Additional Issues in the Research Process

There were a number of additional factors relating to the study’s design which also needed consideration during the research process. Issues relating to the accessing of participants, the audience of the study, and the ethical implications of the research, were all taken into account at various intervals during the process.

3.3.4.1. Access to Participants

Accessing participants in social research can often be a challenging task. In this study, to a large extent, this was not the case. Crucially, the project has the support of the Director of CTYI, while I, the principal researcher, was a staff member within the organisation.

In relation to the collection of data itself, all the data (apart from the guidance counsellors’ interviews, which were done in the corresponding schools) was collected on the DCU campus. In order to maximise the participation rate, the collection of data was organised at a time when students and parents would be on campus (e.g. student orientation before the summer programme).

3.3.4.2. Ethical Considerations

The research of human participants and particularly, those under 18 years old raises a number of ethical issues. Cohen, Manion and Morrison (2007, p.56) emphasise that as social scientists, ethical issues are an important consideration to tackle from the start of the research process when researching human participants;

“As social researchers, there is an obligation to take account of any effects of the research on participants, and to act in such a way as to preserve their dignity as human beings.”

During the initial phases of the project, ethical approval for the project was sought from the university’s ethics committee. This process involved providing a comprehensive outline of the research topic itself and the research strategy to be adopted.

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A timeline of the study and the data collection instruments were also were included. In addition, copies of the plain language statements and the informed consent forms were also submitted (Appendix C). After the clarification of a number of the elements within the application, ethical approval was secured by the committee (also included in Appendix C).

In qualitative studies, Merriam (2009) believes that it is in the data collection and dissemination of findings stages where ethical issues are most likely to arise. Yet, with this said, an awareness was maintained at each point of contact with the participants as to the possible impact which the research may have. Consultation was regularly sought with the project’s supervisors prior to any data collection.

From the outset, it was made clear to the participants that taking part was voluntary, that their answers would be kept confidentially, and that they were free to withdraw at any time from the study. No problems arose during the course of the research with students, their parents or the guidance counsellors.

Throughout the research process, the relationship between the researcher and participants can be a challenging and complex one. This relationship may become more arduous when in discussion about sensitive topics. Lee (1993) put forward that there can be different characteristics relating to ‘sensitive research’: one which may involve the discussion on taboo topics; or ones which may be sensitive for situational, or social reasons. This research topic can be considered sensitive as the students involved come from areas of socio-economic disadvantage and these students are at a disadvantage compared with more advantaged counterparts. It is unlikely that the students who participate in the summer programmes at CTYI would be able to do so if it was not for the subsidised fee scheme of Aiming High. While the issues relating to educational and economic disadvantage are not as sensitive as other topics studied in the social sciences,

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there is a need to show sensitivity in this research process for it can potentially affect almost every stage of the research process from the formation of the research problem, through to the design and implementation of a study (Lee, 1993).

At the coalface, no differentiation is made to those students who enter CTYI through the Aiming High access route. While there are mechanisms in place during the administrative stages in relation to admission and the processing of applications, no distinction is made to students during the assessment or throughout the duration of the programme to flag the student in any way from their peers on the programme.

It was made clear to all possible research participants at the notification stage of the research that the involvement was voluntary. In relation to the data collection phases; Cohen, Manion and Morrison (2004) suggest that the sequence and framing of the questions is an important consideration to address with easier and non-threatening questions being recommended during the earlier stages of the interviews so as to put the respondents at ease. With focus groups, Richie and Lewis (2003, p.58) maintain that such a method has the advantage of being a good arena for the discussion of sensitive topics if people within the group have “…similar proximity to or shared experience of the issue”. A number of other factors are also important within each focus group and interview and these included; the creation of a rapport with the participants involved, a demonstration of interest and respect, the ability to respond flexibly to the interviewee, being able to show understanding and empathy, and remaining adaptable to the participant’s responses (Richie & Lewis, 2003).

Finally, it is worth mentioning that a sensitive issue for one individual may not be the case for another. The sensitivity of a topic is not fixed-rather it is socially constructed with one person’s ‘no-go area’ being perfectly acceptable for another (Barbour, 2008, p.18).

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3.3.4.3. Audience of the Research

When conducting research, the audience of such work often is important to consider (Yin, 2009; Stake, 1995). Of course, first and foremost, the primary concern of the researcher is producing a body of work which stands up to merit in a viva voice. The overarching aim of the research is to create and develop a well-rounded study so as to add to the knowledge within the gifted education field. On a practical note, as this research study is commissioned by CTYI, it is hoped that any recommendations made will be taken into account for possible changes to programming within the Centre. Finally, this study may also have implications for future policymakers within the field.