The most notable point of my data collection process has been how difficult it has been to even get the participation that I need. Over the past few weeks, I made it a point to ask the five primary participants of my study if they were willing to assist me and was very clear with them about what the process would entail. They seemed at least willing and in many cases eager to participate.
On Tuesday, March 13, I sent an email to these participants. In it, I presented them with the questions and the consent form, both within the text of the email as well as in an attachment. In the email, I let them know that they could complete the questions via email, could print the questions and answer by hand, or that I could personally interview them and transcribe the interview. I touched bases with each of them that day or the next and each expressed that they'd like to take the time to type or write out their answers. Once I'd received the answers, I could follow up with any additional questions or needed clarifications.
Librarians are busy people, so I'm not sure why I'm surprised that only one person has responded as of yet. In fact, her answers were in my hands by the very next morning. When I thanked her, she responded that someone had helped her back in graduate school and it was only fair that she do the same. What's most interesting about the fact that she's the only one that has responded yet is that she's also a relatively recent graduate, graduating just under three years ago, and that seems to have made it easier for her to see the urgency of getting this information back to me.
So I don't have a great deal of information to share about my data collection. I sent out a follow-up email today, respectfully reminding them that I do have deadlines and thanking them again for their participation. Several have already expressed that they are, in fact, working on the survey and will get it to me soon. Hopefully, I'll have more data to work with very soon.
---Kate Whyte (Why not market? Why some public libraries don't market)
Comments (8)
It sounds like you are doing the right thing in handling the situation. Your post raises the issue of community and how important that concept is to collaboration. I also feel that the empathy you wrote about is critical. It's important for everyone to experience doing research so that they can relate to research being done in their work environment even when they are not the people conducting the study.
Posted by Daniel Skinner | March 20, 2009 7:40 PM
Posted on March 20, 2009 19:40
Kate,
I know it must be frustrating not to be having the participation that you wanted for the data collection aspect. I still think that your research project is very relevant, and if you can encourage one or two more people to turn in the questions that would be awesome. I personally felt that I had observations, but wasn't able to put them into words. There are always drawbacks when working with other people but the end result will be rewarding. Keep Going!
Posted by Elizabeth McMullan | March 21, 2009 9:37 AM
Posted on March 21, 2009 09:37
Kate,
It sounds like you are doing a good job in a frustrating situation - I hope you are successful in pursuing your librarians! I appreciate the attitude of the lady who said that she felt she should because someone had helped her out - and I'm glad that she was there to help you out with at least one interview. Keep being persistent - you have a great research project!
Posted by Amanda Ogle | March 21, 2009 7:42 PM
Posted on March 21, 2009 19:42
Sorry it's moving so slowly for you Kate. Some of this may be a testament to your research. Perhaps many of these folks do not see the value of marketing, just as you suspect. This is similar to the stock answers some of us have reported. But, persevere, I feel certain that one terribly suprising interview will make all of this worthwhile and lead you with a head of steam into the next.
Posted by Kyle Wood | March 22, 2009 8:36 AM
Posted on March 22, 2009 08:36
What Kyle says may be true. I hadn't thought of that. Sorry about the bumps. It's really frustrating when you have to depend on people and they cant' or won't follow through. I'll be interested to see how this could change the nature of your study. Do you think this problem could shift the focus?
Posted by Lyme | March 22, 2009 5:14 PM
Posted on March 22, 2009 17:14
If it doesn't pick up, perhaps you can suggest a phone interview.....
Also, could you ask the librarian who did respond to recommend colleagues to you that might be more willing to participate?
Posted by Alecia Jackson | March 23, 2009 9:05 PM
Posted on March 23, 2009 21:05
Alecia, that's sort of what I'm doing, lining up some back ups just in case. I still feel like the three others will come through. ( I have two interviews in hand now.) But on the chance that they don't, I want to make sure I have another plan. I'm nothing if not persistent!
Posted by Kate Whyte | March 23, 2009 9:29 PM
Posted on March 23, 2009 21:29
Thanks for this useful site. Acne is a terible condition. It makes the face so ugly. You just want to hide. Maybe this will make a difference
Posted by Isabelle Harpaz | October 7, 2011 7:05 AM
Posted on October 7, 2011 07:05