DEVELOPMENTAL CRISIS IN EARLY ADULTHOOD: A ...

Transcripts are considered essential in the analytical process for both methods,
as dealing directly with raw data gives the analysis a solid grounding in the empirical
material. Analysis proceeds in a similar way in both methods, with the creation of
units of meaning to account for recurrent or salient segments of data. In IPA these
units are called themes and in the Interactive Model they are called codes. These
themes/codes are then organised into higher-level units (IPA – superordinate themes,
Interactive Model – pattern codes), to bring order to these analytical elements. Both
cite the importance of linking codes to illustrative passages of text so that the
particular-abstraction link is made explicit. Finally, the creators of both approaches
sanction the further development of their methods, therefore giving some warrant to
the kind of composite attempted in this thesis:
“We have tried to bring together a serviceable set of resources, to encourage their use,
and, above all, to stimulate their further development, testing and refinement.” (Miles
and Huberman, 1994, p.3)
“There is no single, definitive way to do IPA. We are offering suggestions, ways we
have found that work for us…as you proceed, you may find yourself adapting the
method to your own particular way of working and the particular topic you are
investigating.” (Smith and Osborn, 2003, p.52-3)
Of course, IPA and the Interactive Model have their key differences too, which allow
them to bring specific strengths to a research endeavour. In the next section, the
components of the composite will be described and explicitly attributed to their
location in one or both of the source methods.
4.3 Components of the Composite Methodology
Case Definition and Sampling
Case definition is a part of Miles and Huberman’s method and is a component
of the composite. It involves setting the boundaries to investigation by creating a-
priori definitions of the key constructs that are under investigation. It makes research
more controlled and more conceptually clear, while aiding recruitment of persons by
providing inclusion and exclusion criteria for those who are eligible to participate in
the study.
The process of case definition feeds into determining the boundaries of the
“sample universe” – the total group of individuals who are valid for participation, and
hence from which individuals can be selected. Studies involving IPA are
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