demonstrated through the initial choice of IPA, due to its ‘close engagement with the idiographic and the (p 180). particular’ The authors also contend that IPAs appreciation of the interactional nature of data collection lends itself to a researcher who can be highly sensitive to context. I would further maintain that the interview process itself, and the current approach to analysis (described in chapter 3b), whereby the experiences of the individual participant and the relationship between them and the researcher are explored, demonstrates sensitivity to the context of the research. Reliability Commitment and rigour. Criteria. Smith, Flowers and Larkin (2009) argue that these broad criteria can be demonstrated indirectly through the researcher’s actions, and directly through the presentation of the final piece of research. Smith, Flowers and Larkin (2009) would posit that commitment as a researcher has already been demonstrated through the process of organising, conducting and analysing a number of interviews following an IPA methodology. Commitment has been further demonstrated through the continuous use of supervision to learn about and reflect upon the research process. Rigour can be demonstrated more directly through the thoroughness of the study from start to finish (Smith, Flowers and Larkin; 2009). For example, Smith, Flowers and Larkin
demonstrated through the initial choice of IPA, due to its ‘close engagement with the idiographic and the particular’ (p 180). The authors also contend that IPAs appreciation of the interactional nature of data collection lends itself to a researcher who can be highly sensitive to context. I would further maintain that the interview process itself, and the current approach to analysis (described in chapter 3b), whereby the experiences of the individual participant and the relationship between them and the researcher are explored, demonstrates sensitivity to the context of the research. Reliability Criteria. Commitment and rigour. Smith, Flowers and Larkin (2009) argue that these broad criteria can be demonstrated indirectly through the researcher’s actions, and directly through the presentation of the final piece of research. Smith, Flowers and Larkin (2009) would posit that commitment as a researcher has already been demonstrated through the process of organising, conducting and analysing a number of interviews following an IPA methodology. Commitment has been further demonstrated through the continuous use of supervision to learn about and reflect upon the research process. Rigour can be demonstrated more directly through the thoroughness of the study from start to finish (Smith, Flowers and Larkin; 2009). For example, Smith, Flowers and Larkin
Exploring%20the%20childhood%20and%20educational%20experiences_Final.docx