View/Open - ARAN - National University of Ireland, Galway

130
Chapter 3 Research Framework
should not be linked to the risks or potential benefits of a study. In addition, lacking
the ability to assent and/or dissent should not automatically preclude research
participation (Black et al., 2010). For people with dementia, consent by proxy can
also be used. This facilitates their family member to consent to their participation.
Holloway and Wheller (2010) recommend study recruitment procedures that are
sensitive to the needs of older people. These include information sheets with large
font, reassurances that their voice is important, and conducting the research at a pace
suitable for the older person. Fried (2003) stresses the importance of establishing
trust in order for older people to “open up” and talk. Fried (2003) states that trust is
especially important in the older age population as some people, but by no means all,
may be more vulnerable due to compromised functional status, frailty and/or disease.
Truglio-Londrigan et al. (2006) concur that older people will only be willing to share
information about themselves when trust has been established. Trust can be
maintained by respecting the research relationship and ensuring mutual closure
(Truglio-Londrigan et al. 2006).
3.11.2 Dual role of the nurse researcher
Holloway and Wheeler (2010) explain that nurse researchers on the one hand are
committed to advancing nursing knowledge but on the other hand they are dedicated
to the care and welfare of clients. The comprehensive nature of case study research
often means that the researcher adopts many roles, i.e. collecting data, observing,
reporting, interacting, etc. Landau (2008) suggested that these multiple roles can be
ethically challenging and Holloway and Wheeler (2010) state that they may raise
problems of identity. Powell et al. (1999) stated that the role of a researcher is
essentially paradoxical in qualitative research in that the researcher needs to be close
to the participants, but must also recognise the impact of their own perspectives on
data analysis and achieving a detached view might be difficult to maintain (Ensign,
2003).Hammersley and Atkinson (1995) recognise that characteristics such as
gender, age, ethnicity, education and previous experience as well as professional
background may affect the researcher’s perspective.
Observational work carried out by nurse researchers can also create dual role conflict
as they observe practices in the clinical setting with which they are familiar. It is