Critique of a research paper qualitative in nature Assignment

Critique of a research paper qualitative in nature - Assignment Example The sample sizes of GPs and care home professionals were 3 and 8 respectively. Sample sizes of care home residents and family members were 23 and 2 respectively. On introspection from an academic researchers’ point of view, these sample sizes leave some ambiguity regarding the procedure adopted in selecting the sample. The researcher has not clarified which scientific method of sampling was adopted in selecting this sample. This raises a doubt about the authenticity and validity of this study. One definition of validity in research is that â€Å"we have reached the goal of validity when our statements or conclusions about empirical reality are correct† (Engel and Schutt, 2005, p.18). This research exercise is ambivalent, when considered from the angle of â€Å"measurement validity, generalizability, and causal validity,† which are the three aspects of validity as far as social science research is concerned (Engel and Schutt, 2005, p.19). This is so because no pro per measurement has been made by this research exercise, it has very limited generalizability because of the erratic sampling and also the cause of change has not been properly identified in terms of dependent variables other than the adoption of LES. There could be locally specific and institution-specific causal factors. Another matter of concern is that the sample size seems to be too small to be in agreement with the existing social science research norms. It has been observed, â€Å"you would need a very large sample in order to have a chance of finding an impact of social work† (Gorard, 2003, p.61). Though this notion has been somewhat changed after approval for qualitative research with smaller sample sizes grew, the extremely small sample size (with no consistency while selecting respondents from each category) in this research limits its scope of application to the narrow geographical area in which it is conducted. And it has to be reminded, â€Å"by convention, [â € ¦] thirty comprises the magic number for the allowable minimum sample size† (Seidman, Seidman and Abeyesekere, 2001, p.174). In this research, it can be seen that no sample from any of the categories of respondents chosen by the researcher meets this criteria. The researcher has said that, the â€Å"interviews were [†¦] open-ended and required participants to reflect on their general experiences of GPs and the ease of accessing support, and comment on any improvements to the service† (Briggs, 2011, p.6). Though open-ended questions are more suitable for small sample sizes, it has to be remembered, â€Å"open-ended questions are far more difficult to code† (McNabb, 2010, p.118). The researcher in this particular study has not given any information on the data collection procedure and also the coding of the data thus collected. This has badly affected the credibility of this study. At the same time, the research has fulfilled the ethical conditions require d in such a venture, by following the â€Å"established procedures† as prescribed by the British Sociological Association (Briggs, 2011, p.6). The researcher has maintained transparency by admitting that the â€Å"review [that was carried out] was not commissioned as research and therefore ethical approval was not required† (Briggs, 2011, p

Organisational Site Assessment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Organisational Site Assessment - Essay Example The great wealth of history and traditions can still be seen everywhere from its shore to the tops of its high and ragged mountains. Bait Al Zubair houses one of Oman's finest and most comprehensive collections of antiques from all over the Sultanate. Anyone interested in learning more about Omani culture will definitely want to add this museum to his or her itinerary. Its displays include traditional Omani weaponry, jewellery, costumes, domestic utensils and recreated urban and rural environments. There is a coffee shop and souvenir shop selling a unique range of items most of which are based on the museum collection. A library that can be used for reference only by appointment, it offers a chance for scholars and researchers to extend their knowledge of Oman. Friendly Omani guides are on hand to explain the exhibits and add a real sense of discovery to Oman's culture and traditions. When I arrived at Baiz Al Zubair Museum for the first time for placement, I was supplied a document containing an introduction to Bait Al Zubair, current roles Performed by Bait Al Zubair, my Job description, experience required, staff organization chart and general guidelines to working at Bait Al Zubair. Bait Al Zubair Museum is an exhibition of a private collection that uses the wealth of Oman's historical past to explain the collection rather than vice versa. It can be considered as the Al Zubair family's private tribute to Oman. Bait Al Zubair Museum is located in Al Saidiya Street in old Muscat. One goes through Muscat Gate and it's just after the bend on the right-hand side of the road (opposite Bait Muzna Gallery) and just before the HSBC Bank. This privately-run Museum also has a traditional Omani "town house" (tours 1730 hours daily) and a small gift/book shop. Exhibitions are sometimes held there from Saturdays to Thursdays at 0900-1300 hours and 1600-1900 hours but Closes on Fridays. Entrance fee are: RO1.000 (Foreigners); 500 baizas (Omanis) and 250 baizas (children). The Arts Advisor at Bait Al Zubair museum is a Brit called Sarah White. She studied fine arts at undergraduate and postgraduate levels at the University of West England, Bristol and the Royal College of Art (RCA) respectively. After graduating, she worked as an artist, supporting herself through commissions, exhibitions and teaching. She also represented Britain in the Best of British Artists exhibition in Sweden as well as exhibiting in prominent London art galleries such as Flowers-East. While on visit to Oman where her father was working for a prominent family business, Sarah met Mohammad Zubair (advisor to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos for Economic Planning Affairs) who requested her to catalogue the Zubair family's private collection. This led to her being involved with the inception, development and execution of the concept of the Bait Al Zubair Museum, which exhibits the collection. Muscat is the capital of Oman since 1784 and has a great deal of charm and character and offers the combination of the relaxed atmosphere of an Indian Ocean town set amongst the well ordered life of a modern oil state. The original town of Muscat forms but a fraction of the