Methodology Section and Ethics Section of Research Proposal - Essay Example

?Introduction This section will discuss the techniques and strategies that are going to be used in collection of data for the research. It will describe the research design to be used and give a rationale why alternatives have not been used. It will also discuss the participants to be included in the research and how they will be selected by discussing the sampling techniques. Additionally, methodology section will outline the target population and the sample size to be used. Moreover, the methodology section will identify data collection techniques and the procedures to be used in data collection. Lastly, the section will also contain a description of the strategies to be used in data analysis and the ethical issues to be considered when conducting the research. Research Design This research is a qualitative research given that this would facilitate collection of in-depth information to address the specific objective of the study (Bowling, 2002, p. 14). Bowling advocates for use of qualitative research method when carrying out research on an area which is sensitive, too complex or where little is known about it. Unlike quantitative research where the data collected is used to test the hypothesis and leads to generalization of information; qualitative helps the researcher to collect in-depth information from a small population (Pettigrew and Roberts, 2006, p. 257). In qualitative research three designs may be used which consists of grounded theory, ethnography and phenomenology (Bowling, 2002, p. 16). This research will rely on interpretive phenomenological research design. Phenomenology is considered as a methodology and a philosophy useful social science and psychology research and is useful in understanding complicated issues which may not be easy to understand from the immediate response (Glense and Peshkin, 2005, p. 296). The rationale behind selecting phenomenology is that it helps in deepening the comprehension of a range of immediate responses (Conroy, 2003, p. 3). According to Jopling (1996, p. 153), interpretive phenomenology is involves reflecting critically on the conscious experiences instead of subconscious motivation and is adopted to unravel important invariant characteristics of the feature. Consequently in the current research, it will enable the researcher to uncover the perceptions which health visitors may have formed as their roles in detecting and management of postnatal depression. In analysis data from collected through phenomenology approach, researchers look out for themes, exemplars and paradigms (Conroy, 2003, p. 3). Language is useful in phenomenology as it acts as a means for transmitting of experiences and describing the reality. The basic assumption made in phenomenology is that the life of an individual is constructed socially and experiences are interrelated (Pettigrew and Roberts, 2006, p. 257) In interpretive phenomenology the researcher goes through various sequential stages that ensure that he gains understanding of the issues (Glense and Peshkin, 2005, p. 294). The researcher begins with reading the participants narratives to get the feelings of their ideas. The next stage is extraction of the critical statements where the researcher identifies critical sentences and words that relate to the areas under study (Glense and Peshkin, 2005, 294). Consequently, the researcher strives to formulate meanings from these statements and then themes are developed. After themes have been developed, they are reduced to form essential structures that explain the study topic and lastly, the researcher could go back to the respondents to carry out further interviews to cross check the interpretation made (Holloway and Wheeler, 2002, p. 96). According to Morrissey and Higgs (2006, p. 168), phenomenology research may not be evaluated using the customary evaluation criteria of reliability, validity, objectivity and generalizability. However the data collected through interpretative phenomenology is usually credible and trustworthy. Credibility is achieved by presentation of participant’s experiences and this can be reproduced in future researches. Credibility is described as a presentation of faithful descriptions and other researches are confronted with the experience they can recognize it. Moreover the findings are dependable, that is, trustworthy given that they report actual experiences from the respondents (Morrissey and Higgs, 2006, p. 168). The research will not rely on grounded theory which qualitative research design method originating from symbolic interactionsim which postulates that persons interact in an environment which require reflexive engagements as an impact of environmental responses (Hammersley, 1998, p. 23). The method will not be used in the research given its principles which makes its application expensive and time consuming. Hammersley (1998, p. 23) states that one original rule of the theory is that the researcher should only exit from the field and stop sampling after they reach saturation; no additional information data can be gathered from the data. This means that collection of data in this design requires a large population making it expensive and in this research this is not feasible given that a stage of saturation may be hard to achieve (Holloway and Wheeler, 2002, p. 87). On the other hand, ethnography approach which takes root from cultural anthropology was eliminated given that the method is usually labour intensive and expensive (Maxwell, 2005, p. 305). In this research design, the researcher needs to have prolonged direct contact with the respondents to come up with holistic explanations. This would derail the research and furthermore the approach is best when data is collected from a natural setting (Pettigrew and Roberts, 2006, p. 256). Moreover, ethnography demands for application of numerous data collection techniques for a single phenomenon which makes the process tedious and it may not go well with participants who may feel that the research is taking a lot of time (Pettigrew and Roberts, 2006, p. 256). Participants The target population for the research is health visitors from different the study area. In research, target population refers to a large group of people or objects which is the focus scientific inquiry (Polit and Beck, 2003, p. 414). A research population is usually homogenous given that it individuals in the group have similar features (Polit and Beck, 2003, p. 413). The results from the research are to be used as a representative for the