Qualitative Research To Psychology Through The Discussion of Published Qualitative Research 7 Page

This essay will demonstrate my knowledge and understanding of the contribution to
qualitative research to Psychology through the discussion of published qualitative research.
Firstly, what is qualitative research and how does this differ from qualitative research?
According to Smith “Qualitative analysis is concerned with describing the constituent properties
of an entity” whereas “Qualitative analysis is involved in determining how much of the entity
there is” (Smith et al., 2008 p.1)
Quantitative research is any data that is in numerical from such as statistics, percentages
etc. Quantitative research compels a drop of phenomena to numbers for statistical analysis. This
type of research is mostly interested in adding the number of incidents, the size, or amount of
connections between individuals, objects or things, rather than interpreting a person’s social
experience. The process of measurement is central to quantitative research because it provides
the fundamental connection between empirical observation and mathematical expression of
quantitative relationships. The object of quantitative research is to develop and employ
mathematical theories or hypothesis pertaining to the phenomena. (Smith et al., 2008)
Qualitative research presents a more deep informative interpretation of the social
phenomena under examination through collection of data from real-life verbal reports – for
example, interview transcripts or written accounts therefore interpreting what a piece of text
means or what a person is saying in an interview rather than finding the statistical properties of
it. This interpretation or analysis is then expressed through comprehensive tidings of participant’s
experiences insights and perceptions of phenomena. Qualitative researchers try to figure out
human emotional behaviours and the meaning of events (Smith et al 2008).
This study source was downloaded by 100000851967562 from CourseHero.com on 09-20-2022 21:37:31 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/7573964/Qualitative-Research-to-Psychology-Through-the-Discussion-of-Published-Qualitative-Research-7-Page/
According to Smith “Qualitative approaches in Psychology are generally engaged with
experiencing, describing and interpreting the personal and social experiences of participants”
(Smith et al,. 2008 p. 2) This will to be shown in details in the Study.
The Qualitative study that will be discussed in this paper is “Having a sibling with
schizophrenia” Barnable, Gaudine, Bennett and Meadus (2006).
Schizophrenia is one of the most major health problems facing contemporary society
(Barrowclough et al., 1992). Very little interest has been given to the happenings of people with
siblings suffering from schizophrenia. The intention of the article was to tackle this by
investigation the effect of having a sibling with schizophrenia.
The study was conducted by Alexia Barnable, Alice Gaudine and Lorna Bennett from the
Western Health Authority, Corner Brook in Canada. The study’s research question is “what is the
lived experience of a sibling who has a brother or sister with schizophrenia”. The question
suggests there will be a narrative interpretation of the data.
The type of qualitative research method used was called a phenomenological study.
Phenomenology is associated with the ways in which humans learn knowledge of the world
around them. The study was explored using hermeneutic phenomenology. This was influenced
by IPA, Interpretative Phenomological analysis. This is the research method used to grasp an
interpretation of how participants see and experience the world (Smith et al., 2006). IPA admits
that it is not possible to attain an individual’s private life however researchers are encouraged to
act in a way so that the participants will tell their inside perspective. The aim is it get an
understanding of another individuals feeling’s beliefs and judgement about the phenomena being
examined. The analysis believes the story rhea person portrays, tells us about their personal
feelings. This takes a relative approach which means there is no real truth. The researcher is
interested in getting a deep understanding of personal and lived experience (Smith et al., 2006).
Six participants whom were all adult siblings who lived within a 1 hour radius of a city in
Atlanta Canada and had either a brother or sister with schizophrenia took part in the study. They
were required to be over 18, willing to participate in the study, have lived and cared for a sibling
with schizophrenia and lived in Canada.
The participants ranged from their late 30’s to early 60’s. The siblings with schizophrenia
ranged in ages 20 to late 50’s. Four of the participants were older and two were younger than
their sibling with schizophrenia. The participants interacted with their siblings on a daily or
weekly basis.
The researchers used the interview approach which was used to elicit each participant’s
thoughts and feelings. Semi-structured interviews allowed the participant to talk about their
experiences in a quiet controlled environment. This qualitative method also allows the researcher
to gain a deep understanding of how the participants copes having a sibling with schizophrenia.
The interviews were recorded and lasted 45-90 minutes in which each participant got to
choose the location of the interview. The 2nd interview was conducted 3 months later to allow
the researchers to confirm that the account given in the 1st interview was an accurate analysis.
Each participant stated that the previous summary given was an accurate account of their
experience.
The data from the interview was translated verbatim. Most qualitative methods require
analysis to be transcribed verbatim (Willig et al., 2001). The transcripts were examined over and
over by each researcher. The researchers all agreed the analysis showed 4 main themes by use of
thematic analysis. This means identifying themes within transcripts (Willig et al., 2001)
The first theme recognised was “struggling to understand” (Barnable et al.2006). All
participants felt helpless and frustrated because they didn’t understand what was wrong with
their sibling. Even after diagnosis they did not comprehend what the illness was, where it
originated or what the consequences were. They were not familiar how to access information
about the illness and found it hard to understand the symptoms of a person with schizophrenia.
The next theme identifies the struggles the participants endured to get help from Health
Care professionals. The participants felt the professionals did not see the family’s needs for
information. Information was scarce and made the participants anxious and helpless.
The 3rd theme was “Caring for the sibling “. This theme shows a number of issues
surrounding caring for the individual with schizophrenia. The participants told the researchers
they felt good sometimes caring for their sibling however other times they felt exhausted and
overpowered physically and mentally. Being a carer for their siblings with schizophrenia at
times, affected their life dramatically in terms of relationships with other family members,
financially, and their work lives.
The final theme is “Seeing beyond the illness”. The researchers found that there was a
sense of admiration participants felt towards their siblings and how much they had overcome.
They said the whole experience has changed their outlook in life. They now see what the siblings
have overcome, their abilities and not their illness.
The study shows a number of findings relating to siblings of people with schizophrenia.
The major finding that all participants stressed the need for is more information surrounding the
illness. The scarcity of awareness and facts from the Health Care professionals was the most
frustrating thing for the participant. They emphasised the necessity for knowledge and support
from others.
Barrowclough and Tarrie state that the way in which family’s communicate with the
patient and deal with the illness is crucial in shaping the direction of the illness (Barrwoclough et
al,. 1992). This information would be crucial to doctors and nurses in the health care profession.
Family members with the help of doctors and nurses should be included in their health care plan.
From the results of the study it is clear that the participants and all the family members
need to be provided with emotional support. Carers of people with schizophrenia are under an
enormous amount of stress emotionally, physically and mentally.
Some implications can be seen in the study. All participants were white, from the same
culture and had degrees, diplomas and careers. People from different socioeconomic
backgrounds may have had a different account of this experience. Only one male took part in the
study therefore males may find the experience dissimilar to females. One final limitation that
could be suggested is the participants are living in the now. All participants’ siblings had no
relapses since the illness began. Further research could be carried out on participants with
relapses.
It can be said without a doubt that qualitative research is a massive contribution to
Psychology. The hermeneutic phenomenology method used by the researchers provided a deep
clear insight into the lived experience of 6 individuals with a sibling with schizophrenia. The
methods used have high reliability and validity as this qualitative study can provide crucial
information to the Health care professionals for extra help, support and advice on schizophrenia
patients. The semi-structured interviews were as important as it gives the researcher and the
participant quiet one-on-one time together. The qualitative research was able to recognise that the
need for family members to be involved with the patient to improve the outcome of the
individual with schizophrenia. The research has shown how much pressure and stress is put on
the siblings.
Researchers need to further investigate in the cross-cultural and male individuals to see if
similar needs are required. A study carried out on Immigrant family’s coping with the illness also
showed the need for more help (British journal Psychiatry 1995). Investigations into the impact
on how social support could have on family members dealing with a sibling with schizophrenia.
Other studies such as participants dealing with siblings who have had a relapse of the illness and
how they are coping. Finally investigations into the current psychiatric health system and how it
could be changed to help with not only the person with schizophrenia but their siblings also need
to be made aware of who they can talk to and how to deal with the situation as the experience
can lead to family conflicts and other stressors. All of this information would be beneficial to
Psychiatric health care professionals.
Hermeneutic phenomenology was the type of research method used in the study.
Phenomenology is associated with the ways in which humans learn knowledge of the word
around them. The study was explored using Hermeneutic phenomenology. This is influenced by
IPA, Interpretive phenomological analysis which is the research method used to grasp an
interpretation of how participants see and experience their world.
References
Barrowclough, Christine. Tarrier, Nicholas. (2001). Familes of schizophrenic patients conitive
behavioural intervention. Cheltnam: Nelson thrones ltd.
Smith, Johnathan a. (2008). Qualitative psychology a practical guide to research methods.
London: Sage.
Telles, Cynthia. (1995). Immigrant Families Coping with Schizophrenia. Behavioural Family
Intervention v. Case Management with a Low-Income. , (), 7.
Willig, Carla. (2001). Introducing qualitative research in psychology. Berkshire: Bell & bain.
Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)

