CLASIFICACIÓN DE LAS PRACTICAS EN EL PARTO NORMAL.

A focus of this research, as demonstrated in the scoping study and literature review, is the social construction of identity and meaning. In order to understand these

constructions, knowledge of the contextual backdrop is important. In realising this, a

case study approach was incorporated into the research model. Case study research is “an empirical inquiry that investigate[s] a contemporary phenomenon within its real-life context” (Yin, 1994, p.13). This approach offers “a more holistic study of complex social networks and of complexes of social action and social meanings” (Orum et al., 1991, p. 6-7). Case study research is more of a research strategy than a method and

The case study approach appreciates that the unit of analysis (i.e. the cottage food enterprise and those that have expanded) is embedded, and must be studied, within the “political, social, historical, and especially personal contexts” (Stake, 1995, p. 17). For this reason, the scoping study proved invaluable and provided a contextual

understanding in which the enterprises are situated. The case study approach was appropriate because it permitted the examination of a topic in which there were “many more variables of interest than data points” (Yin, 1994, p.13).

The participants chosen for the case studies were purposively selected on a number of criteria: size, food sector, and the ability to provide information rich data. A database of potential participants was identified throughout the entire project via snowball sampling and document research. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with each of the selected case study participants and interviewing was cross-sectional, in that it produced a “snapshot” in time (Neuman, 2000, p.30). Data analysis was undertaken with the assistance of the qualitative software package NVivo.

Data Collection

The triangulation of data sources and methods was undertaken throughout this project. Triangulation enables the researcher to gather data on the same phenomenon using different sources, investigators, theories and methods (Denzin, 1970), and increases the likelihood that data is trustworthy and valid (Glesne, 1999). Data collection sources included key informants, the vignette participants, case study participants, and

secondary data from existing documents (e.g. interviews, media reports). These sources encompassed a wide range of interest groups, such as media, government departments, and, most importantly, those in the industry. The various research methods used

throughout the study included: in-depth, semi-structured interviews; document research; and observation via participation in markets and on-site visits.

Participant Selection

Participants for the case studies were purposively selected for their information- richness. The case study approach often involves a number of different types of methods that provide “extremely rich, detailed, and in-depth information” (Berg, 2004, p. 251). Consequently, it was felt that six case studies offered a sufficient amount and range of data, especially since three agricultural sectors (i.e. cheese, berry and wine) and three expanded enterprises were to be included in the sample.

The two types of purposive sampling used to select the case studies were intensity sampling and maximum variation sampling (Patton, 2002). Snowball sampling also guided the formulation of a database of potential participants. This was compiled in the first phase of data collection (i.e. the preliminary scoping study), but assisted the selection of the case study participants. Both purposive and snowball sampling are forms of non-probability sampling and are beneficial in situations where time and resources do not permit probability sampling (Sulllivan, 1992). Probability sampling is not aligned with the goals of the research (i.e. the need for information rich cases).

To gain a greater understanding (in-depth and holistic) of the phenomenon under investigation, cases from each of the three prominent agricultural sectors in Tasmania were selected using maximum variation sampling. Moreover, because enterprise expansion is the primary focus of the research, one expanded enterprise from each sector was selected. Maximum variation sampling is aimed at “capturing and describing the central themes that cut across a great deal of variation” (Patton, 2002, p.235). The strength of maximum variation sampling lies in the fact that “any common patterns that emerge from great variation are of particular interest and value in capturing the core experiences and central, shared dimensions of a setting or phenomenon (Patton, 2002, p. 235). Additionally, intensity sampling facilitated the selection of “information-rich cases that manifest[ed] the phenomenon of interest intensely (but not extremely)” and provided “excellent or rich examples of the phenomenon of interest, but not highly unusual cases” (Patton, 2002, p.234). The sampling of the case studies provided “balance and variety”, and the notion that the “opportunity to learn is of primary importance” was supported (Stake, 1995, p.7).

Apart from selecting cases based on the depth of information they could provide and the differences that existed, the defining characteristics of a cottage industry (as developed in the literature review) were used as a guide in selecting the participants (see Table 4.2 and 4.3). Together with the database of potential participants (developed through document research via the Internet, newspapers, tourist brochures) and

snowball sampling (key informants, vignette participants, and word-of-mouth), the case studies were systematically selected. In one particular case study, there were

discrepancies between the data gathered pre-interview and what emerged in the interview. However, after consideration, this case remained in the project. In the

aligned with differing roles, whereby one of the principals was more inclined to deal with the public and the other with technical operations, but it also was a result of their owner/operator status and the need to be physically present in the business.

The same procedures in relation to the contacting of, gaining access to, and member- checking, were followed with the case study participants as with the vignette

participants (see Chapter 2). Of the six case studies that were interviewed, one required anonymity. During write up, identifying characteristics were replaced in a way that did not unduly influence the findings. Two of the case study participants asked specifically for some of the data to be removed and not to be used within the project.

Research Methods

The research methods involved in the second phase of data collection included: