I would prefer writer that had completed part 1 of this piece of work which was 81485954.
This is about Qualitative Research Design
The Topic is Families of people with disability
“Relieving the experience of lone family members. Offering disability support services”
For this assignment I have chosen An Interpretive phenomenological methodology to provide framework for this design.
I have attached what is required of this assignment and also an exampler.
. Also I have provided here with the feedback I got so hopefully we can improve on these
7018 Assignment 1 Marking Criteria
Total marks: 45
Weighted at 40%: 18
Introduction 300 words (8/10 marks)
• Opening paragraph which identifies the aim of the assignment.
• Second paragraph that contextualises the topic
Good introduction. Consider offering an operational definition of disability support services, including how they are usually provided in this jurisdiction or country.
Identification of issues or problems (3/15 marks)
• Application of qualitative research principles to the chosen topic
• The research problems/questions framed are consistent with selected methodologies
The identification of issues is variable and none appear to be related to the description of disability services for families provided in the introduction. Interpretive phenomenology is appropriate for the topic of individual experiences of the phenomenon of providing care. The specific detail of the phenomenon reduces the strength of the argument that interpretive phenomenology is the right approach. The identification of families as a group is good, but how this constitutes a culture that can be subjected to ethnographic study requires further development. There are several unsupported assumptions in section 2. The issue for the third section, PAR, is not clearly described. There is an operational definition for critical incidents but limited discussion about who is involved in analysis of incidents and practice development.
Significance (3/15 marks)
• Significance for research problems/questions is explained
• Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of the described methodologies
The significance of the problems identified for research are not clearly explained, and therefore justification of methodologies is limited. The significance of the problem of single carers is not addressed. The numbers of single carers, and the proportion of all carers who are single would be worth noting. Also, provide a list of the challenges and outcomes for the person with disability and the carer if the single carer is not adequately supported in service provision. The significance of family carers function/ culture is not established. The lack of operational definition of the group/culture reduces the argument for ethnography as a useful research methodology. For PAR, the significance of critical events in this population is not established – how are they reported, how many are recorded, what is the nature of the specific events of interest for the selected research community?
Methodological principles (9/15 marks)
• Research methodologies are clearly identified, explained and justified
• Demonstrates understanding of how methodological principles guide research
The principles for interpretive phenomenology are conceptually described. The principles for critical ethnography are not well described conceptually, leading to incorrect application to the case. The critical ethnography methodology is described but with little evidence to support claims however there is evidence of critical analysis in making the model work for the problem. The PAR methodology is described at a highly abstract level.
Evaluation and recommendations (5/15 marks)
• Understands the nature of knowledge produced by qualitative methodologies
• Draws on a wide range of methodological literature
The nature of knowledge produced by the methodologies is not specifically discussed. Rather, a more general, abstract statement about benefits is provided for the first methodology but not for the others.
Conclusion 250 words (5/10 marks)
• Has a concluding paragraph that summarises the qualitative research principles used to explore the topic
• Does not introduce any new information or references in the conclusion.
The summary provides an overview of the methodologies at an abstract, rather than applied level.
Presentation and structure (7/10 marks)
• Conforms to the Assignment Presentation Formatting Guidelines.
o Correct word count (2000 words +/- 10%).Uses academic language throughout.
o Essay is well presented, with correct spelling, grammar, and well-constructed sentence and paragraph structure.
o Essay is presented in a logical and systematic manner
Claims are not consistently supported with evidence.
General expression throughout is awkward but grammatically correct. Avoid using pronouns and non-specific terminology as this can reduce logical flow through lack of clarity. Also avoid colloquial expressions.
Referencing (5/10 marks)5
• Essay is supported with no fewer than ten different sources from the scholarly literature.
• Referencing as per APA Style 6th Edition.
• Separate page for reference list.
In text referencing style is correct. The reference list is not correct, with several errors. There is a separate page for the reference list.
Written Assignment: Qualitative Research Design
Essay: 3,500 words
Weighting: 60%
Aim:
The aim of this assignment is for students to develop a beginning-level skills in qualitative research design and proposal writing.
Task Description:
Use one of the research questions or problem statements from Assignment 1 as a basis for this assignment.
Instructions:
Develop a proposal for how you would conduct a study to explore the question / problem, including discussion of the following elements:
• Identify whether the planned study would be underpinned by an interpretive, critical or post-modern perspective.
• Provide a justification and critique of the methodological approach you have selected in relation to the question/problem.
• Discuss how the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of the methodology would guide the research study.
