Page 15 - Process_book_Carla Ann_Lloren

2 Chapter 3 Define

Designing the Research Approach

Methodology

Given the abstract nature of sense of purpose, qualitative
research method was adopted. To ensure a holistic
understanding of the world of older adults, the research
employed a triangulation amongst different data points: Pre-Task Sample Size
Older Adults, Children of Older Adults and Observations. Diary : Day in a life Older Adults Social Group Leaders
This made certain that the day in a life of older adults is Independent, Active Adults
considered from both the perspective of older adults n=1 Mini Focus Group Discussion
n= 7 In-Depth Interviews
themselves and their childcare takers. A pre-task was
included to further uncover their typical day.

n= 3 In-Depth Interviews
Interviewing social group leaders on the other hand
ensured the study captures the challenges of current • Head of Elderflower
Garden
services for older adults. Observations Children of Older Adults • Head of Active Retirement
Church, Cafes, n=2 Group
Sidewalks In-Depth Interviews • AFI Coordinator
The study used the following research methodologies:
DEFINE Pilot test was conducted and some iterations were made Uncover their typical day Triangulation to Understand the memberships on existing services
mini-focus group , in-depth interviews and observations.
Unearth challenges with
World of Older Adults
to the methodology specifically in adopting in-depth
interviews for older adults instead of focus groups. This
change is due to participant recruitment issues and the
personal nature of the topic

Analysis

For the analysis, an inductive approach was chosen
because of the limited body of literature exploring sense
of purpose as a potential intervention solution on the
issue – analysing it from the bottom up allowed for more
openness on themes and insights that may emerge from
the data. To provide structure and rigor, Qualitative
Content and Thematic Analysis with the use of Constant
Comparative method were the primary analyses
techniques applied. The AEIOU analysis framework for
observations and affinity maps supplemented the primary
analyses tools.