METHODOLOGY

Introduction

A qualitative research method was used to generate data to address the research
questions above. To select participants for this research, probability sampling was
utilized. A random 25 participants participated in this descriptive study. The methods
used in this study were chosen to explore the ethical approach in animal testing. This
qualitative study seeks to analyze existing data provided by chosen respondents in
order to measure the ethicality of animal testing containing animal rights. The
researchers have collected posttest scores of the participants and made this data
available for analysis in this study.

Research Design

In order to achieve the goal of this study and develop a fundamental understanding of
the role of ethics in the controversy that surrounds animal testing, a qualitative approach
utilizing a questionnaire structures together to achieve the objectives of this study and to
gain a basic understanding of the role of ethics in the debate on animal experiments.
This approach will provide the foundation for an inclusive well-rounded study. Studies
that utilize descriptive research that is developed alongside each other. Both qualitative
and quantitative approaches are properly used, but the most appropriate format for
balanced studies in animal testing is qualitative. By using this design, the researchers
will be able to intensively describe and analyze the perceptions of the respondents.
This method not only adds personal experience, which is essential for investigating
ethical approaches to animal experiments but also makes it possible to obtain empirical
data through questionnaires.

The purpose of this qualitative study is to analyze if there is a correlation between

participation in the Power Tools for Living EAP model intervention and improved
outcomes for youth who have previously experienced maltreatment. Therefore, this
study utilized a descriptive design to measure the correlation between the intervention
and outcomes for those areas as well as explored further other areas that may be
positively impacted (Weinbach & Grinnell, 2014).
Sampling procedure

Instrument: Information was collected by means of a questionnaire, which random

participants completed voluntarily during online surveys. The research survey was done
with involuntary participation, informed consent, confidentiality, anonymity, trust, and
safety in participation. The instrument contained closed-ended questions and one
open-ended question, which elicited responses in regard to individual beliefs and
values. The responses yielded their reactions and attitudes towards vivisection and
animal rights. as well as information on what alternative action they suggest to test a
product aside from animal testing. The attitudinal items on the questionnaire consisted
of 11 statements in total. In each case, the prospective respondents were required to
tick yes or no to indicate if they agreed or disagreed with each statement. One
open-ended question was included in the questionnaire.

Prior to the in-depth interviews, ethical clearance was approved in agreement

with guidelines and regulations of the University of Reading Committee (see
appendix 1). Interviews then commenced the same week ethical clearance was
granted in which participants were contacted. Time and location (University of
Reading) of the interviews were allocated separately to each participant suited to
their convenience. Purposive sampling, also known as judgement sampling
(Etikan, 2016) was used to obtain 8 participants; four female participants and
four male participants, consisting of undergraduate, postgraduate and general
public, age range between 18 to 35. Purposive sampling was considered
appropriate to use as it involved identifying and selecting individuals or group of
individuals, that are especially knowledgeable about or experienced with a
phenomenon of interest (Creswell and Plano Clark, 2011). In terms of this
research, each participant was selected because of their behavioural
characteristics of either using or purchasing M.A.C or Maybelline cosmetics at
some point of their daily life. However, the disadvantage of using Purposive
sampling is that researcher’s judgment in identifying and selecting the sample
can be flawed or biased (Blankenship, 2010) especially inclusion biased due to
the time restrained. Therefore, to overcome this weakness an online survey was
conducted and distributed amongst respondents; which will further be discussed
in this dissertation.

Participants were seven female and six male participants, aged 9 to 17, from the
residential treatment programs at Hillsides, Five Acres, and David & Margaret Youth and
Family Services who received EAP from Special Spirit Inc. Youth in these residential
programs have experienced abuse, neglect and exposure to violence, thus meeting the
criteria for maltreatment. This study utilized purposive sampling due to the
representativeness of youth in residential treatment facilities (diversity of forms of
maltreatment experienced, racial/ethnic/cultural backgrounds, and age) and due to
Special Spirit providing services to these youth and collecting pre- and post intervention
data on each. Special Spirit provides EAP to several diverse types of clients (veterans,
individuals in substance recovery programs, adults and youth with mental illness).
However, this population was intentionally selected for this study in order to explore
EAP with youth who have experienced maltreatment.