Presentation
Social Distancing Sampling: Overcoming Barriers for Strategic Recruitment in a Digital Age
13th Annual TQR Conference
(2022)
Abstract
COVID-19 presented research obstacles in terms of participant recruitment, partly due to quarantined environments and disengagement from “information overload.” To navigate this new normal and to achieve proposed research outcomes, an innovative sampling technique emerged which remained social while supporting the enforced physical social distancing guidelines. While online sampling and study participation in the virtual space is not unique, new social distancing strategies were required by researchers to engage with participants having mental fatigue and stress due to an unpredictable new way of life. Traditional face-to-face recruitment and method procedures (e.g., flyers, in-person interviews/interventions) were replaced with virtual strategies (e.g., survey invitation links, Zoom interviews, Facebook closed groups, chat apps) to encourage engagement and higher participant numbers. Advantages included increased global participation through snowball sampling from individuals with additional time to participate (due to less commuting and flexible work from home hours) as well as increased engagement from individuals who felt isolated and desired to connect about their pandemic experiences. Follow-up through social media platforms and webcam provided breadth and depth while also ameliorating the isolation issue. Utilization of technological devices (e.g., laptop, smartphone) allowed for increased virtual participation from individuals in their home office environments. Geographic limitations or time constraints were avoided through convenient and flexible study parameters while maintaining research integrity. Recruitment during public health emergencies such as COVID-19 has shown to be challenging, yet fruitful, resulting in greater participant numbers and more meaningful responses from participants longing to connect in a socially distanced world.
Disciplines
Publication Date
January 20, 2022
Citation Information
Michelle L D'Abundo and Paul F Franco. "Social Distancing Sampling: Overcoming Barriers for Strategic Recruitment in a Digital Age" 13th Annual TQR Conference (2022) Available at: http://works.bepress.com/michelle-dabundo/1/