AMANDA HYNAN FINAL THESIS PDF

invited to feedback alternative interpretations. An article was also published within
the Communication Matters journal (Hynan, 2011b) inviting further feedback
(Appendix J). The aim of both these feedback exercises was to establish the
credibility of the analysis by using reviewers who were external to the study
(Creswell & Miller, 2000).
Stage five involved considering the main themes against feedback from the
conference. Audience feedback confirmed the interpretation within thematic network
3 that being online supported independence and within thematic network 4 that social
friendships were supported by Facebook, especially as non-literate people who use
AAC could share photographs. Stage six involved using the significant themes to
explore the research objectives and establish their relevance for taking forward into
the main data collection exercise. As the aim of the pilot investigation was to establish
the appropriateness of the interview topic theme guide and on a broader level the
research objectives, this data analysis method was considered to be a good fit.
3.4.7. Reflective learning from the pilot investigation
As identified within the literature review (sections 2.2.5.and 2.2.6.) conversations
between naturally speaking partners and AAC users have been well documented as
presenting many challenges. Being aware of these issues in theory is one thing but
experiencing them is another. Despite carrying out previous research with people who
use AAC, my experience of talking to people who use AAC was limited and I was
keen to further my skills in this area. The pilot investigation proved invaluable as I
found it more difficult than anticipated to feel comfortable with the extended pause
time between turns. I noticed this made me feel nervous and I tended to ask the
questions in a hesitant rambling fashion. I asked the participant if this made it difficult
and he confirmed it had. As explained within section 2.2.6. attention can be a factor
for people who use AAC so unclear questions can add to the attentional load and
make response planning difficult. Moving forward into the main study I tried to keep
my questions simple and direct and tried to remain calm.
The other main area of insight was in relation to the topic guide (appendix A) which
contained twenty five questions. Kvale (2007) describes how semi-structured
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