Sample Size
The Research paper by Anne Gannoni and Rosalyn S. Shute uses a qualitative approach of research using the grounded theory concept. The sample size of the participant group included 18 children and 21 of their parents. Initial sample group was composed of 14 children between the ages of 7 and 15 years suffering from type 1 diabetes, chronic renal failure and different cases of cancer such as leukemia and Ewing’s sarcoma amongst others. 18 parents also participated with some of their children coming from single parent homes; the other 4 children and 3 parents joined as independent verifiers. For the qualitative approach, this number is suitable and relevant and also provides for varied views as seen in the inclusion of children from single parent households. It is therefore a prudent choice for the research especially in the inclusion of children.
Data collection and analysis
The methods used in data collection included focus groups of the different parents and children with specific relevance to the illness the child was suffering from and the individual interviews conducted with those who had concerns about being in groups. Individual interviews were the main source of data collection however because of different commitments to school and work, gender issues and specificity of illnesses. These methods fit the research question proposed by the authors in that they created a hypothetical situation of the same school-aged child suffering from the same illness as a guide into eliciting responses of what difficult situations they faced and what could possibly help them cope. The later written summary of the interviews were sent to each participant with different versions for children and parents, and to those who could not have been in the initial conversational interview to verify that all the information was accurate to their understanding and if any new information had come up. They sought personal experiences of how they individually coped with their circumstances and what challenges it posed.
It is however important to note that the participation of the initial group was not followed strictly as some participants were either too sick or had other pressing matters to attend to. This may affect the overall interpretation of the data. For example, the case of the father who does not live his child and did not inform the child of the study neglects the opinion of the child in question in how they adapt to the illness in his household and the child’s perspective of their illness.
Accuracy of Data
With regard to the accuracy of data, steps were taken to ensure it was accurate. The follow up written summary ensures that additional information was included and that any thoughts or opinions not stated earlier are catered for.
A non-participant group fitting the same profile of those who were eligible was approached to verify the data collected in the research study and check that it was conducted rigorously. The summaries of the participants’ interviews were handed to them and they were to find out if there were any views of their own experiences of having or being with a child that suffered a chronic illness that were consistent with those of the participants and if they had varied or additional information. The results showed they were in sync with their own experiences.
Summary
The research methodology is accurate and relevant to the overall research study and is consistent with the qualitative approach.