study population. In this research, the study population is health visitors within the study area are the ones who provide data to address the research questions and objectives. The inclusion/ exclusion criteria to identify the members to be included in the research population is based on the occupational status and educational level of the health visitor where one to have been qualified for a minimum of five years. Individuals within this category are considered to possess a considerable large working experience and have dealt with many clients having post natal depression. By using individuals who have worked with patients having PDN, this will help in collection of valid and credible data since they contain relevant information about the topic. Given that the study population is too large and disperse making collection of data from such a group difficult, a sample population will be used. Sampling techniques and recruitment strategies A sample in research is a subgroup of the research population which participates in the study (Denzin and Lincoln, 2000, p.23). A sample is usually a representative of the population and it helps the researcher to collect data fast and cheaply given that only a portion of the total population is surveyed (Polit and Beck, 2003, p. 415). If well planned, sampling leads to collection of credible and trustworthy data on the topic. There are different sampling strategies that may be used as the researcher seeks to ensure the sample set forth is representative of the population (Polit and Beck, 2003, p. 418). The main types of sampling techniques include convenience sampling, quota sampling, purposive sampling, cluster sampling, simple random sampling and snowball sampling. Some sampling techniques may cause biasness while others do not give an assurance of a representative sample (Streubert Speziale and Carpenter, 2003, p. 58). However, each sampling technique has its strength and one chooses a sampling method depending on the margin of error allowed. The two main groups in sampling are probability sampling and non-probability sampling (Streubert Speziale and Carpenter, 2003, p. 59). Probability sampling entails random selection when selecting participants in a study and each member of the target population has a chance of being included in the study (Maxwell, 2005, p. 305). Simple random sampling, cluster sampling and systematic sampling are found in this group. In non-probability sampling, participants of the study are chosen through nonrandom methods and this could either be purposive, quota and purposive sampling (Cresswell, 2009, p. 12). In this research, purposive sampling will be used where the participants are selected purposefully as they must have the particular information required in answering the research questions and objectives. Moreover, stratification will be used in selection of the sample where the participants chosen should be working within a specific trust. This sampling has been selected as a strategy for ensuring that the researcher collects credible information and from a smaller population (Cresswell, 2009, p. 7). Random sampling could not be used as the research would end up surveying participants who are not heath visitors. On the other hand, convenience sampling was not used as the researcher would have to station himself at a strategic point that the participants of the research are likely to come to (Polit and Beck, 2003, p. 418). The participants will be identified by talking with the management of the trust to provide a list of their health visitors who have been qualified for six years and have previous experience in working with women having PND, that is, the one who have previously worked in a corporate organization. After the researcher identifies the health visitors who meet the above criteria, the researcher will write a letter requesting for an interview at a particular date. A letter is important as it makes the research formal and gives an assurance that research is being carried professionally (Strauss and Corbin, 2008, p. 140). The letter will also give an in-depth description of what the research entails and therefore the participants give an informed consent of what to expect during the research. A letter is also important given that it prepares the participant psychologically on what to expect during the survey thereby reducing the time consumed in interviewing them (Strauss and Corbin, 2008, p. 143). Prior to data collection, the researcher will seek for permission from the security personnel before accessing the research premises so that his presence is well known and to reduce doubts on whether he can be trusted that the data being collected will not be used maliciously (Conroy, 2003, p. 3). Sample Size The sample size to be used in the research is six respondents. This number has been chosen given that it is easy to collected detailed information to address research question and objectives at a low cost. Moreover, there are very many qualified health visitors who have worked for more than six years in a single facility and therefore it is a representative sample thereby enhancing the credibility and trustworthy data (Watson, McKenna, Cowman, and Keady, 2008, p. 23). Data collection techniques The data collection technique to be used is semi structured interviews. Semi structured interviews involve developing questions to guide the interview and they address all the research questions and aims but they can extend to other issues not included in the lists of questions (Watson, Atkinson, and Egerton, 2006, p. 107). Semi structured technique have been selected to ensure that the researcher does not leave out critical information during data collection yet it gives room for researchers to deal with issues that may be raised by the participant during the interview to give more in-depth information about the research topic (Contreras, 2002, p. 24). Open ended questionnaires will be used in the research and this have been selected to ensure that the interview remains focused and gives the respondents a chance to give detailed information. These questions unlike structured questionnaires do not limit the respondents answer and therefore they are able give much detailed information (Contreras, 2002, p. 24) Procedure To collect data, the researcher will first obtain a formal letter from the administration of institution showing the purpose of the research. Consequently, this research will be presented to the trust administrators so that he can get a formal consent to allow him to carry out the research. When the researcher