Qualitative Data Analysis

Two adjunct professors at the University of Alberta, Harvey Krahn and Adam Belton, are investigating the issue, “Still living at Home?” The goal of the 2005 study was to determine why young adults in their mid-twenties (adults) continue to reside with their parents. In light of both its benefits and drawbacks, this. Researchers are also quite interested in how these young adults who are members of minority and invisible minority groups feel generally. This qualitative data analysis report carefully examines the methodology and results of the investigation. Sampling and Data Collection Methods used in the 2005 Study

The 2005 study majorly employed direct personal interviews as the main method of data collection. In this, both structured and semi – structured interviews were used to ask questions from the minority and invisible minority. Direct personal interviews were advantageous because they provided direct feedback and a chance to clarify the answers given during the study. Moreover, there was room for asking more questions and gauging the reactions of the participants. Some laughter from the participants proved to Harvey that the participants were enjoying the interview and encouraged him to ask more structured and semi – structured questions.

Questionnaires were also presented to the participants encouraging them to answer. These were both closed and open ended questionnaires. There was a confidentiality clause stating that the interviews were private and confidential therefore, the answers given ought not to be released to the public domain. Moreover, there was a $ 20 benefit that came as a token of appreciation for all those who participated. These acted as an impetus, encouraging the participants to answer the questionnaires and participate in the interviews. The use of questionnaires is a good method of data collection because they take a very short time to answer. Moreover, the respondents do not have to be physically present at a common location in order to provide the answers.

In the 2005 study, data recording was done using tapes, these could be used as reference. The sampling technique considered for both the minority and invisible minority groups considered their ethnic backgrounds. This was important because it considered the input of culture, social ties, religious beliefs and predispositions in matters regarding young adults living at home with their parents.

Book - The Oxford Handbook of Emerging Adulthood

According to The Oxford Handbook of Emerging Adulthood, millennials have registered the highest number of young adults living with their parents throughout history. The reasons are not economic or social in nature, but psychological to a greater degree. Millennials take very long to marry, they lack families and have no obligations in terms of responsibilities. Living with parents boosts their social ties and beats the loneliness which comes with staying alone. According to Arnett, 32% of young adults live with their parents in the United States (Arnett 57). The historical trend of those living with their parents has greatly increased. In the 1960s, majority of young adults lived with their spouses (62%). Education takes a long time in the modern era, prompting majority of young adults to take time before marriage. Only 20% of young adults lived with their parents in the 1960s (Arnett 37).

Living with parents comes with emotional stability. The information technology age has come about with inventions and innovations which makes it easier to connect with parents and spouses, however, the young adults still find it a convenience staying with their parents. Some young adults lack jobs; therefore, their parents are their main financiers. Staying with parents means that bills are settled, including the rent which is always a challenge not only, for the working class but also, for those who are unemployed. This is related to the responses of the 2005 University of Alberta Study. The respondents mostly cited financial reasons as one of the reasons behind staying with their parents. However, there are isolated cases of those staying with their parents and earning an income capable of living on their own. In such cases, such young adults have responsibilities.

Inflation is another reason for young adults staying with their parents. Tough economic times makes housing expensive, living with parents especially when an individual is not married, becomes easier. Responsibilities can be shared – the payment of bills and other expenses – in comparison to when an individual is living alone. Statistics also show that employed young men are less likely to live with their parents at home in comparison to jobless young adults (Arnett 33). There has been an increase in the level of inflation since 1970, as a result, the number of young adult men living with their parents has greatly increased.

The study did not reveal inflation as one of the determinant factors for young people living at home with parents. However, it did reflect greatly on the financial stability of the individuals living at home with their parents. Most of them lack stable income in both visible and invisible minority regions. However, there are options for young adults who are financially strapped. Nevertheless, they do not take the option of living with roommates. The emotional support and social ties offered while living with parents are overwhelmingly convenient, therefore, any young man would opt to live with their parents given the chance and circumstance (Arnett 71).

Topics and Research Methods that might be used for Future Research

The topics that can form basis for future research are, Millennials and living with parents, why there is a rise in single parenthood in the modern era? And the input of socio – economic ties in living with parents. These topics are of great importance because the young adults (millennials) prefer living with parents as opposed to living with their spouses. Such a research is instrumental because reasons can be cited for this and corrective measures – whether psychological or emotional – cited to reverse the trend. The responsibility of a parent is to bring up children to adulthood, beyond which they can take full responsibility of their lives. The Millennial trend is surprising.

The other topics for future research are the input of socio – economic ties in living with parents and the rise of single parenthood. The current generation is insistent on jobs and education. There is little emphasis on relationships and marriages. This is the more reason why young adults of marriage age prefer to live with their parents in comparison to spouses. They simply beat the boredom by living at home with their parents. Socio – economic ties have an input in this, and this has to form the basis for future research so that the correlation can be established.

The research methods are quite simple. Both structured and semi – structured interviews can be conducted in order to gain answers from young adults. The use of questionnaires is equally a good method of taking both qualitative and quantitative data. Other research methods which can be employed include qualitative and quantitative research methods, correlation and regression analysis and meta – analysis research approach.

Conclusion

The 2005 study at the University of Alberta revealed interesting findings in regards to the research questions Still Living at Home? this was a research conducted among young adults who were living at home with their parents. The reasons that the young adults provided were, financial reasons and emotional support. They had not to worry about payment of bills and other expenses because their parents could step in. Moreover, they loved the company of their parents. They considered staying alone in an apartment lonely.

Works Cited

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Arnett, Jeffrey J. The Oxford Handbook of Emerging Adulthood. , 2016. Print.

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