Qualitative Research To Psychology Through The Discussion of Published Qualitative Research 7 Page

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Qualitative Research To Psychology Through The Discussion of Published Qualitative Research 7 Page

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

This essay will demonstrate my knowledge and understanding of the contribution to

qualitative research to Psychology through the discussion of published qualitative research.

there is” (Smith et al., 2008 p.1)

experience. The process of measurement is central to quantitative research because it provides

the fundamental connection between empirical observation and mathematical expression of

quantitative relationships. The object of quantitative research is to develop and employ

mathematical theories or hypothesis pertaining to the phenomena. (Smith et al., 2008)

Qualitative research presents a more deep informative interpretation of the social

human emotional behaviours and the meaning of events (Smith et al 2008).

(Smith et al,. 2008 p. 2) This will to be shown in details in the Study.

schizophrenia” Barnable, Gaudine, Bennett and Meadus (2006).

investigation the effect of having a sibling with schizophrenia.

suggests there will be a narrative interpretation of the data.

with schizophrenia and lived in Canada.

financially, and their work lives.

have overcome, their abilities and not their illness.

enormous amount of stress emotionally, physically and mentally.

It can be said without a doubt that qualitative research is a massive contribution to

Psychiatric health care professionals.

interpretation of how participants see and experience their world.

Barrowclough, Christine. Tarrier, Nicholas. (2001). Familes of schizophrenic patients conitive

behavioural intervention. Cheltnam: Nelson thrones ltd.

Intervention v. Case Management with a Low-Income. , (), 7.

You might also like