gets to the respondent, he will introduce himself and then show the consents to carry out the research (Rubin and Rubin, 2005, p. 75). Data collection will be carried out in the office of the health visitor specific time agreed upon after booking an appointment as recommended by (Watson, McKenna, Cowman and Keady, 2008, p. 87). The interviewer will take one to one and half hours with each participant to give them enough time to express their perceptions and therefore ensure that the research questions and aims are adequately address. An organized procedure of data collection ensures that the researcher collects credible information. It also increases the level of trustworthiness of the research to his participants (Rubin and Rubin, 2005, p. 75). Pilot study A pilot study is not required for this work given that the research relies on open ended questions and the interview is shaped by the interactions with the participants (Marshall and Rossman, 2006, p. 87). Consequently, a pilot study work not be useful as each participant is gives a different perspective which may be predicted during a pilot study which are conducted to refine the questions in the questionnaires (Streubert Speziale and Carpenter, 2003, p. 59). A pilot study is usually conducted to assess whether initial questionnaire is able to collect reliable, credible, trustworthy and dependable data to answer the research questions and objectives and then adjustments are made to the actual questionnaire (Morrissey and Higgs, 2006, p. 171). Data analysis After the data has been collected, it will be transcribed which involves putting the data in a more recognizable form. It will then be segmented into meaningful sections after which it will be coded. Coding involves identification of main themes in the data after which these themes are categorized. Coding is done based on objectives and aims of the research where each theme addresses each specific objective. The categories will then be evaluated to identify the relationships that exist (Bernard, 2011, p. 371). This will be followed by prioritizing of the categories according to their relevance in the study (Bernard, 2011, p. 372). The data will then be quantified where the frequency of the patterns and themes enumerated. Short notes will be made about the themes and then diagramming will be the last stage of the analysis (Bernard, 2011, p. 372). When qualitative data is analyzed into themes, it can be transferred for use by other researchers and relevant organizations. Ethical issues To ensure that data collected is credible, trustworthy and dependable to answer the research questions; the researcher will adhere to research ethics. Moreover, upholding ethics in this research will create trust among the participants that their data will not be used maliciously (Elliot and Stern, 1997, p. 140). The main ethical considerations to be made in the research is that of guaranteeing the participants their safety and this will be achieved by ensuring that a consideration is made on the costs and benefits of including a particular participant in research (Elliot and Stern, 1997, p. 140). Participants will not be threatened to participate and those who fail to comply will not be reported to the administration of the trust as this can lead to their victimization. The researcher will also ensure that participants engage in the research from an informed consent (Elliot and Stern, 1997, p. 140). Data collected will not be used for any other use expect for the research and will not be shared to maintain the confidentiality of the participant. The research will guarantee the participants that their data will remain private (Tapp, et al., 2009, p. 29). Bibliography Bernard, H. R. 2011, Research methods in anthropology: qualitative and quantitative approaches. Lanham, Md, AltaMira Press. Pp 1-533. Bowling, A., 2002, Research methods in health: Investigating heath and health sciences 2nd edition, Open University Press. Buckingham: Philadelphia pp 1-29. Conroy, S. 2003, ‘’A pathway for interpretive phenomenology’’, International Journal of Qualitative Methods, Vol. 2 (3), pp. 1-43. Contreras, D.W. 2002, "Developing sampling techniques for an effective compliance program", Journal of Health Care Compliance, vol. 4, no. 5, pp. 24-27. Cresswell, J.W. 2009, Research Design. Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches. London: Sage Denzin, N. K., & Lincoln, Y. S. 2000, Handbook of qualitative research. London: Sage Publications. Elliot, D. Stern, J. 1997, Research Ethics: A Reader, Hanover NH: University Press of New England. Pp 1-150. Glense, C. & Peshkin, A., 2005, Becoming Qualitative Researchers, (3rd ed.)  London: Longman. Pp 1-300. Hammersley, M., 1998, Reading Ethnographic Research, London: Longman. Pp 1-54. Holloway, I. & Wheeler, S. 2002, Qualitative Research for Nurses, (2nd ed.)  Oxford: Blackwell Science. Pp 1-100. Jopling, D. 1996, "Sub-phenomenology", Human Studies, Vol. 19 No. 2, pp. 153-73 Marshall, C. & Rossman, G.B. 2006, Designing Qualitative Research, (4th ed.) London: Sage. Pp 1-87. Maxwell, J.A. 2005, Qualitative Research Design: An Interactive Approach,  (2nd ed.)  London: Sage. Morrissey, G., & Higgs, J. 2006, “Phenomenological research and adolescent female sexuality: Discoveries and applications”, The Qualitative Report, 11(1), 161-181. Pettigrew, M., & Roberts, H. 2006, Systematic reviews in the social sciences: a practical guide. Blackwell Publishing. Pp 1-300. Polit, D. F. & Beck, C. T. 2003, In Nursing Research: Principles and Methods. 7th ed.) (413-444). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Rubin, H.J. & Rubin, I.S. 2005, Qualitative Interviewing: The Art of Hearing Data, (2nd ed.)  London: Sage. Pp 1-100. Strauss, A. & Corbin, J., 2008, Basics of Qualitative Research: Techniques and Procedures for Developing Grounded Theory, (3rd ed.)  London: Sage. Pp 1-150. Streubert Speziale, H. J., & Carpenter, D. R., 2003, In Qualitative research in nursing (3rd ed.) (pp. 58-59). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Tapp, L., Elwyn, G., Edwards, A., Soren Holm & Eriksson, T. 2009, "Quality improvement in primary care: ethical issues explored", International journal of health care quality assurance, vol. 22, no. 1, pp. 8-29. Watson, R., Atkinson, I. & Egerton, P. 2006, Successful Statistics For Nursing and Healthcare,  Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. Pp 1-200. Watson, R., McKenna, H., Cowman, S. & Keady, J. 2008, Nursing Research Designs & Methods,  Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier. Pp 1-200.   Read More