Revised Problem Space: The dissertation aims to comprehensively explore the factors contributing to the lack of awareness about Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) among parents of autistic children. The research questions focus on the current level of awareness, misconceptions surrounding ABA, and the advantages it provides for children with autism.

Selected Methodology: The proposed methodology is qualitative, utilizing a phenomenological design. In-depth interviews with parents will be conducted to gather rich qualitative data, offering a nuanced understanding of their lived experiences, attitudes, and challenges related to ABA.

Research Questions and Alignment with Methodology:

What is the current level of awareness among parents regarding the use of ABA as a therapeutic intervention for children with autism?

This question aligns with the qualitative phenomenological approach, aiming to explore and understand parents' lived experiences and perspectives.

What misconceptions surround ABA as an intervention for autism?

This question fits well with the phenomenological design, seeking to uncover subjective experiences and perceptions, allowing for an in-depth exploration of misconceptions.

What advantages does ABA provide for children who have autism?

This question is exploratory and can be addressed through qualitative and quantitative data, considering parents' experiences (qualitative) and potential measurable outcomes for children (quantitative).

Advantages and Limitations of the Chosen Methodology: Advantages:

Phenomenological design provides rich, context-specific data, allowing for a deep exploration of individual experiences.

Interviews facilitate a personal connection, enabling participants to express their thoughts and feelings in detail.

Limitations: Findings may not be generalizable to a larger population due to the small sample size typical in qualitative research.

Dependence on participants' self-reporting might introduce bias or subjectivity.

Considerations for Defending the Methodology:

Emphasize the need for a qualitative approach to capture the complex and subjective nature of parents' experiences with ABA.

Highlight the importance of in-depth interviews for a nuanced understanding that quantitative methods alone may not provide.

Discuss how the phenomenological design aligns with the exploratory nature of the research questions, aiming to uncover the essence of parents' experiences and perceptions.[

In conclusion, the chosen qualitative phenomenological technique is well-suited to investigate parents' lived experiences and address research concerns about autism awareness, misconceptions, and the benefits of ABA for children with autism.

The objective of

phenomenology is to understand human experience(Wilson, 2015).

Reference

Wilson, A. (2015). A guide to phenomenological research. Nursing Standard, 29(34), 38-43. https://doi.org/10.7748/ns.29.34.38.e8821

Briefly restate your problem space, methodology, and research questions as you posted and refined them from the previous discussion question in this topic. Considering these components, what is your proposed core design (Note: Focus on the design not the methodology in your response.)? Why have you chosen this particular design? How does the design align with your problem space, methodology, and research questions? What are some advantages and limitations of this design?