Resume:  How could you pursue this instead as a case study? Perhaps you could study one BLM organization in one town. Will you use unobtrusive methods by doing a content analysis of the comments on their website? Would you also interview some of its members, and do participant observation at some of the planning/organization meetings and/or at an upcoming rally?

Title: A Case Study on the Black Lives Matter Organization: Exploring Website Comments, Interviews, and Participant Observation

Introduction:
The aim of this case study is to examine a specific Black Lives Matter (BLM) organization in one town. By employing unobtrusive research methods, such as content analysis of website comments, conducting interviews with members, and engaging in participant observation, this study seeks to gain a deeper understanding of the organization’s objectives, strategies, and the impact of its activities on the community. This research will contribute to the existing literature on social movements and provide valuable insights into the dynamics of BLM organizations at a local level.

Research Objectives:

1. To analyze the themes and sentiments expressed in comments on the organization’s website.
2. To explore the motivations, experiences, and perspectives of BLM organization members through interviews.
3. To engage in participant observation at planning/organization meetings and/or rallies to understand the dynamics and strategies employed by the organization.

Methodology:
This case study will use a combination of qualitative research methods, including content analysis, interviews, and participant observation.

Content Analysis:
To examine the content and sentiment of comments on the organization’s website, a systematic content analysis will be conducted. By categorizing and quantifying various themes and sentiments expressed in these comments, the study will assess the level of public engagement, identify prevalent issues and concerns, and uncover patterns of support and opposition towards the organization.

Interviews:
Semi-structured interviews will be conducted with a diverse sample of BLM organization members to gain insights into their motivations, experiences, and perceptions. The interviews will focus on understanding individual involvement, perceived challenges, goals, and the impact of the organization’s activities on personal lives and the community as a whole. The collected data will be analyzed thematically to identify common threads and divergent perspectives.

Participant Observation:
Participant observation will be employed to gain an in-depth understanding of the organizational dynamics and strategies employed by the BLM organization. The researcher will actively engage and observe meetings and/or rallies, documenting interactions, decision-making processes, and strategic planning efforts. This method will enable the researcher to explore the organization’s internal functioning, identify leadership structures, examine group dynamics, and assess the organization’s adaptation to changing circumstances.

Sampling:
For website comments, a systematic sampling technique will be used to select comments from a specific time frame, ensuring representativeness of perspectives expressed. For interviews, purposive sampling will be conducted to include members with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and roles within the organization. The sample will aim to capture a range of perspectives while ensuring variation in race, gender, age, and years of involvement. Regarding participant observation, the researcher will seek permission from the organization to attend relevant meetings or events, taking into consideration logistical constraints and ethical considerations.

Data Analysis:
Data derived from content analysis, interviews, and participant observation will be analyzed using thematic analysis. This process involves identifying recurring themes, categorizing data, identifying patterns and anomalies, and interpreting the findings in relation to existing theoretical frameworks and scholarly debates. Robust documentation and cross-referencing of data sources will be conducted to ensure rigor and credibility in the analysis.

Ethical Considerations:
Ethical guidelines in social science research will be followed throughout the study. Informed consent will be obtained from participants for interviews and participant observation. The anonymity and confidentiality of participants will be maintained, and steps will be taken to ensure the privacy and security of collected data. Any potential risks and benefits will be communicated to the participants, and their right to withdraw from the study without consequence will be respected.

Conclusion:
This proposed case study aims to provide an in-depth understanding of a specific Black Lives Matter organization by analyzing website comments, conducting interviews, and engaging in participant observation. By utilizing these unobtrusive research methods, the study seeks to shed light on the organization’s objectives, strategies, and the impact of its activities on the community. The findings of this research will contribute to the existing body of knowledge on social movements and offer insights to stakeholders, researchers, and organizations interested in the dynamics of BLM organizations at a local level.