AMANDA HYNAN FINAL THESIS PDF

(2002) it is important the research question has a good fit with the method.
This thesis clearly outlines how and why the methodological course chosen
was a good fit for the research objectives.
6.2.2. Limitations
1. Challenges posed by technical equipment, available vocabulary,
communication breakdown, participant fatigue and time pressure meant the
interview data was not as exhaustive as was hoped for. Difficulties within the
interviews arose in terms of the participants being able to discuss their
experiences in depth and often responses were short or consisted of yes/no
replies. Moves were taken to counteract this by asking shorter questions to
clarify previous points made. As the interviews progressed and I became more
knowledgeable about the topic under study and more aware of the dynamics of
AAC-mediated conversations I was able to target more relevant questions and
be more supportive as a communication partner.
2. The relatively wide age range of the participants and the broad heterogeneity
in individual skills may have affected the findings as participants may have
had different interests making it difficult to draw conclusions.
3. The range of settings was mainly restricted to special schools and colleges
with only one participant seen within a mainstream setting. This will have
affected the findings in terms of offering a rather narrow perspective on the
use of the internet and online social media by young people who use AAC.
4. There was reduced potency for three qualitative validity elements suggested
by Creswell and Miller (2000). These are: member checking, rich, thick
description and prolonged engagement in the field. The email responses in
relation to the findings summary were lower than would have been hoped. It is
assumed this may be due to the fact that constructing messages on computer
devices takes a large amount of physical effort for people with physical
disabilities. The tendency of people who use AAC to produce short phrases
also affected the volume of data and the potential for rich, thick description.
Finally, due to recruitment within educational settings, prolonged engagement
within the field was also problematic.
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