Research That Matters (January 17 - 20, 2008) |
Method: The author will draw a four year study in which 29 incarcerated youth from 3 correctional facilities participated in semi-structured, longitudinal interviews over periods ranging from 3-7 months. On average, youth completed 3 interviews over 4.5 months. The goal of the study was to trace incarcerated youths' identity transitions through their confinement in residential correctional facilities and upon their release. Sampling was conducted by convenience methods in all three facilities, where youth volunteered to participate. Parental consent for minors was also obtained. Interviews were triangulated by facility/group observations and also by record reviews for each of the 29 cases.
Results: The results of this qualitative longitudinal study with transient youth found the following in regard to meaning making with a relatively small, non-representative sample: 1) There is much to be learned from each case that is studied, without assuming that the case is representative of any other individual's experience; 2) methodological triangulation in the forms of observation, record reviews, or collateral interviews can strengthen the trustworthiness of the conclusions or interpretations that are reached; 3) it is important to elucidate the limitations of a given sample, even in qualitative studies; and 4) repeated interviews over time, while difficult to achieve with transient youth, are highly relevant for ensuring accuracy of meaning in a young person's experience.
Implications: Qualitative research is often critiqued for involving small and non random samples. Yet a robust discussion of how to make meaning of small, non-representative, and sometimes haphazard samples does not exist in the social work literature. This study provides one of the possibilities and limitations of meaning making with transient, hard to reach youth. The paper adds to and extends a body of literature that has begun to address the importance of various decisions in the qualitative research process.