Although their sample size was small, the authors provided relevant justification for the limited number of participants. They cited that low sample sizes are historically common in aboriginal specific research (Gordon, et al 2014, p.7). Therefore, the small sample population and survey participation rates are adequate. Focus groups in a qualitative study allow the researcher to interview several participants simultaneously. Numbers of those within the group are typically no more than 12 to allow for a more in-depth discussion. Focus groups are beneficial with limited time, and may allow for richer data collection as conversations ensue amongst participants (Leedy & Ormrod, 2013). Thus, the use of the talking circle is appropriate in this study. The small numbers and shared epistemology of the ATC’s would allow for comfortable dialogue. The quantitative data consisted of two surveys, one for the administrators, with a separate survey for the ATC’s.
Participant surveys measure individual 's’ attitudes and perspectives towards a topic. surveys are often used in descriptive quantitative research, as the basic elements of the design are simple (Leedy & Ormrod, 2013). In this study, the administrator survey consisted of short answer and open-ended questions, while the ATC survey consisted of a Likert scale.
The authors state reliability and validity testing were not completed on the survey questions (Gordon et al., 2014, p.14), and include this as a
As you stated the authors mention that caution should be utilized when the results are interpreted. The research methods of questionnaires and self-reporting,
Flexible and inexpensive, focus groups consist of six to ten participants (Hartman, 2004, p. 408). Additionally, a moderator guides the discussion among its panel members that allows researchers to observe real-time verbal responses and nonverbal cues (Hartman, 2004, p. 402; Cooper & Schindler, 2014, p. 160). Focus groups moderators also have the ability to introduce new ideas to gain a greater understanding of concerns from respondents (Hartman, 2004, p. 402). However, a concern with focus group is the lack of anonymity due to the face-to-face participation.
It is important to build a credible relationship with the Aboriginal population involved in the study that will help to fetch the valuable study results, thus, the supportive and well negotiated study will be favourable for both the researchers as well as participants (Holst, 2004). As this is a qualitative study involving interviews which might require the recording of the interview sessions, therefore, the clearance need to be obtained from the participants for the recordings and the access of the rights and responsibilities in ownership need to be discussed and negotiated with the participant, in case, they want to withdraw themselves from the study at any particular time (Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies,
Complete the following information. Be specific in your responses. You must present a rationale for ALL items. No yes or no responses are accepted. It is unacceptable for you to copy and paste information from the study. This is to be your own interpretation of the study critiqued and synthesis of research content.
There is no specific section discussing reliability and validity in this study. Although there was no specific section or heading, throughout this study, the authors did consult with the advisory committee at multiple points and the authors do lists that as a limitation that this study is not generalizable. Main findings were also discussed and verified with the community advisory committee for accuracy of
This article represents a focus group type of qualitative research. According to Qualitative Research Consultants Association (2015), in focus group qualitative research, a group of individuals who share a need, life circumstance, or habit relevant to the research issue(s) at hand are led in a discussion by a modulator. The focus group discussions often include between two to ten respondents, and are often held face to face. They can also be conducted remotely through videoconferencing, teleconferencing, or
The strength of questionnaires is it can give an insight into respondent’s thoughts and opinions and also cost efficient as it is inexpensive.
Facilitating focus groups, interviews, allowed us to strengthen our qualitative research skills. As an outsider, the qualitative process was the most enjoyable to me. I was able to learn their way of living, strengths and challenges of their community. The process of creating the pretest and posttest surveys collectively was a challenge, yet another beneficially learning experience. I realized effective surveys take time to develop and need to be reviewed by multiple people. Developing poorly constructed questionaries’ is highly possible if no one takes the time to actually
Survey designed for use in a larger related investigation containing a face valid scale of 86 items.
Project team Project leader: Project contributors: Amanda Benedict, M.A., survey research specialist Nancy R. Lockwood, M.A., SPHR, GPHR, manager, HR Content Program Evren Esen, manager, Survey Program Steve Williams, Ph.D., SPHR, director, Research
Focus groups are a prominent method of enquiry, regularly used within the field of social science and in particular, qualitative research. The focus group practice involves a number of participants having an open discussion on a specific topic, set by a researcher. The researcher acts as a moderator to aid discussion by using probes to collect desirable data. This process is recorded and transcripts are used to interpret and analyse given information.
This study argues the importance of research of aboriginals being conducted with members of the aboriginal community as research team members. Foster et al. states that it is beneficial to the validity and reliability of the results
Sharing circle and focus group discussions are similar in that they are commonly used in qualitative research to explore and construct knowledge about a phenomenon with research participants in small groups (Redman-MacLaren, Mills, and Tommbe 2014). Also, both methods can be used to explore experiences surrounding a particular topic within a group of various cultures (Tobias and Richmond 2016). The choice between focus group and sharing circles largely depends on the epistemological position of the researcher, the context, and the study population (Redman-MacLaren, Mills, and Tommbe 2014).
A Focus group is defined as a research technique that collects data through a group interaction, on a given topic from the researcher. Along with this definition are some essential components. Firstly, it states that, focus groups are research methods devoted to data collection. Secondly, it signifies the interaction of group discussion as a source of data. Lastly, it acknowledges the active role of researchers in establishing the group discussion in order to collect data (David, 1996.p.130).
This chapter sets out the results of survey, the analysis, and critical discussion of the findings. The data have been collected from 80 respondents. The analysis and discussion are supported by the relevant literature from Chapter 2 in order to ascertain if the findings disprove or support the existing literature.