Working with participants

Check off  each of the following once you have addressed it in full. Put a line through any items that do not apply. Address any aspects that require further attention.

Presentation and responsibilities
■	I have thought through how best to manage participant perceptions of the research.
■	I have given thought to how I will
dress so that I ‘look the part’.
■	I have given thought to how to
act in an ‘ambassadorial role’ (page 156).
■	I have considered the ethical
considerations outlined in
Chapter 10.
■	I have conducted risk assessments
relevant to my research (see
pages 49–52 and 157).
■	I have worked out how to
maintain suitable boundaries, in
line with page 157 above.
■	I understand how to keep my
project within the university or
college insurance arrangements.
Communication with potential participants
■	I have worked out the time it will take to talk through the project with potential participants.
■	I have taken on board potential
participants’ needs and
motivations.
■	I have prepared a list of items to
cover when speaking to potential
participants.
■	I have prepared answers to
questions they might have.
■	I have a strategy for keeping to
time.

Communication with participants
■	I have produced a handout for participants, in line with the guidance on pages 156 and 158.
■	My handout clarifies expected time commitments.
■	It clarifies what participants will have to do.
■	It includes details of who to contact at the
university/college in case of a complaint.
■	I have prepared a schedule to structure my time
with participants.
Authorisations and consent
■	I have clarified to participants how their personal
data will be stored, used and protected.
■	I will be able to ensure the level of confidentiality
and anonymity participants expect.
■	I have designed clear consent forms.
■	I have received signed consents from all participants.
■	If relevant, I have received agreements from
employers or organisations for me to use their data.
■	I provided suitable background to ensure that all
those signing consent were appropriately informed.
Working with children/vulnerable groups
■	I have designed the research in ways that maintain participants’ dignity, self-esteem and safety at all times.
■	Tasks are within their capability/understanding.
■	All material, explanations and instructions have been
made accessible and age appropriate.
■	I have the signed consent of parents/carers.
■	I have kept relevant third parties well informed (such
as schools, care homes, hospitals, gatekeepers).
■	If working unaccompanied by staff, I have clearance from the DBS (see page 160).
Use of data
■	I have checked my draft report to ensure that
anonymity has been maintained.
■	I checked that anonymity and confidentiality are maintained in appendices/acknowledgements.
■