Introduction
This paper provides a detailed study of the article written in 2021 by Peters, Samuel, and Hobson’s “Shining a Light on the Experiences of Staff Working with Young Homeless People: A Grounded Theory Study” begins with the paper sample and its design are analyzed. The methods and tools used to collect the data are discussed below. After that, based on these observations, the weaknesses and strengths of the article are identified. After that, a conclusion is made about the practical implications of the article, and brief results are summarized.
Purpose
The purpose of this research study is to analyze the selected article in order to objectively assess how much research work has theoretical and practical significance. The analysis is carried out in order to identify whether the article is handy and how reliable the data and factual information provided by the authors are. Thus, this research should reveal how much scientific concepts and theories in the selected article are supported by serious argumentation and the strengths of the paper.
Design & Sample
When conducting a quantitative survey, researchers try to present the studied question in the form of numbers and statistical indicators. This study also attempts to qualify answers containing more subjective opinions (Peters et al., 2023). The responses of staff working with people experiencing homelessness are not dry statistical data, which makes this study qualitative, not quantitative. The specific study design used by the researcher is semi-structured interviews, in which people working with homeless people discuss their experiences.
The researchers selected this design due to the numerous advantages that interviews provide. Unlike rigid standardized methods, oral questioning is most often modified by asking additional questions or changing the wording of the questions. If there is a lack of understanding of what the respondent is talking about and what they want to say, the researcher can always ask the respondent clarifying questions or repeat what they said. There were 11 study participants: 5 of them were male workers, and 6 of them were females (Peters et al., 2023). The participants were all Support Workers who worked for the same organization, helping young people who were homeless in two different Welsh cities.
Instrumentation & Data Collection
In this study, the research attempted to address multiple key variables. These were combinations of seven concepts that affect the emotional state of employees. These concepts were the need to fit the description of a certain kind of person, the advantages and challenges of the role, the impact of the corporate context and culture, individual coping strategies, possible drawbacks of the role, enjoyment of the role, and personal growth (Peters et al., 2023).
The researchers collected the data using a voice recorder. Then, these data were transferred to the computer in text form and analyzed using the Grounded Theory approach (Peters et al., 2023). A theory of balance was established with the help of a mind mapping tool, in which the oscillation between feeling well-supported by the organization and managing well and feeling unsupported and finding it challenging to deal with was a crucial process.
Strengths & Weaknesses
The strengths of this study were the methodological basis. For example, this work is more detailed and objective than similar papers on this topic (Provence, 2023). Moreover, the strengths of the study are data collection methods that allow to establish a connection between all the segments under study. In another similar study, due to less well-chosen data collection methods, the information turned out to be incomplete (Wirth et al., 2019).
However, the chosen research also has weaknesses: for example, this is a study design with a tiny sample. A total of 11 participants cannot give a complete picture of the necessary factors (Eisenberg et al., 2019). Moreover, because of the study design with voice recorder recording, participants could be more careful in choosing statements.
Practical Implications
As a future action researcher, the value of this article to the reader is to list the factors that affect the activities of a social worker. With their help, the reader will be able to track what affects them as a professional (Eisenberg et al., 2019). This will lead to a more conscious approach and will allow you to correct the negative influence of surrounding or internal factors.
The real-world implications practitioners can take from the research study and find this usage in their daily practice. They can write out which of the seven concepts outlined in the article affect everyday social work. As a result of observations and reflection on the identified factors, these social workers will be able to improve as professionals.
Conclusion
Therefore, this essay offers a thorough analysis of the publication by Peters, Samuel, and Hobson. The paper sample and its design are the weaknesses of the study due to the small sample. However, a strong methodological base allows social workers to use the study in their daily practice. Through their observations and reflections on the factors identified in the article, these social workers will be able to further their careers.
References
Eisenberg, M. E., Kelly, E. D., McRee, A. L., Brady, S. S., & Barnes, A. J. (2019). Homelessness experiences and gender identity in a population-based sample of adolescents. Preventive Medicine Reports, 102(10), 1684-1690. Web.
Peters, L., Samuel, V., & Hobson, C. W. (2021). Shining a light on the experiences of staff working with young homeless people: A grounded theory study. Children and Youth Services Review. Web.
Provence, M. (2023). Changing how libraries respond to patrons experiencing homelessness in crisis: How library social workers are perceived to reduce reliance on law enforcement. Journal of the Australian Library and Information Association, 63(1), 15-22. Web.
Wirth, T., Mette, J., Prill, J., Harth, V., & Nienhaus, A. (2019). Working conditions, mental health and coping of staff in social work with refugees and homeless individuals: A scoping review. Health Social Care Community, 27, e257-e269. Web.