The data gathering tools included three sets of questions. The comments and discussions were recorded utilizing a phone adapter, microphone, and digital recorder. The first set of questions focussed on the personal world of the EC (see Appendix B), the second set of questions focussed on the workplace of the EC (see Appendix C), and the final set engaged conversation relating to all the stakeholders in the employment system in Canada (see Appendix D).
All research tools were drafted and pre-tested to ensure validity and reliability. Stringer (1999) reminded us that, in action-based research, the intent is to “envisage a collaborative approach to investigation that seeks to engage ‘subjects’ as equal and full participants in the research process”
(p. 9). Narrative inquiry is a research process that uses aspects of participant stories to identify meaning.
Riessman and Quinney (2005) presented a critical review of the use of narratives in research. The authors discussed the rising popularity of a narrative approach, but cautioned that all talk and text is not necessarily narrative research. To that end, the conversations in the groups developed into story telling, as had been observed by Riessman and Quinney who told us, “Narrative research analyzes the extended account, rather than fragmenting it into thematic categories”
(p. 395).
It was critical to ensure that all data-gathering research methods were reliable and would provide valid results. The support of the Project Leadership Committee and the pre-testing of questions and process helped to guarantee utility, reliability, and validity of the research questions and dialogue processes. On a final note, I feel it is important to recognize the oral tradition of Aboriginal people and to understand this method of story telling is less intrusive and more natural for those participants. Thomas King (2003) presented a native narrative on the history and importance of story telling. King told us, “The truth about stories is that that’s all we are”
(p. 2).