Accessing and recruiting children for research in schools.
Marti Rice1, Kylan D Bunker, Duck-Hee Kang
1University of Alabama School of Nursing, UAB, USA. schauf@uab.edu
Western Journal of Nursing Research
|June 1, 2007
Summary
Recruiting children for research requires understanding school dynamics and using targeted communication. Effective strategies involve engaging all stakeholders and ensuring participant privacy for successful study enrollment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Research
- Educational Psychology
Background:
- Gaining access to schools for research is often difficult.
- Recruiting children as participants presents unique challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline effective strategies for school access and child recruitment in research.
- To provide practical examples from an ongoing study.
Main Methods:
- Understanding school characteristics and communication lines.
- Identifying key gatekeepers and demonstrating study benefits.
- Utilizing developmentally appropriate motivators and incentives for children.
Main Results:
- Multi-level communication with school staff, parents, and children is crucial.
- Ensuring privacy and confidentiality enhances participation.
- Tailoring approaches to specific school environments improves recruitment success.
Conclusions:
- Strategic engagement with schools and clear communication are vital for research access.
- Ethical considerations, including privacy, are paramount for successful child recruitment.
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