GraceChapter3.docx

Methodology

Overview

The primary focus of this study circulates around children who immigrated to the United States with their parents. These children, labeled Generation 1.5, attempt to acclimate into a new culture with a different value system and experience different stressors than the first or second generations. Furthermore, mental health issues are often ignored due to the taboo nature and attitudes within Asian cultural groups. (Lee 2008). As a result, insufficient amounts of mental health services exist for Generation 1.5 Asian Americans.
This study is both exploratory and qualitative, aiming to ameliorate some of Generation 1.5 Asian American’s needs for mental health services. A semi-structured interview, consisting of open ended questions, will be used in this study. Questions included: 1) What particular factors affected utilization of mental health services in San Joaquin County by Generation 1.5 Asian Americans? 2) What are Generation 1.5 Asian American perspectives regarding the current quality and accessibility of mental health services in San Joaquin County? 3) What would effective mental health services look like for Generation 1.5 Asian Americans?

Design

An exploratory qualitative methodology will be used in the study to explore the experiences and views of Generation 1.5 Asian Americans regarding access, relevance of currently available mental health services, and how they may be improved. An exploratory design is used to examine a new topic, or a topic that the researcher may know little about (Rubin & Babbie, 2014, p.153). The purpose of an exploratory design is not to find a definitive answer to a question, rather it attempts to gain insight into a particular phenomenon. For the purpose of this study, this method was chosen for its flexibility and to gain an increased understanding of a topic (the “how” and “why” things happen). While there are numerous generalized studies of Asian American mental health, there are few that explore the perceptions and needs of Generation 1.5. This study aims to gather a comprehensive view of those perceptions of Generation 1.5 Asian Americans in order to identify factors that contribute to their views of culturally competent mental heal intervention approaches.
This study could potentially help mental health workers create programs and specialized treatments for newer generations within the Asian American community. Furthermore, social workers can improve mental health services for the Asian American community by decreasing the stigma that comes with mental health and engage individuals struggling with mental health issues.

Sampling

Non-probability, purposive sampling will be used to select Generation 1.5 participants. Purposive sampling chooses participants who fit the criteria of the study to include a broad range of common characteristics and behaviors (Rubin & Babbie, 2014, p. 385). San Joaquin County, California is the intended sampling area, justified because of its relative and large diverse (14.7 %) Asian American community (U.S. Census, 2013). The researcher will promote the study through advertisement of flyers in common areas that Asian Americans are known to congregate such as supermarkets and places of worship. Word of mouth and social media may also be useful in promotion. The target population shall consist of all persons of Asian heritage (Filipino, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Thai, Laos and Hmong).
Generation 1.5 Asian American participants will be adults who were foreign born and immigrated to the United States between the ages of 6-17. The specific age range was selected based on Rambuat’s (2012) definition which views preschool age (0-5) as too young to remember the birth country and too young to attend school. Older children (ages 6+) are viewed as more likely to remember their birth county and more likely to adapt between the two identities. Participants will have attended primary and/or secondary education in the U.S.
The strength of this type of sampling is the simplicity of finding a certain population by initially listing criteria needed for study. It is also more cost effective. A weakness of this type of sampling is that, because it limits the investigation to one geographic area, San Joaquin County, it may not be representative of the population on a larger scale. Additionally, this study does not take into account the background of the interviewees. Individual characteristics that include family functioning, legal status, socioeconomic status, educational background, and medical issues are not taken in to account for this study. Consequently, this may present another advantage in that the sampling does not bias identification of Asian culture with what may be considered extraneous dimensions, and so is inclusive.

Data Collection

Prior to recruiting participants, the researcher will obtain approval from the University’s Institutional Review Board (UIRB)Committee which permits researchers to use human subjects as part of their study. To researcher plans to inform and recruit participants for the study through advertisements, that include flyers, and through word of mouth. Flyers will include contact information for this researcher to schedule face-to-face individual interviews. Open-ended questions will be used to gather information. Open-ended questions provide more opportunities for the researcher to probe the participants for more in depth information (Ruben and Babbie 2014).
Interviews will be recorded using a digital audio recorder with the consent of the participant. The use of an audio recorder ensures the accurate representation of participant information obtained through the interview.
Refreshments and snacks will be available for participants. Each participant will be provided the opportunity to review and provide informed consent to participating in the research study prior to meeting with the researcher for an interview.

