“Getting in and Getting out”: Issues on Entering and Exiting in Long Term Research Relationships and Settings :“Getting in and Getting out”: Issues on Entering and Exiting in Long Term Research Relationships and Settings Medical University of South Carolina Qualitative Research 806 Kim French MSN, FNP - BC


Introduction :Introduction


Objectives :Objectives Identify 3 - 4 major issues regarding the performance of longitudinal research and how these issues compare to short-term research Discuss 3 considerations in starting long term qualitative research Discuss 3 considerations in ending long term qualitative research Apply presentation principles discussed using each student’s specific phenomenon in group discussion


Issues in Longitudinal Research :Issues in Longitudinal Research Timing: Cross-Sectional vs. Longitudinal Communication Reciprocity Relationships


Case Study :Case Study Doctoral student U.(fill in your last name) from University WXYZ.edu has passed comps and is now preparing to start their qualitative research project for their dissertation. The phenomena to be studied is (fill in your interest) using (fill in your methodology) with (fill in your population) over a fairly extended time period (TBD). How will you initiate your research contacts? How will you complete your research relationship? What practical, methodological, and ethical considerations do you need to consider in starting and stopping research over an extended period of time?


Practical Considerations :Practical Considerations Research question and proposal issues - Sample - Site - Setting - Supplies (Marshall & Rossman 2006,Owen 2001)


Negotiating Access :Negotiating Access Case study- You have attempted to gain permission to perform the research at a specific site, but even with IRB and administrative approval the site supervisor does not return calls, letters, or e-mails after multiple contact attempts. What are your options? Issues Possible options (Meadows, Lagendyk, Thurston, & Eisener 2003, Owen 2001).


Methodological Considerations :Methodological Considerations Researcher and participant roles Complete observer to full participation Complete secrecy to full disclosure Intensiveness and extensiveness Specific or diffuse focus (Giordano, O’Reilly, Taylor & Dogra 2007, Marshall & Rossman 2006, Punch 1986)


Planning the Exit :Planning the Exit Case study- You have 1 month to go before finishing up your research, and have become friends with some of the participants during the course of the research. Several have asked you to keep in touch after the research is complete. What are your thoughts about this situation? Issues Possible options (Marshall & Rossman 2006)


Ethical Considerations :Ethical Considerations Informed consent : research purpose, voluntary participation, and identity protection Vulnerable populations: potential for significant power imbalances (Fisher 2006, Karniele-Miller, Strier & Pessach 2009, Owen 2001, Punch 1986)


Conclusions :Conclusions Create an appropriately crafted research question and purpose before starting Define your researcher role in advance Develop positive long term relationships with participants, gatekeepers, and research team members Plan and prepare for the end as well as the beginning


Remember… to everything there is a season… :Remember… to everything there is a season… Including a time and place for longitudinal research