The Methodological Approach of the Long-Term Study

Abstract

This chapter outlines our study’s specific methodological approach as derived from its theoretical foundation. We deal with the questions of collecting, processing and analysing data from a qualitative longitudinal study over 12 years from 2005 to 2017 but also with questions of recruitment and panel maintenance, as well as ethical issues. This chapter, therefore, focuses on the ways in which the methodological design was revised and judiciously complemented, in order to grasp the complexity of the topic. Following the logic of triangulation, we developed and implemented a rich design, where all the components draw on, complement, and monitor each other in the processes of data collection and analysis. This means that we have to discuss the importance of transparency and comprehensibility in terms of intersubjectivity, paying special attention to the qualitative and longitudinal character of the study.