Choosing an appropriate method of data collection.

Introduction Conducting real-world research, in particular for the novice researcher, is not easy (Casey 2004). Choices have to be made concerning each stage of the process, all of which are governed by the research question and/or aims of the study. In making these choices researchers resort to textbooks as well as research studies. Both sources are helpful, however, the latter may sometimes be more helpful in terms of describing the practicalities of conducting research in the context of real-life settings rather than just describing an abstract reality. Capturing the subjective interactions between nurses and patients was an important part of my study. Therefore the interpretivlst paradigm was used, as the focus was on the meaning of experiences and behaviours, which are context dependent. The use of multiple data collection methods, provide a more 'convincing and accurate' case study (Yin 1994). In my case study 'within methods' triangulation involving the use of both observations and interviews, (methods of data collection from the same methodology) were used. This paper describes the rationale and issues considered in selecting the most appropriate methods of data collection as well as the researcher's account of her experience of using these methods in undertaking a piece of research.