen presented in panels, would have been better presented as posters? Yes No If your answer is Yes, Why?
Language Constraints Clarity of Presentation (Visuals or Statistics)
Time Limitations Dialogue with Researcher
Other Reason(s):

6. Should poster presentations be available for: Graduate Students? Undergraduate Students? Unaffiliated Asianists?

7. Should there be an award for "Best Student Poster" ? Yes No

8. Should presenters be permitted to use foreign languages in their posters, with an abstract in English? Yes No If so, which languages?

9. Should poster sessions be expanded in future AAS national and regional conferences? Yes No

10. Please give any observations or suggestions that you may have on the usage of posters at the AAS conferences and/or the poster sessions that you have seen.

Please return completed evaluations to the AAS Information Booth at Registration or mail to: Marilyn Levine, Lewis-Clark State College, Division of Social Sciences, Lewiston, ID 83501, USA.

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