Type of Research Data and Source of Data Technique of Collecting and Analyzing Data

D. Objective of the Study

In this part, the researcher attempts to answer the problem that has been raised in the research question. Thus, the objective of the study is to explain how the myth of material success is reflected through the main character of the movie, Chris Gardner.

E. Benefits of the Study

In this research, the researcher expects that this study gives some following benefits: 1. To the researchers of American Study To understand the belief and value of American people 2. To the readers To show the different perspectives of American people in pursuing happiness 3. To the students of American Study To know the importance of possessing material as a symbol of success for American people

F. Methods of Study

1. Type of Research

This is a descriptive qualitative research. In descriptive qualitative research, the data that have been collected, then are described and interpreted. “It can refer to research about person’s lives, stories, behavior but also about organizational functioning, social movements or interactional relationships” Straus and Corbin, 1990:17. The qualitative research also uses documents, books, videotapes and other data to support the study.

2. Data and Source of Data

The source of data of this research is the original DVD of The Pursuit of Happyness movie which was released by Columbia Picture on December 15 th 2006. The main data are taken from the source of data in the forms of dialogues, scenes, characters, characterization, and the cinematographic elements such as camera angle, camera movement, lighting, camera distance, sound and so forth. While the supporting data are taken from the books, journals, magazines, articles and internet, which are relevant to the topic discussed.

3. Technique of Collecting and Analyzing Data

The researcher analyzed the movie as the source of data in this research. This movie was observed into several steps. The first step was watching the movie and all the scenes displayed in the movie. The second step was finding certain scenes or dialogues, which were relevant to support the analysis. The third step was interpreting each scene, dialogue and other parts which give a significant point to the development of the research. Since the main data were not enough to support the research, the researcher needed the supporting data to complete the information that coul not be found within the movie. After observing the movie, the researcher continued to conduct the analysis supported by the articles, journals, and books provided. In fact, there are many Hollywood movies telling about the myth of material success. The researcher considers that The Pursuit of Happyness movie is much interesting to discuss since it does not only show about how an American pursues his happiness by working hard. It also shows about the myth of material success which is not only accepted and believed by white men as the dominant group, but also by the minority group like black men. Besides, this movie is inspired by a true story so it can show the readers that the myth of material success does not only exist within the movie but also in real life.

G. Theoretical Approaches