• Describe and discuss the methods you would use to undertake the study including:
• Sampling and recruitment strategies
• Data collection methods
• Data management
• Data analysis
• Ethical considerations
• Rigour
It is important that you maintain confidentiality as per University guidelines, and include no identifying demographic information about patients, colleagues or institutions.
Other Elements:
• Always refer to the School of Nursing & Midwifery Writing and Referencing Guide.
• Ensure that you use scholarly literature (digitised readings, research articles, relevant Government reports and text books) that has been published within the last five years.
• Provide a clear introduction and conclusion to your paper.
• Write in the third person.
• Use academic language throughout.
• Refer to the marking guidelines when writing your assignment. This will assist you in calculating the weightings of the sections for your assignment.
• State your word count (excluding your reference list) on the Assignment Coversheet.
• Submit your assignment via Turnitin as per the instructions on your Learning@Griffith course site. [Submit in the ‘assessment’ tab].
Marking Guidelines
CRITERIA POSSIBLE MARK
INTRODUCTION 300 words
Opening paragraph which identifies the aim of the assignment.
Second paragraph that contextualises the proposal 10
Identification & justification
• Identify whether the planned study would be underpinned by an interpretive, critical or post-modern perspective.
• Provide a justification and critique of the methodological approach you have selected in relation to the question/problem. 15
Methodology
Discuss how the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of the methodology would guide the research study. 15
Methods
Describe and discuss the methods you would use to undertake the study including:
o Sampling and recruitment strategies
o Data collection methods
o Data management
o Data analysis
o Ethical considerations
o Rigour 30
CONCLUSION 250 words
Has a concluding paragraph that summarises the proposal
Does not introduce any new information or references in the conclusion. 10
PRESENTATION and STRUCTURE
Conforms to the Assignment Presentation Formatting Guidelines.
o Correct word count (3,500 words +/- 10%).Uses academic language throughout.
o Well presented, with correct spelling, grammar, and well-constructed sentence and paragraph structure.
o presented in a logical and systematic manner 10
REFERENCING5
Supported with no fewer than ten different sources from the scholarly literature.
Referencing as per APA Style 6th Edition.
Separate page for reference list. 10
Total Marks
Weighted at 60% 100
Here is the exemplar provided
Introduction
“The patient’s experience of care:
What is it to be a patient under paramedic care in an emergency”
This assignment develops the authors’ skills in developing a qualitative research study proposal, developing and expanding on ideas generated during assignment 1. An interpretive phenomenological methodology will provide the framework for the design, with the patients’ experience of paramedic care in an emergency providing the basis for study.
The choice of underpinning methodological approach will be identified and justified using a critical analysis of relevant literature. The theoretical and philosophical foundations of the chosen methodology will then be discussed, emphasising how this methodology differs from other, more descriptive, approaches. The methods used to carry out the proposed study will then be discussed. Finally, a conclusion will summarise this qualitative study design.
Methodology
This research question is intended to study the lived experience of the patient under paramedic care in an emergency, to give a rich account of the phenomenon whilst gaining an understanding of what it is ‘to be’ the patient. For this reason, phenomenology, from the interpretive paradigm, has been chosen as the appropriate methodology to use to address this issue. Finlay (2006) asserts that interpretive phenomenology seeks to explore a subject’s sense of self, space, time, embodiment and relations with others.
Currently, there is no published research on this particular topic to aid in our understanding of the phenomenon of the experience of being a patient under paramedic care in an emergency. As such, knowledge surrounding this issue comes from anecdotal evidence and prevailing practice continues as it has in the past, unguided by research. As Holloway and Wheeler (2002) state, a gap in the knowledge of an issue is the beginning process of inquiry. At present paramedics may think they are providing a quality service, but without adequate support for this view, it may be discovered that patients interpret the experience differently. Having no previous studies to influence findings, an original interpretive investigation would provide an insight in to what it is to be a patient under paramedic care in an emergency.
Phenomenology is in essence the study of lived experiences (Langford,
2001). It is a way to seek understanding about an individual’s unique experience, from within their own specific context (Browne, 2004). Langford (2001) states that the way individuals ‘know’ is through their own perceptions, phenomenology shows that reality is subjective and has a different meaning to different individuals.
There are many examples of Heideggarian interpretive phenomenological studies which have investigated similar phenomena such as Tornqvist, Mansson,
Larsson and Hallstrom’s (2005) study about patients lived experiences of undergoing
MRI scans and McKinney and Deeny’s (2002) study about the patient’s experience of leaving the intensive care unit. The precedent set by these studies demonstrate that this methodological approach is suitable.
