ABSTRACT
This chapter provides to immerse ourselves for two years in the institutions and communities during the data collection phase, which meant that we collected information in many informal ways, in addition to those using the formal instruments. Data collection and analysis highlighted topics crucial to understanding the history and social position of people with learning disabilities, the development of appropriate research methodology, and the knowledge of problems encountered during the resettlement process. In the context of the Swan Study, the atmosphere in the craftroom of the adult training centre was informal, and during discussion sessions and chat over the craft activities, it became apparent that people often recounted their memories. A comparative approach was adopted utilising a nested case-study design. Data collection was carried out over a period of two years. A field study using interviews and observation was selected as the basis of the research design for the Swan project.
