Process of searching families for data collection in qualitative research

Abstract

Objective: to reflect on the process of searching families in the rural area to participate in research. Method: reflection on the search process undertaken in two studies (A and B) based on four factors: theme, selection criteria, role of the mediator and researcher’s position concerning gender, age, profession and affiliation. Results: the analysis of these four factors in the search process for the participants shows that the mediators’ help was fundamental to select and get access to the families at their homes. Difficulty was observed to hear different family members. In study A, adult men were the main participants and, in study B, adult women, in accordance with the interviewers and mediators’ gender in each research. The researchers need to reflect on their positions, choice of the theme, participant selection criteria, role of the mediator to assess the difficulties in recruiting the participants and impacts in the results of research in the rural area. Conclusion: the researchers should better consider the recruitment process of the participants in order to enhance the quality of qualitative research.