"The Long Goodbye": Uncertainty Management in Alzheimer's Caregivers Page: 37
View a full description of this thesis.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
to identify prominent themes within the data set (Boyatzis, 1998; Braun & Clarke, 2006). First,
each participant's audio file was transcribed word-by-word and saved as individual documents.
In order to answer to the first research question, I analyzed the responses to the first five
questions of the interview protocol, which were related to caregiver appraisals and uncertainty.
The emotional response behind the appraisal was identified and categorized as negative, positive,
neutral, or combined. Responses were coded as negative if a negative word or expression could
be determined by reading the transcript. Similarly, responses were regarded as positive when a
positive element or sense of optimism could be detected from the transcript. Caregiver responses
were coded as neutral if no positive or negative emotive word was apparent within the utterance.
Finally, combined emotional responses were coded when both a positive and negative emotive
word could be found within the same utterance.
Once the data was separated by response type, each category was examined for emergent
themes. In order to identify themes, each utterance was labeled by identifying the primary
emotion(s) demonstrated within each statement. Once the primary emotions were identified, the
transcripts were reexamined to determine the most prominent emotions within each appraisal
category. After identifying the primary emotions the data was conceptualized and categorized
into overarching themes.
The second research question was analyzed in two ways. The first step involved
identifying uncertainty management strategies as either information seeking or information
avoiding. The responses to questions eight through ten on the interview protocol were examined
from each transcript. Each response was coded based upon a specific type of seeking or
avoiding behavior as outlined by Brashers (2001). If the participants engaged in information
seeking the responses were further identified according to a specific category (i.e., active,37
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This thesis can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Thesis.
Shaunfield, Sara. "The Long Goodbye": Uncertainty Management in Alzheimer's Caregivers, thesis, May 2011; Denton, Texas. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc67947/m1/44/: accessed May 1, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; .