When Data are Sparse: Phenomenological Inquiry with Adults with Dementia
Location
1048
Format Type
Event
Format Type
Paper
Start Date
January 2018
End Date
January 2018
Abstract
For this presentation, we want to tell the story of a graduate student’s phenomenological study focused on the experiences of six adults with dementia who participated in music therapist-led group singing occurring in their care home. The participants were six male residents, diagnosed with moderate to advanced dementia and ranging in age from 78 to 92 years; the student was dedicated to a personhood framework (Kitwood, 1997; Kitwood, & Bredin)and highly motivated to allow the men to speak for themselves; and although music therapy is increasingly recognized as a valuable component of dementia care, research on group singing with this population is relatively limited, as is qualitative research that uses this population’s firsthand accounts to understand their experiences. So the rationale was solid and the student was dedicated. But the research supervisor was hesitant and uncertain. Rich data are the touchstone of phenomenological inquiry. How could these participants with moderate to extreme dementia provide that kind of data? The completed study provides an ideal vehicle for exploring this question and revisiting the concept of rich data. We will outline the steps undertaken to ensure a high ethical standard for working with this vulnerable population, the strategies that assisted in generating data, and challenges that arose in analyzing data. The findings will also be presented for others to judge their meaningfulness.
When Data are Sparse: Phenomenological Inquiry with Adults with Dementia
1048
For this presentation, we want to tell the story of a graduate student’s phenomenological study focused on the experiences of six adults with dementia who participated in music therapist-led group singing occurring in their care home. The participants were six male residents, diagnosed with moderate to advanced dementia and ranging in age from 78 to 92 years; the student was dedicated to a personhood framework (Kitwood, 1997; Kitwood, & Bredin)and highly motivated to allow the men to speak for themselves; and although music therapy is increasingly recognized as a valuable component of dementia care, research on group singing with this population is relatively limited, as is qualitative research that uses this population’s firsthand accounts to understand their experiences. So the rationale was solid and the student was dedicated. But the research supervisor was hesitant and uncertain. Rich data are the touchstone of phenomenological inquiry. How could these participants with moderate to extreme dementia provide that kind of data? The completed study provides an ideal vehicle for exploring this question and revisiting the concept of rich data. We will outline the steps undertaken to ensure a high ethical standard for working with this vulnerable population, the strategies that assisted in generating data, and challenges that arose in analyzing data. The findings will also be presented for others to judge their meaningfulness.
Comments
Breakout Session F