4.8.1 A constant reminder
The reminder of early loss of a Rerekohu or Tangiāwhā Bristowe succumbing to heart disease consistently appeared when contemplating the development of the participant criteria. A simple purposeful sampling approach was developed to ensure potential participants were being considered. Participants needed to be indigenous, male and aged between 20-90 years of age. A number of commentators (Katzer, Cook, & Crouch, 1982; Morse, 2003) believe that it is important when determining a participant group that the technique of purposeful sampling is used.
Purposeful sampling, according to Katzer, Crook & Crouch (1982) as cited by Wilson (2004, p. 108), is defined as:
“…the non-random sampling technique in which researchers use their knowledge of a population [sic] to select a sample [sic] for a given purpose”.
This purposeful sampling process raised further consideration as to whether participants needed to have an interest in the research topic or if they had prior knowledge about CVD. Furthermore, would it make a difference if participants were chosen from the city, from the outback or remote areas or whether education attainment, being employed, being married with children or single would all make a difference? Ultimately, the research relied on Brendan Kieran and Chris Buchannan to source the initial two participants from each of the two participating cohorts, to be interviewed.
When considering some of the limitations for this research particularly as the researcher was not an Indigenous Australian male and not being Australian would this hinder the aims and objectives of the research? In the end providing an indigenous perspective from New Zealand and then determining whether this would have resonance with Indigenous
72 would enable a wider indigenous consideration reflecting on similar issues that exist
amongst those interviewed and to determine consistency and difference amassed through both quantitative or qualitative research approaches that have also been conducted within New Zealand (Riddell et al., 2007; Tobias et al., 2009).
Moreover, Brendan Kieran, Chris Buchannan as well as members of the ARHG have provided advice and direction during all facets of the research. Twenty interviews were conducted (10 from each cohort) through an iterative process and enabled interviews to be conducted over a period of three months. The age of the participants ranged from twenty- two to eighty five years of age with the mean average age of 44.4 years. Exactly half the participants (10 of 20) were beneficiaries either retired or receiving other such welfare entitlements. This made sense as most participants were sourced through connections within the community or through both health practices, given that the majority “had spare time” to participate.
4.8.2 Initial Interviews
In the early stages two interviews each were conducted in Redfern and Kalwun communities. These particular participants were initiated and organized by Chris
Buchannan and Brendan Kerin. The interviews were semi-structured and used the three broad questions as prompts to get ‘the ball rolling’.
Prior to the commencement of each of the four interviews acknowledgements to the indigenous people; the land; and other cultural references were undertaken. Immediately after the introductions, an opportunity to discuss the purpose of the interview as well the aims of the research was provided. A Participant Information Sheet and the necessary Participant Consent Forms were developed for this purpose. These are found at
Appendices 1 and 2. The two interviews conducted in Redfern were held at the Redfern Community Centre and other two interviews held at Tallebudgera, South Queensland. As these interviews transpired, much importance was placed on ensuring participants were not forced or cajoled into participating in the interviews. The researcher advised
participants that at any time they were free to question or raise concerns. Participants were also advised that the interviews would not be taped or transcripts provided.
73 However they were assured that the field notes collated by the researcher and a copy of the final report would be made available. The participants agreed to be contacted by email if clarification on any issue was required Although consent forms provide an assurance for participants to agree to being interviewed, this consent would also tacitly remind the researcher to check randomly with the participant that each is happy with the progress of the interview, as well and that the questions and responses could be clarified further if required.
All four interviewees wanted to be interviewed outside. No real logical reason why but “open space” and not being confined seemed plausible responses. Because the interviews were usually done outside there wasn’t the opportunity to offer refreshments or something to eat. Conversely, sitting outside enabled participants to open up and go directly to responding to the three general research questions. It was important too that participants took the time to read the Participant Information Sheet and ask further questions before interviews commenced.
For these four interviews the processes were deliberately designed to encourage open and considered debate and to avoid placing undue constraints on the views and perspectives of those being interviewed. A rich vein of information from each participant revealed a combination of personal reflection, sadness, humbleness and a positive “next steps” scenario of what can be done for some participants by making adjustments to their personal life. It was thought that this approach would allow for an open dialogue to emerge and for maximu information to be collected. One of the immediate outcomes of these initial interviews was the opportunity to discuss heart health and a range of problems as well as opportunities, seemingly providing a spur to “do something” about the situation as a consequence of talking to someone about CVD.
These interviews ranged between 40 to 80 minutes duration. As the interviews proceeded it was necessary to keep shifting, due to the heat and lack of shade. At the conclusion of each interview, participants were provided with a $20.00 Coles (supermarket) voucher on signing an acceptance and receipt form, to recognize their participation.
74 4.8.3 Reflections
Reflecting on the first four interviews was important and enabled the researcher to consider the data that had been collected. Recurrent themes to occur when dealing with CVD concern were that indigenous protocol and laughter were significant processes to adopt and enabled perspectives from those interviewed are received in a positive vein and culturally appropriate. Laughter also served as a way to break the ice and to “humanize” the flow of the interview. Of equal importance was the process of making connections and to talk about issues that were of greater interest (other than CVD) with some participants e.g. Rugby League, Home and Away (television programme), the forthcoming elections or whether Prime Minister Rudd would be re-elected.
The use of collecting field notes while at the same time picking up body language (and avoiding direct eye contact) seemed to work. Likewise, it was important to check with those being interviewed that indigenous references were spelt correctly and the meanings being described were dialectically and phonetically accurate. At the conclusion it was also important to immediately refer back to the field notes for each interview, and to reflect back on the experience. This would assist with the open coding process further downstream.