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

279
Chapter 7 Discussion
This section will consider the limitations imposed by the research design and
potential weaknesses are examined and discussed.
7.5.1 Issues related to credibility and trustworthiness of the data
The extent to which the current findings may be transferred to other residential
care units for older people may be questioned. However, from an Irish
perspective this research was undertaken in a “typical” residential unit for older
people and therefore it is expected that other residential units will share many of
the same issues. The detailed descriptions supplied coupled with the reflection
excerpts throughout should indicate to the reader the appropriateness of the
findings to other residential care settings. Furthermore, as already noted the
purpose of qualitative research approaches is not to develop empirical
generalisations but rather theoretical propositions or naturalistic generalisations.
This study provides an understanding of the complex nature of resident
autonomy and the promoting and prohibiting factors which can influence it.
7.5.2 Methodological issues
Phase one of this study was a single embedded exploratory case study aimed at
exploring resident autonomy. As an exploratory case study it provided insight
into many issues previously unexamined. Large amounts of data are generated
from case study designs and the researcher must ensure that realistic timeframes
are planned.
Phase two of this study was guided by action research principles. In order to
adopt this approach for research it is desirable that the researcher has
professional experience and success with change management, facilitation and
project management. It is recognised that change at the organisational level was
not addressed rather the change was implemented at the clinical level. Action
research report writing is challenging and does not always suit traditional linear
approaches and some researchers may consider this a limitation. This thesis
adopted a patchwork approach in order to report on the action research phase of
this study and reduce this limitation.