View - eTheses Repository - University of Birmingham

in which an Irish dimension is developed. For some questions the evidence will speak for
itself. However, principles associated with grounded theory will be used to build up
patterns in some responses, such as reasons for developing an Irish dimension. Is this
acceptable? Raleigh comments:
The recorded in depth interview, or oral history, is a specific research method within
the general designation of qualitative methodology and is close to the basic principle
of grounded theory. The difference lies in the emphasis placed on the formation of
questions that guide the research. Also grounded theory references to other kinds of
behaviour besides the interview. Proponents of grounded theory research insist on
research without perceptions – that is without hypothesis…. For others, there is the
acceptance of the researcher starting with articulated problems or interviews that guide
the interview process. (Raleigh, 1994, p.8)
Following from this is the decision about whether to use a computer package to facilitate the
research. The advantage of technology is that testimony fragments could easily be grouped
and quantified as appropriate. However, it will not be used for the following reasons: firstly,
the number of transcripts is not unduly large – certainly under 45 which suggests that the
benefits of technology would not compensate the time involved with manipulating the
software. Secondly, the study is split into smaller case studies, which can readily be analysed
manually. Thirdly, the gaps, priorities, tone and emphasis for some answers - especially the
question asking teachers to give reasons for developing an Irish dimension – is of equal
importance to the texts but would be missed with a computer based analysis which focused
exclusively on the text.
All of the questions will begin with reference to the person’s context, role and experience.
The interview schedule used with Heads of History can be seen in Appendix I. All interviews
will include common questions to enable comparisons between case studies to be made, but
there will also be questions designed to relate to the specific features of different case studies.
In the case of the ‘movers and shakers’ and some teachers this will include appropriate