Interviews and focus groups Flashcards
You are doing a research study where you want to interview student nurses about whether they like research. Which of the following
ways would you choose to present yourself to the interviewees and why? [There is no wrong answer, we are looking to see that you can
think through how your role affects the data you might collect].
A student nurse of similar standing to the participants
A student nurse expert about research
A researcher (no mention of you being a student nurse)
A student nurse of similar standing: this presents you in a non-threatening light as someone who has the same power
as the participants. Power relationships can disrupt disclosure of information, particularly if the participants are concerned that
you might use their answers in a way that is detrimental to them or the group. However, this may also make it more difficult for
you as the researcher as the participants may not take the research as seriously.
A student nurse expert about research has the advantages of being a student nurse as already stated, but also carries some expertise
which could help the participants take you more seriously, and also be more trusting that the data they share will be treated professionally.
The third option removes the familiarity between you and the participant - there may be different use of language and a potential to ‘keep the secrets’
of the student nurse world. A lot of shared understanding may be omitted unless the researcher uses prompts and follow up questions to help the
participant know that they have some insight into the world of the student nurse. It does have the advantage of reassuring the participants that data and processes
are being managed professionally.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of conducting an interview in a side room of a hospital ward where the participant works?
The advantage is convenience. It is often difficult to get people away from the work environment to do interviews and so it is
more likely that the person will be able to be released for a short while from the clinical area. However, it is also a highly distracting
environment where the participant will be able to hear the bells and phone ringing and voices of patients and co-workers. There is
also a high risk of being interrupted, or for the participant to be called back to work. There may also be problems with confidentiality and the
as well as being worried about being over-heard the participant will be emotionally swayed by their role and may be less likely to disclose as much information as they would if they were away from the area.
It is common for nurses to want to be
interviewed in the work environment but in robust studies you would probably build in a longer time for recruitment and data collection
to allow for interviewing away from the clinical area.
