Preparing to Go into the Field
After consent has been obtained from participants and researchers go into the
field to collect data, they should be prepared with additional materials and
anticipate needs that may arise. Researchers should go prepared with additional
consent forms in case additional participants are identified, participant infor-
mation sheets that explain the study, stamped self-addressed return envelopes,
and additional interview guides. Because field notes are essential in qualitative
research methods, it is helpful to have notebooks with extra pens and pencils
available. If interviews are being conducted, extra tape recorders, additional
batteries, and audiotapes need to be available as backups. Likewise, if video
is being used for observations, extra video cameras, additional batteries, and
extra videotapes should be available. When mobile devices are utilized, it is
imperative to be sure wireless access is available if required. The device should
be fully charged, and/or charging capability should be available. Additionally,
when using devices, it is imperative that a secure network be used so that oth-
ers cannot access the information that is being entered. When compensation
is given to participants, researchers should be prepared with monetary and
nonmonetary rewards (Ripley, Macrina, Markowitz, & Gennings, 2010).Appraising Data Collection in
Qualitative Studies
As nurses read and interpret evidence from qualitative studies, it is essential
that they determine whether data collection methods are appropriate. Box 10-2
outlines critical questions that can be used to appraise data collection methods
of qualitative research. Data collection methods should be congruent with the
research question. For example, when appraising an ethnographic study, the
reader must ask whether a broad question is clearly stated. This question may
become more focused as time is spent in the field and the researcher identi-
fies emerging themes. Do emerging questions make sense to participants and
therefore accurately reflect what participants are saying? Does the particular
group or do individuals in the study sample represent the experiences into
which the researcher hopes to gain insight? The sample of the study should
also be assessed. The setting should be adequately described so that readers can
determine whether the findings relate to other settings. Readers need to ask
if a systematic method or procedure for data collection
was described so that others could replicate the study and
if enough data were collected to reach saturation. Wil-
liams (2015) recommended that readers ask, “Does the
researcher describe steps in data collection and analysis
in sufficient detail for you to judge if he or she actually
followed the method selected?” (p. 32).FYI
As nurses read and interpret evidence from
qualitative studies, it is essential that they de-
termine whether data collection methods are
appropriate. Data collection methods should
be congruent with the research question.276 CHAPTER 10 Collecting Evidence