Analysis Of Ethnographic + Case Study Research Articles Article

Analysis Of Ethnographic + Case Study Research Articles Article Analysis Of Ethnographic + Case Study Research Articles â€" Article Example > IntroductionMackenzie’s (1992) article is about an ethnographic study that was conducted to examine the experiences of nurse students in regard to their learning environment. Below, the article is analyzed on the basis of the CASP Rubric. CASP Question Exemplary Performance: 1. Relevance of the Research Goal: Mackenzie (1992) makes a clear statement of the research goal by noting that “The aim of the research is to gain an understanding of the learning experiences of district nurses from the perspective of the students” (p. 683). The importance of the research as well as its relevance is also described in the introductory paragraphs of the article. For instance, it is noted that many studies about nurse education have done little to look at how students learn with respect to “adult learning theory” (Mackenzie, 1992, p. 683). The study by Mackenzie (1992) was therefore meant to fill this gap. Supporting sources for the background information are provided. Section Score __ __5____ 2. Appropriateness of Research Methodology: Mackenzie (1992) adopted ethnography as the research methodology, and an explanation has been provided as to why this methodology was used. In particular, it is noted that ethnographers concern themselves with meaning and gaining an understanding and appreciating that “individuals interpret situations and act in accordance with their interpretation and understanding of each situation” (Mackenzie, 1992, p. 684). On account of this, the author came up with research questions based on a personal experience in teaching and nursing practice. These questions are attuned with the research methodology and are supported by citations. Section Score ____5____3. Research Design: Mackenzie (1992) has explained that the use of an ethnographic research approach means that the research design to be used “cannot be totally predetermined” (p. 684). However, it is further explained that despite there being no need for a predetermined resear ch design, some planning is necessary. It is for this reason that the author formulated research questions based on personal experience in nursing practice and in teaching. This is well supported by other sources. Section Score ____5____4. Participants: The participants in the study are described as students who had been placed in a placement program. There is no clear description of the sampling strategy used, but a reader can tell from the information provided that purposive sampling was used. No further details about the participants are provided, save for the experience that they had. Even then, the participants’ identities are protected since no names are mentioned in the article. Section Score ____3____5. Collection of Data: Mackenzie (1992) has clearly described how data were collected through “informal or unstructured interviews and observations” (p. 685). Although it is not explicitly stated who collected the data, it is indicated that the use of both interviews and observations was meant to “validate the author’s interpretation of the meaning of the behavior she had observed” (Mackenzie, 1992, p. 685). This indicates that the author of the article was involved in the collection and processing of data. It also shows the relevance of the data collection methods to the issue being investigated. Section Score ____4____6. Self-Disclosure: There is no disclosure of the relationship between the researcher and the participants. As well, there is no information about how any bias that could arise from the methodological choices that were made could be handled. Section Score ____1____