Masters - Data Collecting Methods

I have used snowball sampling as my method of data collecting (Goodman 1961), as this is a method that’s effective when working with hard to reach groups. Snowball sampling is employed in qualitative research, such as this study, by sourcing a small pool of initial contacts who are then able to assist me, as the researcher, to find new potential participants who are in a position to contribute to the project. The pool of initial contacts will be small due to the fact that pseudocyesis is a rare condition and therefore it is a condition that most nurses will probably not have experienced within their practice. It could be termed as a ‘word of mouth’ method and relies on people in the know getting to hear of the research study through either being recommended for the study or by means of some form of intermediary putting them forward for the study and then they themselves being willing to put themselves forward to participate, in what is in this case, an interview (Changing Minds 2011). Utilising this method of data collection I have built a network of interested parties that have been willing to involve themselves in the research that I have undertaken. It was my aim to interview at least six nurses in regards to their lived experience and I will expect to find these staff in locations such as Acute Mental Health Wards, Community Mental Health Teams, Mental Health Peri-Natal Units and Midwifery Units. In phenomenology the nature of this individual and subjective experience is known as ‘qualia’ and so it is the qualia of the nurses that I hope to find in these listed settings, that I am looking to gain insight to and an understanding of.