The methodology used for this study is a mixed method utilizing both qualitative and quantitative analysis (Phellas, Bloch, & Seale 2011). The instruments used for data collection includes questionnaires asking closed-ended questions for the quantitative portion and interviews for the qualitative. This project deserves a robust and profound methodology in order to obtain a in depth analysis on this chosen area to determine if the public is aware of the signs and symptoms of dementia.
The researcher will use the quantitative data from the questionnaire to analyze and look for any indication of the existence of trends or similarities in the variables and in graphs. The data provided from the closed-ended questions are limited to three choices for an answer, yes, no, and maybe. The closed-ended questions have a correct answer that will indicate the value of yes, no, or maybe for each question. This offers a practical look at the public’s awareness. However, there are a few limitations to this style of questioning. First is the inability of knowing if the level of understanding of the questions the participant had (Popper 2004). Second, how truthful the answers are (Popper 2004). The motivation behind answering the questions will influence the answers. Even if a person has the ‘right’ motivation to answer the questions for the purpose of the study, it does mean the answers is the truth. For the purpose of this study, dementia is the subject matter. The participant is asked to answer the question, ‘how many people do you know with any diagnosis of dementia. The individual answers no one. However, later in the questionnaire, it mentions Huntington’s disease is a form of dementia. They have a friend or family member with Huntington’s disease so their answer given as no one is incorrect but not purposely done. There will be cases where the individual is unaware of the incorrect statement until after both types of data collection tools are used, even then, the person may not catch the error of their statements. This affects the outcome of the study; however, it is impossible to know to what degree this ‘error’ occurs (Hannan 2007).
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In order to achieve the best outcome the questionnaire has fifteen closed questions. Some questions will be Dichotomous and others Likert Scales. The questionnaire will include a short introduction stating the subject area. This introduction allows the public preliminary awareness to the questions allowing them to refuse if the subject is too much of a sensitive area for the individual. Another reason for this method is the need for the public to feel at ease and have less tension in answering the questions.
The advantage of questionnaires is the layout is simple, it allows the respondent quick and easy access to both the questions and answers. The questionnaire is unbiased, aimed at all members of society regardless of intellect/ articulation levels. This style of data collection tool is one of the least costly methods to obtain information. Due to the closed questions, the questionnaire allows the analysis less subject to coder variance when using quantitative data. On the other hand, the disadvantages are the lack of qualitative data from members of the public who are more articulate; allowing a more rounded response as some people may know more or less of a subject. Or some maybe in a rush and not focusing on the question. Extraneous variables and demand characteristics also play a role in this as you are unlikely to control the surroundings you are in when handing out this amount of questionnaires. The participants are random and often represent a wide segment of society when done this way. There is a risk that the participants will answer the questions the way they think you want them to answer. It is necessary for the researcher to remain unbiased and free from indicating the answers the participants are to choose.
Interviews will consist of open ended questions because this allows the researcher to encourage the respondent to express their feelings. However, some closed questions will be used first so that a repour can be made between the respondent and the interviewer. The introduction will be some short information about the subject area, who I am and some reassurance, for example, by telling them this is not a test and there will be no arithmetic and no grading. The participant will understand that this is voluntary and they have the right to refuse to answer a question or quit the study session at any time. Any information the participant provides will be for study purposes only and will not be recorded for use in any other fashion.
All the responses will be scrutinized in analysis therefore the researcher is just looking for the raw material through articulate – simply put the quality of words. Once the interview has finished and the researcher has the raw material, there will be a chance for the respondent to let the interviewer know if he/she has any concerns. For example, someone maybe concerned about a relative or friend who they suspect has dementia, therefore I will guide them towards going to see their local General Physician as the first instance they will be able to help. The researcher will address the best resources available on the subject of dementia to gain more information as to whether their loved one has the signs of dementia or if the forgetfulness stems from another source.
There will be two interviews completed for this study. The first one is with a supervisor of community home care, who has worked in care for twenty years. This person has often worked with people who have some sort of dementia. The other interview person will be one who has not cared for someone with dementia but have four grown up kids and has a traditional a nuclear family.
The advantage of my second method, interviews, is it allows for people’s opinions, self-talk and for the unconscious thinking to come to the foreground providing the interviewer with a profound picture of exactly what is meant. There is more control on extraneous variables as the interviews will take place in a residential home, with the permission of the home manager, in a room especially laid out for conferences, where there is a table and chairs, heating can be controlled and all posters and adverts taken down off the walls. This clean environment will keep the influence of outside information from biasing the results.
Whereas the disadvantages of interviews would be the likelihood of demand characteristics, therefore the researchers will ask questions in a sensitive, approachable manner but formally to prevent this happening as much as possible (Hannan 2007). The choice for using a mixed methodology is to provide the research a quantity of responses to indicate if the public is aware, is not aware, or may have some understanding but not enough to know the correct answers. The qualitative portion provides an opportunity to find out just what areas the individuals know about dementia and that the close ended questions cannot provide. There is no such thing as perfect research, so the limitations must be dealt with in the best manner possible. The data analysis programs for the quantitative portion of this methodology provides the most accurate process possible. While not perfect, one can gain a thorough understanding of the perception or awareness of the public regarding dementia. With this information, public awareness programs, caregiver education, and physician referral assistance can direct the public on where to go to get the missing information.
- Hannon, A 2007, Questionnaires in Education Research, University of Plymouth. Viewed 19 May 2013 from: http://www.edu.plymouth.ac.uk
- Phellas, CN, Bloch, A, & Seale, C. 2011, Structured Methods: Interviews, Questionnaires, and Observations, SagePub. Viewed 19 May 2013 from: http://www.sagepub.com/
- Popper, K 2004, The Logic of Scientific Discovery, UK: Routledge, Taylor & Francis.
