Write 8 pages with APA style on Stigma in the HIV and AIDS Pandemic. The research aims to present information with regards to the experience of HIV/AIDS patients with regards to the possible stigma an

Write 8 pages with APA style on Stigma in the HIV and AIDS Pandemic. The research aims to present information with regards to the experience of HIV/AIDS patients with regards to the possible stigma and discrimination they may have undergone due to their health conditions.

Formulate specific research Objectives.

The research aims to address the following objectives:

1.To gather and present secondary data, thereby creating recognition of stigma and discrimination among HIV/AIDS patients, such as its causes and effects.

2.To collect primary data among HIV/AIDS patients through interviews and examine their experiences with stigma and discrimination. and

3.To establish conclusions and recommendations based on the primary and secondary data collected in relation to the occurrence of stigma and discrimination among HIV/AIDS patients, including coping or prevention strategies.

Describe the main characteristics of the philosophical and epistemological foundations of the qualitative research paradigm.

The research will make use of a qualitative approach. This approach is derived from the principles of phenomenology and interpretivism. It emphasizes the points of view and personal meaning that has been linked to the experiences of the participant. It is a type of research commonly applied for qualitative phenomenon, examining attitudes, behavior, occurrences, and other observable facts such as ethnicity, gender, and age. It is non-numerical, thereby utilizing reasoning rather on focusing on statistical tests and analysis. This approach examines patterns in order to describe a phenomenon. According to Myers (2000), qualitative research is a means for researchers to be aware of and define the world through experience. moreover, as it should provide a viewpoint for a certain phenomenon, researchers who make use of this approach should possess and demonstrate skills in accurately describing experiences. Moreover, it has been suggested by Polit and Beck (2004) that a qualitative research approach should possess several characteristics such as being detailed and descriptive, that it makes use of words and not numbers, and that its data analysis should be subjective. Therefore, being able to interpret the events and one’s observations should not be influenced by bias. Qualitative research is a kind of empirical study that is interpretative or naturalistic, thereby observing the variables being studied in their natural environment, without manipulation (Denzin and Lincoln 2003). It is also applicable for the current study because of its adaptability in following unexpected ideas as well as its ability to examine processes. It is also sensitive to situational-based factors and can explore social meaning. Moreover, the qualitative approach is appropriate for studies that develop empirically supported ideas and theories, or in-depth researches (Polit and Beck 2004). A qualitative research also is primarily concerned with processes rather than the products or outcomes. The researcher immerses him or herself into the field and physically interacts and observes the subjects (Creswell 2004). Explain why the qualitative research paradigm is suitable considering the stated topic. Qualitative research seeks out and answers the questions “why” and “how”, making it suitable for the researcher to obtain a comprehensive view of the occurrence of stigma among HIV/AIDS patients. It is commonly applied in researcher in order to gain insight into the attitudes, value systems, concerns, motivations, aspirations, cultures or lifestyles of groups of individuals. It can serve as important sources of information for business decisions, policy information, communication and researches. Data are usually gathered from focus groups, in-depth interviews, content analysis, ethnography, or evaluations (Creswell 2004).