Overcoming the challenge of reaching an itinerant research population using a multimethod research design /

This case study demonstrates how understanding the characteristics of a research population can assist in overcoming practical obstacles to accessing that population for research. It also demonstrates the importance of adopting a flexible approach to research methods design when projects involve stu...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors:	Underhill, Elsa (Author), Rimmer, Malcolm (Author)
Format:	eBook
Language:	English
Published:	London : SAGE Publications Ltd, 2019.
Series:	SAGE Research Methods. Cases.
Subjects:	Foreign workers > Australia > Case studies. Population research > Australia > Case studies. Research > Methodology > Case studies. Population > Recherche > Australie > Études de cas. Recherche > Méthodologie > Études de cas. Travailleurs étrangers > Australie > Études de cas. Foreign workers Population research Research > Methodology Australia Case studies
Online Access:	Connect to the full text of this electronic book

Description
Summary:	This case study demonstrates how understanding the characteristics of a research population can assist in overcoming practical obstacles to accessing that population for research. It also demonstrates the importance of adopting a flexible approach to research methods design when projects involve studying hard-to-access populations. Our project involved studying the employment conditions of itinerant workers in Australia, particularly international backpackers. Because this population had not been the subject of qualitative research in the past, we needed to invest considerable time learning about their living circumstances and job search processes. This investment allowed us to conduct focus groups with them, as well as an online survey. When we conducted a similar research project 3 years later, we were able to draw upon our earlier experience to shorten and improve the research methodology. We also needed to adjust our research methodology to accommodate changes in online communication methods which had occurred since the first project. Exploratory research, such as the first of our projects reported here, can require a creative approach to developing an understanding of the study population prior to conducting the empirical research to maximize reach into that population.
Physical Description:	1 online resource.
Bibliography:	Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN:	9781526494603 1526494604