Hermeneutic interpretive phenomenology, based on Heideggerian philosophy, is a type of qualitative research used when the aim of the research is to investigate meanings of a phenomenon, with the purpose of understanding the human experience (Crist & Tanner, 2003). This is supported by Kellett (2010), who states that interpretive phenomenology has it’s focus on the meaning of the experience, as it is lived by the individual. It is a reasoned and consensually validated inquiry which aims to grasp the ordinary and taken-for-granted elements of human experience in both illness and health (Kellett, 2010). It is a way in which researchers can determine meaning into the everyday world of health practice and human interaction. In this way, it becomes clear how this methodology would aptly be used to research the experience of being a patient under paramedic care in an emergency.
The theoretical underpinnings of phenomenology are described by Kellett (2010) in three broad fields. Firstly, that humans are self interpreting beings. They are unique in that they have a consciousness, providing an ability to view and reflect on their lives and to attribute meaning to their life experiences and to their own existence. Humans are also being-situated, whereby there is meaning in their everyday lives, and being-constituted, which describes the way in which we approach, interpret and give meaning to everyday life experiences. Finally, that humans are temporal beings. This means they bring with them a considerable past, present and future. Lived experiences are seen as a dynamic process, where meaning is influenced not only by the present, but also what has occurred in the past, and what may be possible into the future.
In relation to this study, we can see that two different patients may experience similar treatment by a paramedic in their own emergency, but this experience may be interpreted very differently. An example of this may be that in the past when they had contact with a paramedic it may have been a loved one who was being cared for in an ambulance, which may influence on their own experience.
Phenomenology is used to gain a deep understanding of lived experiences of individuals by describing the total structure of the phenomenon and the subjective meaning of the experience to the individual (Langford, 2001). It maintains that the individual is the central point from which analysis can be undertaken to interpret meaning (Grbich, 1999).
As established, this particular issue would best be approached using the interpretive Heideggerian phenomenological philosophy. Unlike Husserl, who argued that the researcher could become an objective observer by ‘bracketing’ their own experiences (Browne, 2004), Heidegger asserts that researchers cannot disengage their preconceptions, and this must be reflected upon by the researcher (Browne, 2004). Due to this authors experiences, both as a paramedic giving care and as a patient receiving it in an emergency environment, it is appropriate that a Heideggerian stance is taken.
As stated by Smith, Flowers and Larkin (2009), interpretive phenomenology has been shaped by the philosophies of phenomenology, as well as hermeneutics and idiography. Heideggarian interpretive phenomenology moves away from the Husserlian desire to describe and critique the essence of an experience, instead focusing more on a hermeneuritic and existential philosophy (Smith, Flowers, and Larkin (2009).
Interpretive phenomenological inquiry aims to capture particular experiences, as they were experienced by different people (Smith, Flowers & Larkin, 2009). An example of this is the phenomenological study by Sundin, Norberg and Jansson (2001) whose study about caring for stroke patients reveals strong themes of calling forth responsibility through fragility, restoring the patient’s dignity, and of being in a state of understanding. Themes such as these are commonly exposed through this method of research.
As Smythe, Ironside, Sims, Swenson and Spence (2007) state, interpretive phenomenology takes into account a persons complete existence including their preconceptions, situation and context including hopes, fears, challenges, successes and failures, and this rich background should not be overlooked when understanding the experience. Subsequently, we can see that the knowledge produced has the potential to uncover the essence of what it means to be a patient under paramedic care in the emergency ambulance environment. Grbich (1999) warns that the research must be wary of simply reducing others’ subjective experiences to superficial description.
Sampling
As Holloway and Wheeler (2009) state, sampling refers to the purposeful selection of an element of the population to gain knowledge and information. In any research, it is important that the sampling strategy is justified, and so this will be further investigated below.
For this particular research enquiry, the heterogeneous method of sampling has been chosen to provide a sample of participants. Kellett (2010) describes that heterogeneous sampling, or Maximum Variation Sampling, allows for variations in major aspects. This particular type of purposive sampling is often used in qualitative research as it is very useful in documenting a broad scope of the phenomenon to reveal important patterns and themes (Loiselle, Profetto-McGrath, Polit,& Beck, 2010). This may include participants from different ethnic backgrounds, genders, socioeconomic statuses and nationalities (Holloway & Wheeler, 2009). For this proposed study, it is clear that the demographic of patients that require the care of paramedics is many and varied. These patients may range from young adults who are under the effects of psycho stimulant drugs, to elderly patients in severe respiratory distress due to pulmonary oedema, young children with broken limbs after falls, to passengers severely injured in road vehicle accidents. These participants, from their different backgrounds, will have all undergone care from a paramedic in an emergency situation, and would provide valuable data to the proposed study. I believe this would give rise to various themes which could be further explored in future studies.