Instrumentation

Interviews with participants shall include open-ended questions intended to solicit in-depth information regarding the focus of the research. All interviews will be conducted by the student researcher. To establish rapport, an introduction and a brief explanation of the purpose of the research will be presented. Basic demographic information such as race, current age, and education level will be collected prior to the interview. It is anticipated that each interview will be approximately 30 to 60 minutes in length, depending on the amount of information provided by each participant. Discussions will be geared towards four main areas. First off, exploration of each individual’s perception of mental health. Secondly, all factors which might influence help seeking behaviors. Thirdly, possible management of existing mental health symptoms. Lastly, an individual’s needs to increase utilization. All participants shall be compensated with a retail store gift card upon completion of the study.

Data Analysis

This study will be conducted through a qualitative research approach. Data can be analyzed through different methods but for the purposes of this research, Newman’s 5 step approach will be utilized (Newman, 2003). After the data has been collected and transcribed into transcripts, the information will be organized and categorized in relation to the research questions The second step in the data analysis involves open coding. Data will be categorized by age at the time of migration, level of education and the participant’s views on treatment of mental illness. Coding can also unlock patterns and themes that may arise in the process of sorting through the data (Rubin & Babbie 2014). Common terms, key events or themes provided in the data will be based on the current research questions, literature review and common terms used by participants. Selected participants that provide information will be used to explain some current themes.
The third step, axial coding, involves reviewing codes with more focus on the codes rather than data (Neuman, 2003). From these codes more ideas may come to light and new themes may be created. The researcher will explore thematic attributes such as causes, consequences, conditions, process and common concepts that may arise. Axial coding also involves categorizing current concepts into subcategories and combining similar concepts together. The fourth step, selective coding, involves looking at the variable, reading through the transcripts and identifying themes that relate to the variable. This step looks at the major themes and concepts that guide the research. The last step is interpreting and elaborating the concepts. This section compares and contrast themes and explanations of the data as well as the organization of the concepts. It is important to note how the current data sets are related to current studies and the

Protection of Human Subjects

Considerable efforts shall be made to decrease any possible legal/ethical ramifications for participants. Upon initial approach, the researcher will inform participants of the purpose of the study. It will be made clear that participation in this study is voluntary, and withdrawal is allowed at any time without coercion or penalty from this researcher. Additionally, throughout the course of research, participants will be reminded of all data safeguarding performed for purposes of maintaining confidentiality. Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants prior to investigation (See Appendix C), with a copy provided to all for their own personal records.
The risks and benefits of the study will also be addressed by this researcher and included as part of the informed consent. The potential benefit for participation is giving the participants a means and a method to express their mental health needs. Risks for participation may include anxiety about the interview process, or possible discomfort by having to rehash or relive personal experiences. This researcher will alleviate any participant’s discomfort by aiding in the proper processing of their thoughts and feelings. If further discomfort is indicated, this interviewer will offer outside community resources, such as a local or San Joaquin county crisis hotline.

Confidentiality is very important when human participants are involved. Therefore, this researcher will inform participants of any and all methods used for securing information. This researcher will collect minimal identifiable information such as age, race, and ethnicity, providing for anonymity of information. More invasive information such as full name, birthday, and address is not required for this study. Further, the study site only allows for one participant and the researcher to be present during the interview. While data is collected through a voice recorder for transcription, all documents and data are destroyed upon completion of the study. Confidentially is further maintained by limiting physical access to information. This is accomplished by secure storage of all information in an area only accessible by the researcher.
Should any additional concerns arise either during or after the study, participants shall be provided contact information for this researcher and the assigned thesis advisor.