To assess the needs of non-elderly disabled people in the context of housing, it is appropriate to apply the qualitative field research methods as they can provide a researcher with useful information including perceptions and attitudes of the respondents to the issue.
It is necessary to identify the target population and a range of qualitative tools. It seems beneficial to interview adults with special needs aged between 18 and 25 years. The interview format helps to understand the respondents’ opinions and concerns related to the theme (Creswell, 2014). In particular, the data collection procedure can focus on questions about the current needs of the interviewees that need to be addressed. To make this procedure more convenient, it is possible to let the respondents take some notes or provide them with a questionnaire in advance.
At the same time, the interviews can be recorded to be thoroughly analyzed, grouping typical responses, and making the appropriate conclusions. All the respondents are to be informed about confidentiality terms according to which no personal information would be collected and revealed to third parties (Creswell, 2014). It is essential to make sure that they understand the purpose of the interview and participate voluntarily. An examiner is to control and guide the process, thus identifying himself or herself as a researcher. Finally, the results are to be analyzed, interpreted, and connected to the core issue to suggest some recommendations.
Observation can be regarded as another potential qualitative method of research. The descriptive data can be acquired through a prolonged period in the social interaction with the respondents (Bryman, 2012). At this point, the data is to be collected systematically yet unobtrusively. It is possible to record the information in any convenient form, be it an electronic gadget or paper. In the case of the study of people with disabilities, it seems appropriate to utilize focused observation that is determined by the choices of an investigator. A researcher is not expected to affect the research by any means as it should be conducted in natural settings (Bryman, 2012).
Therefore, a researcher should consider himself or herself as a part of observation rather than as an investigator. A researcher is to be involved in the studied phenomenon to understand messages conveyed by the respondents, their family members, or close friends. For instance, both verbal and non-verbal communication can be taken into account and properly interpreted. The paramount outcome of the method of observation is that it reveals the actual behavior, attitudes, and context of the situation.
Speaking of logistical issues, it is necessary to consider that there can be too much noise to conduct the interview. Therefore, it is necessary to eliminate potential noise sources such as TV, pets, etc. Moreover, a researcher should have several pens in case one runs out. The equipment appropriateness is also to be verified before the interview or observation (Fortune, Reid, & Miller, 2013). In particular, a sound recording device or microphone should be carefully prepared. Among other logistical issues, one can note the place of the study. A respondent’s house or any other convenient place can be considered. Finally, a researcher should ensure a comfortable environment so that a respondent can be open and able to reveal his or her actual attitudes and concerns related to the theme.
References
Bryman, A. (2012). Social research methods (4th ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Fortune, A. E., Reid, W. J., & Miller, R. L. (2013).Qualitative research in social work (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Columbia University Press.