When deciding how best to address the research question I was guided by
Creswell (2003) and Denzin & Lincoln (2003). According to Creswell, qualitative
inquiry is best employed when exploring processes. A qualitative research
approach explores a social problem in a natural setting that requires the creation
of a complex, holistic perspective as seen through the eyes of those living these
experiences. Similarly, Denzin & Lincoln (2003) see qualitative research as being
the most appropriate methodology for extracting research value from descriptive
data that are generated through personal experiences. Given these considerations,
a qualitative approach seemed appropriate.