Ravalier PhD Theis.pdf - Anglia Ruskin Research Online

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and the use of qualitative methods, must be taken in research (Doyle, Brady & Byrne, 2009). According to Kuhn
(1962) these paradigms guide scientists in terms of what they observe and study, the nature of the questions that
they ask about their object of study, how they structure these questions and how the results are interpreted.
Discussion Box 6: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in the Present Study
In the present study quantitative methods were used in the first and last phases (see Figure
3) as a means to provide an initial analysis of the current stress situation within the
participating organisation, as well as a contextual understanding of the PAO. Two
questionnaires made up the overall survey (see sections 2a and 2b) and were used in order
to provide background information on the current ‘stress status’ of the participating
department in the organisation, as well as the impact that these stressors are having on
organisational employees.
Qualitative methods are also to be used in three separate elements of the current study, and
were based on an Appreciative Inquiry methodology (see section 1b). Following the
administration of the first survey, individuals were asked to complete a daily ‘log’ of their
everyday experiences in the workplace for a period of 10 working days, focussing on the
positive aspects of the working day. Secondly a number of individual semi-structured
interviews were conducted with a selection of employees who put themselves forward to take
part using the positive questioning required of AI techniques. Finally two focus groups took
place with a selection of employee and management representatives to discuss feasible