Methodology of the Interview Process
In order to collect the data on the subject, the author of the present research study chooses qualitative research approach. According to experts at the University of Texas at Austin (2014), qualitative approach “implies a focus on process or entity and meanings that are not examined or measured in terms of quantity, amount, frequency, or intensity.” While adopting qualitative data collection, the author of this study considers its main advantage over quantitative research method. Unlike quantitative data collection, qualitative study not only confirms the existence of a specific phenomenon, but also provides insights into its nature (Patton & Cochran, 2002). The literature review suggests that there are many studies that confirm the relationship between severe mental illness and elevated risk of MetS.
However, a few researches approach the causes of this relationship. The present study seeks to address this gap, and to identify the main reasons for increased morbidity in patients diagnosed with severe mental illness.Qualitative research methodology implies the existence of a large number of data collection methods. The present study utilizes face-to-face interviews. The detailed analysis of the methodology is presented further in this section.Kahn & Cannell (1957) define interview as a purposeful discussion between two or more people that helps a researcher to gather valid and reliable data that is relevant to a research objective. Face-to-face interviews involve personal communication (Kahn & Cannell, 1957). While choosing face-to-face interviews, the author of this study considers strengths and limitations of this data collection tool. The major strengths that are characteristic of face-to-face interviews include an opportunity to gather more information when compared to other data collection tools, employment of different techniques, and an opportunity to collect both verbal and non-verbal information.
Each of these strengths increases validity of the collected data, and should be considered in greater detail.An opportunity to gather comprehensive information for the study is preconditioned by the fact that participants usually tolerate longer interviews and have higher reluctance to quit (Becker, 2011). Face-to-face interviews also allow collecting more information for the study, since the researcher gets an opportunity to ask additional questions to cover specific issues in greater detail.Using face-to-face interviews implies utilizing a range of techniques that ensure validity of the collected information (Becker, 2011). In addition to open-ended questions, the researcher uses visual aids, answer scales, and other data collection techniques.Personal communication with an interviewee provides the researcher with an opportunity to collect both verbal and non-verbal information (Opdenakker, 2006). Olson & Peytech (2004) suggest that an interviewer may use non-verbal cues to identify a respondent’s attitude to the interview, for example uneasiness with some question. While relying on such cues, the interviewer is trying to build an interview process in such a way that the interviewee feels comfortable and is open to a productive dialogue.Although face-to-face interview has many advantages, the researcher should also consider its limitations because of their negative effects on the accuracy of the collected data. Becker (2011) suggests that …
