Chapter Three: Research Method

This chapter will describe the research methodology and design for the proposed study on physicians' experiences diagnosing Alzheimer's disease in women. The appropriateness of the chosen methodology and design will be discussed in relation to the study problem, purpose, and research questions. Alternative methodologies and designs will also be identified and explained, along with why they were determined to be less appropriate than the selected approach.

Research Methodology and Design

The proposed study will use a descriptive qualitative design to investigate physicians' experiences and attitudes towards diagnosing Alzheimer's disease in women. The study will employ a semi-structured interview approach for data collection, which will allow for in-depth exploration of the phenomenon under investigation.

Qualitative research is appropriate for exploring complex, subjective experiences and attitudes, and understanding the meanings that individuals ascribe to them (Sutton & Austin, 2015). The purpose of this study is to explore physicians' experiences and attitudes towards diagnosing Alzheimer's disease in women, which is a complex and subjective phenomenon that requires a qualitative approach. Additionally, the semi-structured interview approach is appropriate for this study as it allows for flexibility in data collection and enables the researcher to gather rich data that can provide insights into the physicians' experiences and attitudes.

Purposive sampling will be used to select physicians who have experience in diagnosing Alzheimer's disease in women. This sampling technique is appropriate for qualitative research as it allows for the selection of participants with specific knowledge and experience relevant to the research question. The sample size will be determined by data saturation, which occurs when no new information is being generated from the data collection process (Guest et al., 2006). It is expected that the study will continue until data saturation is reached, typically between 10-20 participants.

Alternative Methodologies and Designs

Alternative research methodologies and designs that could be used for investigating physicians' experiences diagnosing Alzheimer's disease in women include quantitative research, mixed-methods research, and case study research.

Quantitative research involves the use of numerical data and statistical analysis to test hypotheses and identify patterns in large datasets. While quantitative research can be useful for identifying trends and associations, it may not provide the depth of understanding necessary to explore the subjective experiences and attitudes of physicians towards diagnosing Alzheimer's disease in women.

Mixed-methods research involves the use of both quantitative and qualitative research methods in a single study. While mixed-methods research can provide a more comprehensive understanding of a phenomenon, it may require a larger sample size and more resources than a purely qualitative study. Additionally, it may not allow for the same level of depth and richness of understanding that a qualitative study can provide.

Case study research involves the in-depth investigation of a single case or a small number of cases. While case study research can provide rich and detailed insights into a specific phenomenon, it may not be generalizable to other cases or populations.

Overall, the proposed descriptive qualitative design using a semi-structured interview approach and purposive sampling is the most appropriate methodology and design for investigating physicians' experiences diagnosing Alzheimer's disease in women, given the research problem, purpose, and research questions. Alternative methodologies and designs were considered but were determined to be less appropriate for the specific aims of this study.

Population and Sample

The population for this study is physicians who have experience in diagnosing Alzheimer's disease in women. This population includes general practitioners, neurologists, and geriatricians who work in clinics, hospitals, or other medical settings in the United States. According to the American Medical Association, there are approximately 800,000 licensed physicians in the United States (AMA, 2023). It is estimated that a significant proportion of these physicians have experience in diagnosing Alzheimer's disease, given the high prevalence of the disease among older adults.

The sample for this study will be selected using purposive sampling, which is appropriate for qualitative research. The sample size will be determined by...…can be taken. Additionally, pilot testing the interview questions and ensuring their validity and reliability can help mitigate limitations in data collection (Ismail et al., 2018).

Delimitations

Study delimitations may include specific geographic regions or types of physicians included in the sample, and the use of specific diagnostic criteria. These delimitations are necessary to ensure the study remains focused and feasible. The research decisions made in selecting these delimitations relate to the existing literature and theoretical framework by building upon previous research and theories, while also addressing specific gaps in the literature and advancing the field's understanding of diagnosing Alzheimer's disease.

Ethical Assurances

Confidentiality and anonymity are important considerations in any research study. In this particular study, confidentiality will be ensured by using pseudonyms instead of the actual names of the participants. The collected data will be kept in a secure location with limited access to authorized personnel only. Any identifying information such as the name and contact information of the participants will be kept separately and securely, to ensure that confidentiality is maintained.

Furthermore, the data will be stored in accordance with the Institutional Review Board (IRB) requirements, which may include data encryption, secure password protection, and limited access to the data. The researcher will also adhere to any applicable data protection laws and regulations.

Summary

In this methodology chapter, the research problem, purpose, and questions were clearly identified. The theoretical/conceptual framework and the research design were discussed, with a focus on the use of a quantitative approach and a cross-sectional survey design. The population and sample were described, as well as the instruments used for data collection, which were interview questions. The data collection process was detailed, including how physicians will be recruited and how data will be collected. The assumptions, limitations, and delimitations of the study were discussed, along with how measures were taken to mitigate limitations. The importance of ethical considerations was also highlighted, including steps taken to ensure confidentiality and secure data storage. Overall, this…