Sample size

Nine participants were recruited into the study. The sample was made up of LD nurses with two having just over one year’s experience of working with adults with PMLD while one had three years, three had over twenty five years and final three had just over five years. An extensive description of the sample’s demographics is offered under findings (chapter 4). The researcher considered the sample to be reasonably heterogeneous by representing a wide variety of perspectives about the phenomenon being studied

In comparing statistical research with qualitative research, Holloway and Wheeler (1996) argues that unlike statistical research which sets out to estimate the incidence of a phenomena and generalization of findings to the sampled population, the latter requires a different logic in which statistical representation nor scale are not key considerations. Rather, it is a combination of the characteristics of the sampled population and the constituencies of phenomenon being studied together with the various aspects of the study including study question, aims, objectives and guiding framework of inquiry that will determine sample size. In hermeneutic phenomenological research for example, context has increased significance and the aim of inquiry is to seek in-depth analysis of lived experiences and understanding of its meaning to those experiencing it. This involves detailed transcription and analysis of unstructured interviews which demand a phenomenal amount of time resources. In order that every experience can be examined in depth, sample sizes are usually small in hermeneutic phenomenological studies (Smith et al, 2009; Silverman, 2005; Ritchie et al, 2003; Holloway and Wheeler, 1996; Patton, 2002).

46 Expert advice on the number of participants required in qualitative studies varies from as low as three to as much as fifty. Polit and Beck (2012) argue that a sample of ten or fewer is typical of phenomenological studies as some phenomenological researchers do not only gather information from participants but also make effort to experience the phenomenon. A sample size of between three and six participants has been suggested by Smith and colleagues (2009) as a reasonable sample size for a Master’s degree level research project. With this in consideration and factoring in the complexities and multidimensional nature of human social actions such as promoting autonomy of adults with PMLD and the researcher’s experience, a sample size of between ten and twenty was predicted. However, there is no rule or right answer to the question of sample size in studies using in non-probability sampling (Saunders et al, 2012; Smith et al, 2009).

3.4.5: Data collection

Data were collected using Individual and face-to-face in-depth interviews that were audio recorded. Interviews are widely used in qualitative research but a phenomenological interview is a specific type of interview. Moustakas (1994) describes it as a data collection approach involving the reliving of experiences in order to obtain concrete or naive descriptions of an experience to provide textual basis for data analysis. Interviews allows the researcher to gain insight into the participant’s opinions, feelings, emotions and experiences (Denscombe, 2010; Parahoo, 2006; Mason, 2002; Cohen et al, 2000). Mason (2002) asserts that talking to people interactively, asking questions, listening to their descriptions and articulations and analysis of the use of language is an

epistemological position taken by phenomenological researchers to generate data based on

interpretivist ontology. Benner (1994) argues that unstructured interviews are central to hermeneutic phenomenology because when people structure their own narrative accounts, they can tap into their more immediate experiences and are able to give more details and include concerns and

considerations that shape their experience and perception of the experience. Data collected through in-depth interview was therefore considered appropriate for this study.

47 Participants were asked to describe their experiences in as much detail as they can before being asked probing questions for explanations and elaborations to arrive at the meanings and structure of their experience. Moustakas (1994) explains that these concrete or naïve descriptions of experience and the underlying dynamics that account for the experience provides a central meaning and the units that enables researchers to understand the substance and essence of the experience. It therefore follows that participant’s perspectives on the phenomenon of interest should unfold as the

participant views it and not as the researcher views it (Marshall and Rossman, 1999). The researcher achieved this by developing an interview protocol (appendix 5) using broad open-ended questions that follows a fluid and flexible structure to allow participant’s perspective on the phenomenon of interest to take lead (Mason, 2002; Marshall and Rossman, 1999).

Mason (2002) believes that using broad open-ended questions in interviews and probes enables the researcher to follow up on participant’s specific responses along lines which are relevant to them and their context and which the researcher could not have anticipated. This allows for novel findings and unexpected themes to emerge, particularly useful when little is known of the topic being studied (Polit and Beck, 2012). Mason (2002) acknowledges the significant amount of interviewing skills demanded by a phenomenological interview as the researcher not only has to respects dynamics of social interaction but also engage in the intellectual pursuits of the research. Mason (2002) suggests that the researcher will need to be flexible and sensitive to the specific dynamics of each interaction and that a relaxed and friendly relationship between the researcher and participant is essential in establishing a good rapport. The researcher engaged with participants in general conversations prior to the interview to make them feel relaxed and comfortable and as the interview progressed the discussion moved from a broad perspective to being more specific on the lead of participants. This was so participants don’t feel pressurised or threatened by the interviewer. After the interview the researcher continues to engage in conversation with participants on general topics, inviting any further question that may have risen in the course of the interview.

48 All interviews were conducted in locations chosen by participant and meeting the requirements of the study including being fee from distractions, comfortable seating arrangements to facilitate productiveness of the interview and offering adequate privacy and confidentiality. Participants consented to the use of excerpts from their interview transcript to support and verify meaning units and themes in the final report of the research findings. Consideration was given to ensure that all information used does not reveal participant’s identity. Pseudonyms and codes have been used instead of real names and personal data. However, Face-to-face interview meant that it was not possible to maintain anonymity at every stage of the research process (Speziale and Carpenter, 2011).

Information collected from participants was handled and processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act (1998). Access to the data was limited to the principal researcher and research supervisors only. Participants’ confidentiality was maintained at all times during and after data collection was completed. However, participants were made aware that out of duty in law and where there are matters of or reasons to believe that someone may be at risk of harm, relevant and proportionate information will be shared with other responsible agencies. Participants were also made fully aware of how the information will be used, disseminated, and handled after the study was completed. Information and any data stored on computer are stored with password protection to prevent unauthorised access to the data. These will be deleted when it’s no longer required for the purpose of the study and in accordance with relevant ethical codes of research. Computerised external data storage devices and print materials were stored under lock and key at all times.