ABSTRACT
Quantitative and qualitative approaches to sociological research are well regarded to be complementary and it is noted that many researchers combine elements from both methods in specific research projects. The research was supervised and conducted in association with Charles Sturt University’s Johnstone Centre for Social and Biophysical Environmental Research, and its trustworthiness measured in terms of internal and external validity, reliability, and objectivity. Naturalistic research is so called because behavior is allowed to unfold naturally, or without interference, in its natural environment; that is, within the setting in which it would normally occur. The research involved no coercion, deception, or invasion of privacy. All informants were fully informed and each acknowledged that the data collection process might evoke emotions of loss and grief. With some emotional releases, pauses of respite did occur, though no informants chose to cease interviews, even when specifically reminded of that option.
