Critique of an ethnographic study

For instance, the limitations of the theory of inner work life on which the study to explore how autonomous motivation makes nurses stay at work was based were not clearly demonstrated. Introduction The study was based on the theory of inner work life and the researcher comprehensively this theory to discover what influences or motivates registered nurses to continue with their routine work. The author indicates that the theory of inner work life has not been used previously in studies within the nursing context. This was a convincing basis for the choice of the problem statement for the study. Owing to the absence of current literature on the research subject selected, it is undoubtedly clear that conducting such a study would impart potential benefits to the nursing profession.

Participation observation does not work on the basis of any study theory thus can be ineffective in addressing the purpose statement or research question. Furthermore, this data collection method would not adequately provide the necessary qualitative and representative information required by researchers to address the study question. Individual interview was very crucial in the qualitative explorative study because it provided ample time for participants to report informed reflections as to what motivates them to remain in work. Sampling The setting chosen by the researchers was relevant to the study. Clinical decision unit linked to the emergency wing was an ideal setting due to unpredictability of nurses’ workday schedule. Relatively increasing the sample size can also help increase the confidence intervals in such a qualitative explorative study (Faber, & Fonseca, 2014; Button et al.

Data Collection and Procedure The author indicates that participants received information about the study through verbal means prior to the day of data collection. The longevity of verbal communication is too short making it unreliable in conducting studies that require formal documentation and preliminary plan. Failure of the participants to listen to the information conveyed to them verbally would render verbal communication ineffective. To avoid taking chances, the researcher would have used an alternative means of communication that provides the participants with records for reference. If at all such data were analyzed, the reader cannot tell how their analysis was done. Ethical consideration The research was planned and conducted in conformity with Helsinki Declaration guidelines and received a thumbs up from approved by the Regional Ethical Review Board in Sweden.

An inclusion criterion was also observed to the letter making sure that no pertinent participated in the study. All participants received written and verbal information before providing a written consent prior to the commencement of the study. Participants were also assigned fictitious and their data properly processed and stored in a manner that ensured confidentiality. However, the theory of inner work life on which the study to explore how autonomous motivation makes nurses stay at work was based were not clearly demonstrated. Additionally, the limitations of the theory were acknowledged but their impacts on the final findings were never explained. Limitations and strength of the study Ethnographic study approach has been identified as the strength of the study. Whereas the fact that only one researcher undertook data collection, small sample size and the Sweden context have been identified as the limitation of the study.