PHC6937 Qualitative Data Analysis

Sampling Strategy

The multistage sampling technique will be used in this study. This technique is chosen because it allows scientists to apply random sampling after group determinations. Besides, it will enable researchers to make clusters and sub-clusters until the desired size is achieved. Since this study deals with a larger population, the number of older persons between the age of 76 to 85 in West Virginia, USA. Therefore, this technique offers the best opportunity to carry out large scale surveys by the researcher as much as possible. Under this situations, the multistage sampling technique is used where researchers randomly choose large scale units—besides the analyst sample subunits in the successive stages.

Studies have shown that most researcher chooses multistage sampling because it is cost-efficient to sample data in more stages (Sedgwick, 2015). The first stage of this technique requires the researcher to draw a simple random sample then stratifying it according to some attributes which are easy to measure. Every step of the previously selected units gets sampled for more details and costly observation—the probability of the unit samples determining their attributes as observed in the previous stages. According to (Chauvet 2015), multistage sampling is ideal for a big population under study. The advantage of this technique is that it ensures that respondents (elderly persons living single in West Virginia) are cluster in a manner and sampled with minimal errors.

In research, time and resource constraints are the limiting factors to study the entire population, and a sample must be drawn (Taherdoost, 2016). In this study, the researcher will adopt a non-probability, and convenience, given the kind of study at hand. The sample size for this study will be interviews (n=25 + 10focus groups x 5 participants (n=20) the total sample size = 300.

Survey Development

A variety of methods exists for use by researchers. The choice of research approach depends on various factors, including the purpose, type and availability of resources. (Ponto, 2015). One such approach is survey research. In survey research, information is collected from respondents based on their responses to the survey questions. Survey research applies various tools for data collection, including questionnaires and interviews. In our study, to effectively understand the life experience of living alone elderly, I will use both closed and open-ended survey design. I have preferred the mixed approach as it is essential in obtaining in-depth information from respondents. Various advantages and disadvantages characterize survey research. Some of the benefits include. Surveys are less time consuming and relatively easy to administer. They can be distributed via email/internet or both. The survey questionnaires can be administered in various ways, and it eliminates the issue of coverage error as individuals in the population have higher chances of inclusion (Dillman et al., 2014). Also, surveys are cost-effective and can be administered remotely, even to large people (Check & Schutt, 2011). Additionally, since surveys allow for follow-ups, researchers can address respondents bias. Researchers also get an opportunity to clarify the question that could easily be confused.

Other than the benefits of using surveys in research, surveys are also accompanied by various shortcomings. Among these shortcomings include respondent bias, as respondents may not feel the need to provide honest answers. Also, closed-ended questionnaires are characterized by a low validity rate since respondents are restricted to the only response from provided options (Ruel et al. l, 2015). Additionally, respondents can find it hard to give answers that negatively portray them and, as a result compromising the reliability of the products.

Limitations

The study's limitations include responses that were directed to the challenges that the pandemic face to physical face interviews are not as practical. The survey questionnaires will be transmitted through electronic means. The responses could be altered and compromised,  for which there can be the elimination of various surveys (Salter & Crofts, 2015). The time constraints and workload also can influence the quality of responses by the medical professionals. As a result, a more cohesive interview conduction policy is required for the investigation, where only valid responses will be evaluated through the survey.

Budget

Medical care is a critical area to address today, especially to the elderly, since they are prone to certain factors that may make their lives not favourable. This puts pressure on health service providers, the government and the society at significant as they have to develop a plan to minimize the stress giving factors on them by identifying the areas that need improvement. In a situation like understanding the life of the older people living alone in West Virginia living, especially 76 years and above, the concerned persons are likely to face pressure as they have limited resources if not well funded by the well-wishers of the federal government since they need to address the weak areas of this remarkable group and to improve them.

Therefore, the research will focus on the understanding of the life experience of the elderly living alone in West Virginia. The primary reason is to elucidate the meaning of self-care and health for the perception of life situation and identity among single-living older individuals in urban areas. 

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