Holloway and Wheeler (2009) state that in phenomenological studies, there is usually a fixed sample size, without adding to it later, as other qualitative approaches often do. A sample size of 20 participants would be used in this study, and participants would be chosen on a typical case selection characteristic. This would give the researcher the ability to investigate the normal phenomenon as it occurs on an everyday basis (Holloway & Wheeler, 2009), while excluding bizarre or extreme cases. This group of 20 would still remain manageable with the complex data to be collected and analysed (Kellett, 2010). It is important to note that this sample size does not generate generalisibility, but rather gives a small scope into the phenomenon of being under the care of a paramedic in an emergency.
Badger and Werrett (2005) highlight that there is often a low response rate of potential participants invited to be involved in studies. For this particular study, this would mean that more than 20 people will have to be contacted to achieve the required sample size.
Recruitment
It is important to note that recruitment of subjects for this study would not occur before ethics approval was granted (Kellett, 2010). Importantly, with this type of research, the participants should be offered a degree of reciprocity (Kellett, 2010) as well as advice about the outcomes and findings. This may be of particular interest to the participants, especially if told that this type of study has never been performed before.
The eligibility criteria for participation in this course would guide the direction of the research. Participants must be voluntarily included as this is the most important inclusion criteria (Holloway & Wheeler, 2009). They must be English speaking, have been under the care of a paramedic in an emergency and must have the cognitive ability to partake in an interview process.
Participants will be excluded if they are also paramedics, are too young or elderly, or have a cognitive disability such as Alzheimer’s disease where they cannot partake in interviews. Non-English speakers are no included in this study but may be an excellent alternative study to undertake. Any extreme or bizarre cases such as helicopter cliff rescues and mine site collapses will also be excluded.
The sample of participants will be recruited by perusing patient care records in order to find suitable patients who, after gaining ethics approval, may be contacted and offered to be participants in the study with informed consent.
Data collection and management
For this research proposal, the most appropriate data collection methods would be semi-structured one-on-one interviews, and field observation. Grbich (1999) highlights that interview recording should only begin after a rapport has been established. This gives the participant the view that there is a sense of equality and not a lopsided power relationship between researcher and participant (Grbich, 1999). Interviewing using a semi-structured interview as a guide to questioning, without a set of fixed questions and without a definite order, would give an inside view of the phenomenon. St John (2010) suggests that this system allows a more flexible approach than the rigidity of structured interviews. In this system, the interview follows more of a conversation pattern, whereby data is gathered which explores the thoughts and feelings, attitudes, ideas and meanings behind experiences (St John, 2010).This allows the interview to be in part directed by the participant, which is the essential aspect of the proposed study. This type of data gathering is known as second-order data, because it has been captured and replayed through a person who is recalling the experience (Grbich, 1999).
Field observation is known as a first-order data gathering method, because it allows the researcher to get as close as possible to the action as it happens. Observation in the field would give the researcher the ability to directly see the relationship between the paramedic and the patient develop. From this perspective, this may give the researcher the ability to direct more appropriate questioning in the semi-structured interviews, to gather more valuable data. Keeping a running journal during the research process with events, photos, notes, and experiences will also be essential for both data collection, and management.
To manage the data generated by this proposed study, it will be vital to have good data management procedures in place. During the semi-structured interviews,
a tape recorder will be used to tape the conversation, which will then be used to transcribe the interview for later data analysis (Kellett, 2010). During the field observation period, field notes will be taken including location information, observations of phenomena observed, and any other necessary details. This may provide information such as medical jargon used by the paramedic, how the therapeutic relationship is established, what feedback the patient gives, what distractions are present and what the mood is like during the care process. All of these details will inform the research. The researcher may also like to take photos, for example of a piece of ambulance equipment, or an ambulance uniform, which may have certain connotations for patients.
