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Chapter 4 Research Method
autonomy (Appendix 11). The concept analysis revealed what attributes, antecedents,
and consequences would indicate that residents were autonomous. This enabled the
development of an observation guide that focused the observations directly on
resident autonomy. The guide was then photocopied so that there was a separate
guide for each observation period, and so that the researcher could take written notes
4.8.2 Pilot of the Observation Guide
The observation guide and recording equipment were piloted on the research unit.
The purpose of the pilot was to check the recording equipment for sound quality and
to test the observation guide for ease of use and for appropriateness. A small mini-
disk recorder was attached to the lapel of the researcher’s blouse. The researcher also
held a clipboard and a pen. The clipboard was used to hold the observation guide and
provided a physical support for note taking. It was found that the observation guide
was very useful in keeping the researcher focused on autonomy, and contained the
appropriate cues and examples. No problems were encountered with the equipment or
with using the guide. It was found that the clipboard was a good idea and served well
for writing notes.
4.8.3 Observation Setting
The observations took place on the research unit over two consecutive days (in order
to capture the entire shift). Staffing levels and staff demographic details were gathered
for the observation periods. Resident demographics and dependencies were also
recorded on the observation days. This served to contribute to the contextual
discussion of the findings. Time sampling was adopted. In order to observe the day in
its entirety the total time observed spanned a full daily shift from 07:30hours to
20.30hours. The observation periods were as follows (Table 4.2):