a. What challenges did you overcome throughout this inquiry project? How did you go about
overcoming these challenges?
One of the primary challenges was accessing a diverse range of scholarly sources for the literature review. To overcome this, I utilized academic databases such as JSTOR, Google Scholar, and university library resources to gather comprehensive and credible information. Additionally, scheduling and conducting interviews presented logistical challenges, particularly in reaching individuals from varied familial backgrounds. To address this, I used a mix of in-person and virtual interview methods, and I reached out to community organizations and social media platforms to find a diverse group of people to ask my questions to.
b. How did this inquiry change the way you think?
This inquiry significantly deepened my understanding of the different ways family influences our values and beliefs. I initially viewed familial impact as somewhat uniform across different contexts, but through this research, I realized the complexity and variability of these influences. The integration of different theoretical perspectives, such as Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory and the empirical data from interviews, provided a multifaceted view that highlighted both universal and unique aspects of familial influence.
c. How did this investigation impact your future decisions?
The investigation made me more conscious of the underlying familial influences on my own values and decision-making processes. This self-awareness encourages me to reflect on how my upbringing shapes my perspectives and actions. In future decisions, especially those involving moral and ethical considerations, I will be more opening to examining the roots of my beliefs and more open to considering alternative viewpoints influenced by different familial backgrounds.
d. What impact will this investigation have on others locally and/or globally?
Locally, this investigation can create greater empathy and understanding within communities by highlighting the diverse ways families shape individuals. This awareness can promote more inclusive and respectful interactions across cultural and socio-economic lines. Globally, the findings can contribute to cross-cultural research on familial influences, offering insights that may be applicable in varied cultural contexts. By sharing this research through blogs, presentations, or publications, I hope to encourage a broader appreciation of the complex role families play in shaping values, ultimately promoting a more harmonious and empathetic global society.