Interviewing Institutionalized Elders: Threats to Validity

Abstract

In the course of an ethnographic study of an intergenerational Geriatric Remotivation Program in a Southeastern U.S. nursing home, we encountered difficulties in interviewing institutionalized elders that threatened the validity of the data. The purpose of this paper is to explicate the difficulties and to recommend strategies for overcoming them. Four main clusters of elder characteristics threatened the validity of data: (1) physical characteristics; (2) cognitive characteristics; (3) affective characteristics; and (4) personal characteristics. Problematic data were categorized as "insufficient," "unclear," "nice" and "emotionally charged." Strategies for increasing validity when interviewing impaired institutionalized elders included increasing the sample size, returning to the setting frequently, lengthening observation periods, recognizing the value of stories, recognizing the value of socializing, using videotapes, collecting both interview and observation data, and having elders view and respond to videotaped recordings.

The quality of qualitative data: Issues to consider when interviewing participants who have difficulties providing detailed accounts of their experiences

“…Most researchers attempt to follow these recommendations. However, this may result in only the most articulate subjects being recruited to the study (Sandelowski, 1986;West et al, 1991). This may threaten the validity of the study, by generating a skewed or incomplete picture of the phenomenon of study, in which the less articulate representatives' experiences and perceptions are left out.…”

“…This may in turn threaten the requirement of maximal variation (Malterud, 2003). In a study of institutionalized elders' social network, Powers (1988) excluded the elderly with physical, cognitive and communication deficits, which according to West et al (1991) would be particularly pertinent to include, because they are the group least able to socialize and sustain social support, and therefore, being of special interest concerning the exploration of social network in an institution.…”

“…Sensory problems (impaired hearing or sight), concentration problems and language difficulties may significantly reduce their ability to produce uninterrupted narratives of their situation (Kvigne et al, 2002;Wenger, 2003;West, Bondy & Hutchinson, 1991).…”

Occupational patterns of people with dementia in residential care: An ethnographic study

“…We found that by spending enough time with them, collecting different kinds of data allowed us to validate their stories. These strategies are recommended to increase trustworthiness (45). Also, the context in which the data collection took place, and the relationship between the interviewee and the researcher may influence the quality of the data (45).…”

“…These strategies are recommended to increase trustworthiness (45). Also, the context in which the data collection took place, and the relationship between the interviewee and the researcher may influence the quality of the data (45). All the interviews took place in the private flat of the resident, on familiar ground.…”