Well done,

this must be a moral booster: if it get published you work must, contrary to how you feel about it, very good!

Well done!:-)

I try to explain what I do to others who are not involved.
If I manage to get them interested and if they understand what I do: I know I am doing a good job.

If I loose them, I ask what the problem issue is and see whether I need to work on that.

You're welcome Starlight.

Nice to see you are very positive!

Hi Phdgirl,

see your problem. I think as well, like bewildered is saying, that official translators are very expensive.

I have learned to read German (I am Dutch)quite well, and I think if you improve your French, you will get the hang of it quite quickly.

More difficult, I think is writing in German / for you French. How were you thinking about going to do that? Are there any rules regarding using translators? I mean does it not have to be you own work?

Mochemoseo,

I think the key issue is what your research question is? Simplified: If it is about something explicit which can be counted, then a quantitative method would be suitable. If it is about a something which you really want to understand, knowing the deeper meaning etc. then qualitative methods are better.
In other words the question should set the method, not so much your preferences. Obviously you could set the question that it can only be answered in a numeric way!

Hi Hairui,

just seen your conundrum, this must be very draining!
So what do you think your options are?
New supervisor? Is this feasible?
Change the research? Is this ethical?

What are your thoughts?

I have had a similar experience: Initially I found it really hard to get going, mainly as everything took ages, could not see progress and had major difficulties organising focus groups.

Now I have done 4 focus groups, getting interesting information and actually notice that my supervisor was right regarding using this research method! And I enjoy doing the focus groups!

I think it is mainly a matter of persevering!

Shani,

just had a look at the 4 S website: Did not realise it was in Rotterdam, clear that I have lost touch with Holland!

Yest, very impressive and indeed a huge programme!

Hi tsipat,

yeah, yeah, I see your point regarding going "light" on certain topics.

So what were you reading that was so intriguing?

Hi hairui,

I am concentrating on the quality of primary care.
Focus groups are used until I have reached saturation. I have done 4 groups so far. I probably need another 2-3. The organisation of focus groups is problematic, as most doctors are very busy and it is difficult to get them together in a group. When you speak to them individually they are OK, there are often problems of groups being cancelled at the last minute or people not attending. Its a bit like "herding cats!"

Thanks for the tip on the software. Is Nvivo7 user friendly?

Hi Shani,

thanks for the info regarding the course, I will have a look at the website.

Is it easy for you to go on courses?

Next week I am going to a course on education, so not sure whether I am allowed to go on more seminars.

Hi tsipat,

I think you ar esaying by sticking to the same scheme you will know when you have reached saturation. Is that correct?

How are you?

Hi Shani,

thanks for asking. The organisation of the groups is the most difficult, yet I have managed to do 4 now, 2 others planned.

Like you, I like the actual groups yet the transcribing is quite boring and very time consuming. It is good to hear that your work in coming along.


I had not planned to go the conference that you mentioned. Excuse my ignorance: What does the abbreviation actually mean?Is it good?

Hi Hairui,

did a focus group yesterday evening actually which went well, I think, sticking to the orginal scheme, with some added questions to get more depth in certain areas.
Done 4 groups now, still a few to go.
The organisation of the groups has been, and still is the hardest part.
I am looking at quality in primary care, obviously a very wide subject!

Hairui, I understand the writing is going very slowly, yet at least you are making progress. Do you use any particular software (like Ethnograph) for you analyis?