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Article Analysis 2
Article Analysis:
RSCH 201-B02
September 29, 2023
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Article Analysis 2
Abstract
In previous research done about studying abroad, the main focus of the research has been on
things such as language, academics, and culture. However, not many studies have been done on
the lasting impact studying abroad may have on participants. This study seeks to understand the
lasting impact studying abroad can have by understanding the experiences of two participants.
The researchers studied their stories and compared the two to draw conclusions about this
subject. Researchers used a collaborative autoethnography approach to analyze the collected
data. This approach relies heavily on personal experience. The research was useful in helping
readers understand the effects studying abroad may have on an individual’s personal and
professional life. The limitation identified in this study was the lack of participants, as the use of
more participants with different races, sexes, ethnicities, and ages could better provide more
accurate data. The research for this study may be further strengthened with a collection of
handwritten experiences from participants to compare and contrast and draw accurate
conclusions.
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Article Analysis 2
Research Purpose and Overview
Though there have been various studies done by researchers about studying abroad, the
focus of those studies is usually on language, motivation, or identity. Most studies do not focus
on the impact that studying abroad can have on students. This article is based on a study done by
Jordana Garbati and Natalie Rothschild, focusing on their past experiences studying abroad and
the impact it has had on their lives. The two students still use some of the knowledge they
accumulated in France, from the language to the culture. The thesis of this research project is
found in the first paragraph of the study. It states, “Our research, which adopted a collaborative
autoethnography (CAE) approach, delves into the lasting impacts our respective study abroad
experiences have had on our lives” (Garbati & Rothschild, 2016, 2). The authors are looking to
compare various insights that others might gain or lose while studying abroad for some time.
However, the main question this study seeks to answer is, “How have our respective study
abroad experiences influenced our initial interest in, and continued involvement with, French as
a second language (FSL) education?” (Garbati & Rothschild, 2016, 4). The theory this study
focuses on is rhetorical theory. The rhetorical theory is a systematic method used for describing,
analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating the persuasive forces of messages, which is also used to
collect data.
Methods and Research
The research method this study utilized was a qualitative research approach to examine
the long-term effects of the two students who studied abroad. Qualitative methods are present
because this study uses preliminary data collection, subsequent data collection, data analysis, and
report writing. In this study, both Garbati and Rothschild are recounting their experiences from
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Article Analysis 2
their points of view. This study also lacks numerical data or statistics as it focuses more on the
subjective aspects and outcomes of studying abroad. For this study to be quantitative, the authors
would need to include questions and answers that participants could choose from, as well as
incorporating numerical data.
The researchers, Garbati and Rothschild, employ the collaborative autoethnography
(CAE) method as their research design method. This is a method of qualitative research. It uses
writing and self-reflection to further explore an individual’s personal experiences. According to
Hark, “Autoethnographers use their own personal experiences to reflect upon, distinguish, and
question cultural practices” (Hark, 2019, 140). This method uses a combination of personal and
cultural experiences to apply it to wider political, cultural, and social understandings and
meanings. According to the researchers, “Of the many benefits, CAE research allows for deeper
learning about oneself and others and fosters collaboration among researchers” (Garbati &
Rothschild, 2016, 4). Garbati and Rothschild also note that the CAE approach allowed for a
detailed description of their experiences. This allowed for the similarities and differences in their
respective experiences living in France to be highlighted.
Conclusion, Limitations, and Future Research
Garbati and Rothschild concluded that their experiences studying abroad had lasting
impacts on not only their day-to-day lives but also the career paths they chose to pursue (Garbati
& Rothschild). The researchers found that the collaborative autoethnography approach provided
insightful research to not only better understand this research approach but also the lasting
effects studying abroad may have. The limitation found in this study is that there were not
enough participants in the study to identify and ensure that the data was completely accurate.
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Article Analysis 2
With only two participants in this study, the data pool is small for accurate information to be
provided. Garbati & Rothschild encourage further research to be done on this subject toward the
end of the article. In further studies, researchers should use more participants of different sex,
age, race, and ethnicity groups. The researchers might also consider using participants who are
studying in different locations to see how various cultures might affect a student’s coursework
and social or professional life. The research could be further strengthened by the collection of
handwritten experiences, which researchers may compare to draw accurate conclusions (Garbati
& Rothschild).
Original Analysis
Science articles and humanities articles are similar in some ways but differ in three ways.
For one, science articles focus on the natural world using an analytical and highly critical
approach. Whereas humanities articles focus on the inner workings of oneself and how it
functions and interacts with the environment around it, science articles also tend to have a lasting
impact beyond the publication of research. These types of articles are written with the intent of
delivering a solution to the audience through the study conducted. Most scientists go on to patent
their research as it is more knowledge for health and life than humanities. The second difference
between scientific and humanities research is that a large amount of money is made by
commercializing scientific research. In comparison to humanities articles that publish findings
that don’t gain much following or money. For this reason, humanities articles are accessible to
the public for free, meaning the only income for their work is publication in the future. Lastly,
the conclusions of scientific articles differ from the conclusions of humanistic articles. Scientific
articles rely heavily on factual information as well as numerical and statistical data, resulting in a
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direct conclusion. Humanities articles, however, are most often based on the author's own
experiences, resulting in an opinion-based conclusion.
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Article Analysis 2
References
Hark, K. (2019). Research across the disciplines: An Introduction (2nd ed.). Kendall Hunt
Publishing Company.
Garbati, J. F., & Rothschild, N. (2016). Lasting impact of study abroad experiences: A
Collaborative Autoethnography. Forum: Qualitative Social
Research, 17(2)https://doi.org/10.17169/fqs-17.2.2387