Data analysis
Grbich (1999) describes that phenomenological research data is usually analysed using the iterative method. In this method, data is collected by way of observation and interviews, it is then reflected upon by the researcher, which informs the study. Journal records should also be analysed in this method to develop subjective and reflexive views. (Grbich, 1999). Horizontal pass data analysis would be beneficial in using the data gathered to develop a research report of usable information. Kellett (2010) describes horizontal pass data analysis as an “open” viewing of the data gathered, in order to elicit the themes, patterns, points of interest, specific terminologies, phrases and language and emotions attached to experiences discovered. An in-depth and reflective reading of this data then ensues to find evidence for the themes discovered, and to determine if any themes or elements have been overlooked, or if there are any alternative meanings that have not yet been discovered. A phenomenological study on patients in the emergency department found that themes such as : “I remember,” “I was scared,” “I felt safe,” and “I will be okay” developed throughout the research (O’Brien & Fothergill-
Bourbonnais, 2004)
Ethics
As Grbich (1999) states, it is generally unethical to harm anyone while conducting research. Any deception, embarrassment, emotional or physical stress, violating confidentiality or presenting false or misrepresented results are clearly unethical (Grbich, 1999). To conduct this study, the aim of the study would be submitted to an ethics committee for approval. Also included would be the personnel involved, which, in this case, would be patients who have received care from a paramedic in an emergency. A description of the possible outcomes would also be submitted. This would include the benefits of participation, such as the potential to improve paramedic care, which in turn could improve the patients experience whilst under their care in any further emergency. There are no conceivable risks or potential harm which could come to a participant in this study. There would also be a declaration of anonymity and confidentiality and no obligation to continue participation in the study if the participants wished to withdraw.
St John (2010) highlights that at times, the topics which arise in an interview may be sensitive as the research deals with very real feelings and emotions. In this setting, often the paramedic is delivering care to a traumatised and emotional person who may have been suffering greatly from psychological or physical pain. Dredging up these emotions may be difficult, and the research will require excellent communication skills in order to appropriately deal with these. The researcher must also follow up with the participant if a distressing situation has occurred in order to minimise any harm from the research (St John, 2010).
Rigour and validity
Grbich (1999) highlights that rigour is the researchers’ attempt to use a tight research design during their study. Kellett (2010) describes that there are two broad approaches to rigour in qualitative research. These are known as criterion approaches and post-criterion approaches. Tobin and Begley (2004) suggest that post-criterion approaches reject the concepts of validity and reliability. This approach potentially undermines the acceptance of qualitative research as a systematic process and has implications for its ability to provide significant contribution to the advancement of our collective knowledge.
Criterion-related approaches of rigour demonstrate robustness in qualitative inquiry, with traits such as authenticity and trustworthiness highly considered. Criterion-related approaches determine that a rigour equals truth and relevance and a rigorous research design is an accurate representation of the phenomenon under study (Kellett, 2010).
Grbich (1999) asserts that there are many different techniques to improve rigour in qualitative research. These include face validity where interpretations are checked by presenting results to a focus group of participants. This could be completed in this research proposal by gathering a small number of participants and presenting collated data to see if the research findings were congruent with what was mentioned during interviews. Self-reflectivity whereby the researchers’ biases and assumptions are documented and how their perspectives have changed throughout the study also lead to improved rigour. In this instance, having been both the patient and paramedic in an emergency setting, this must be documented and reflected upon to improve rigour.
Kellett (2010) also mentions that congruence between the purpose of the research, theory, methodology, and research process also effect rigour. An appropriate methodology such as interpretive phenomenology to study what it is to be a patient under paramedic care in an emergency, lends itself to improved rigour.
Kellett (2010) also states that confirmability, or neutrality (which is the interpretive paradigm’s equivalent to reliability), arises when the other criteria have been adequately met and the researcher can argue the acceptability of the findings.
Another important facet is the extent of transferability of the findings. As opposed to the generalisibility of quantitative research, this transferability, or applicability of findings is determined by how comprehensive the research is and whether it allows the reader to determine the applicability of the construction to other contexts. In the instance of this research design, can the findings from this sample, using paramedics from this service, be transferred interstate,, overseas or to other areas in the state such as small regional centres?
Grbich (1999) describes validity as the ability to verify data, while Beck, Keddy and Cohen (2004) suggest that there can be major differences in the assumed meaning of validity between logical empiricism and phenomenology.
Kellett (2010) believes that the main question which needs to be addressed is whether the participants have described their experience of the phenomenon or has the researcher influenced the responses of the participant. Kellett (2010) also believes that the language should be as close as possible to participants’ language. In this research situation, it may be expected that participants may use language such as “it was bloody sore” when referring to a broken limb or “the ambos seemed bossy and only concerned with the machine that goes ‘ping’”, when referring to the paramedics performing an ECG.
Conclusion
The question “The patient’s experience of care: What is it to be a patient under paramedic care in an emergency” has been used to develop the authors’ skills in developing a qualitative research study proposal. The interpretive phenomenological methodology was justified using a critical analysis of relevant literature and the theoretical and philosophical foundations of this chosen methodology were discussed.
The methods discussed – including sampling, recruitment, data collection, management, analysis, ethical considerations, rigour and validity – were all examined. This forms the basis of a quality research design to investigate ”what is it to be a patient under paramedic care in an emergency”.
