Department of Social work, Walden University
PSYC 3170: Clinical Psychology
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, Purpose and Significance of Your Study
The purpose and significance of a study are a way to explain to an audience the intended
research will contribute to the literature on the topic of study (Rudestam & Newton, 2015). This
is where a researcher would describe why their research is worthwhile and how important it is to
the community, people, and other institutions (Rudestam & Newton, 2015). The topic I am
working on is to understand the perceived food security challenges of low-income older African
American women with a chronic illness. The inability to obtain adequate food to live an active,
healthy life is referred to as food insecurity (Paschal et al., 2020). Food insecurity has been
related to destructive health effects in older adults in several studies. Food insecurity's health
impacts on adults are more restricted, with most studies focusing on the link between food
insecurity and self-described disease (Paschal et al., 2020).
The purpose of this qualitative methods study is to help social workers understand the
perceived food security challenges of low-income older African American women with a chronic
illness. Realizing the best methodologies to describe food insecurity among African American
older adult women living in low-income communities is essential. In qualitative research, non-
numerical statistics such as text or audio is collected and analyzed to better comprehend theories,
theories, or events. Through qualitative research, a researcher may gain detailed perceptions into
a subject matter or generate new study ideas (Creswell, 2009).
This study will use a basic qualitative approach to interview focus groups of the
population of interest. The groups will range from ages 55 years and older. Photo tasks will also
be highlighting significant challenges of food insecurity among older African American women
in low-income communities with chronic illness. To strengthen alliances among health
organizations and food access programs to increase health, develop food security, and reinforce
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