Exploration of Detailed Inquiry: The One-on-One Conversation
In the world of academia, the Junior Paper is a significant milestone for many students. Albert Lee '24, a student at our institution, is no exception. He is currently embarking on a qualitative research approach for his Junior Paper, a choice that, while challenging, he believes will provide him with a great resource of information.
Albert's research focuses on the practice of shackling pregnant inmates in New York state prisons. This topic, while sensitive and controversial, is a crucial area that demands exploration. His approach requires him to find his own data or create his own, unlike a quantitative approach that uses existing datasets.
Andrea Reino, our Social Sciences Correspondent, speaks with Albert about his journey. To effectively find and contact interview subjects for qualitative research in a specific field like prison reform organizations, Albert follows a structured recruitment strategy.
First, he clarifies his research objectives and stakeholder needs by interviewing project stakeholders to understand what he wants to learn and who exactly he wants to interview. Next, he defines his target participants clearly (e.g., medical personnel, corrections officers, leaders of various prison reform organizations) and develops screener questions to identify suitable candidates who can articulate relevant experiences.
Albert then uses purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Purposive sampling targets individuals with specific expertise or roles, while snowball sampling leverages initial contacts to find additional participants within the field. He recruits via multiple channels, such as contacting organizations directly, networking at relevant conferences or events, using social media professional groups, or working with intermediaries knowledgeable about the field.
To maintain reflexivity and ethical rigor, Albert ensures transparent communication on voluntary participation, confidentiality, and researcher positionality. He verifies participant eligibility and consent through screening surveys and follow-up communications, considers working with legal teams on consent forms and NDAs as needed, and provides fair incentives to encourage participation.
Despite these efforts, Albert has faced challenges in contacting potential interviewees. Three out of three prison reform organization leaders have not responded to his emails. However, he remains optimistic, using the "snowball effect" method to find additional contacts for interviews.
In conclusion, Albert's journey serves as an example of the meticulous process involved in conducting qualitative research for a Junior Paper. His story underscores the importance of clear research goals, targeted recruitment strategies, and ethical procedures in qualitative research.
For more resources on qualitative research and Junior Papers, we recommend "Human or Animal Subject Research", "Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research: What's the Difference and How Do I Choose?", and "Trust the Qualitative: An interview with Sheila Pontis about Field Research".
This article is published in the section "Junior Paper (JP)". We wish Albert the best of luck in completing his research and look forward to seeing the results of his hard work.
Albert Lee's Junior Paper on shackling pregnant inmates in New York state prisons is part of his educational journey and personal growth, focusing on learning through self-development and qualitative research. His research approach requires him to use purposive and snowball sampling strategies, recruit participants from prison reform organizations, maintain reflexivity and ethical rigor, and face challenges in contacting potential interviewees.
