Accessing research participants in schools: a case study of a UK adolescent sexual health survey

Abstract

While methods and results of school-based studies have been reported widely in the literature, little published information exists on the practical aspects of recruiting schools and students into a study. This paper reflects on the experiences of a UK-based sexual health survey among 3007 students aged 15-18 years. The survey explored beliefs, attitudes and behaviours in relation to sexual health. This case study highlights significant aspects of planning and conducting successful large-scale research in schools, focusing on the process of conducting the research rather than outcomes. As such, the paper will benefit those intending to sample a school-based population. The key features of effective and feasible research in schools are outlined in four areas: (i) adopting suitable research tools, (ii) selecting and contacting schools, (iii) selecting students within schools and (iv) the importance of fieldworkers. On-site and post-data collection feedback from teachers are incorporated into the discussion of good practice in partnership working with schools and students in research. We conclude by discussing fieldwork experiences and outlining key recommendations for researchers across disciplines engaging in school-based studies.

The effectiveness of an innovative intervention aimed at reducing binge drinking among young people: Results from a pilot study

“…Although this was stressed to gatekeepers, it is possible that the administration of questionnaires by individual tutors diluted the message. Conveying the purpose of the data collection to a Year group in a school would also allow opportunities to stress confidentiality and the value of participants' opinionstechniques that have been shown to be effective in school surveys (Testa & Coleman, 2006).…”

‘I’m being called names and I’m being hit’. Challenges of longitudinal research on bullying amongst 11–13-year-olds

“…Testa & Coleman, 2006). Of course, before entering a school, it was necessary to negotiate access with the head teachers (gatekeepers).…”

Conducting Large‐Scale Surveys in Secondary Schools: The Case of the Youth On Religion (YOR) Project

“…An important practical consideration in our study, if we were to use an online questionnaire, was whether schools would have sufficient computers for pupils to undertake the survey during the six‐week period in question. Understanding the organisation of schools, and particularly computer provision and allocation, was therefore critical in determining likely response rates (Testa and Coleman, 2006). Despite the launch of the first national ICT strategy in 1997, the investment of billions of pounds and widespread in‐service training for teachers, the translation of government policy on ICT in UK schools into reality has been a slow and complicated process in which legislative requirements have not been met (Younie, 2006).…”

“…An American paper over 20 years ago recognised how understanding about school organisation is crucial in gaining access for research purposes (Friedman and Orrù , 1991). This message has more recently been reinforced by Testa and Coleman (2006) who documented how they accessed just over three thousand 15-to 18-year-old research participants in schools for a UK survey of adolescent sexual health. In their own study, they recruited 18.…”

“…Despite many studies reporting findings from research carried out in schools, few provide critical commentary on the research process per se . Some authors discuss specific issues such as gatekeepers, gaining informed consent and ethical dilemmas (David and others, 2001; Dinella and Ladd, 2009; Gill, 2003), or the merits of different survey procedures (see below), but otherwise there is a notable shortage of published information on this important aspect of the research process (Testa and Coleman, 2006). This article describes the experiences of the Youth On Religion (YOR) project in facing up to the challenges and carrying out a large‐scale school‐based survey.…”