« Previous | Contents | Next »
Listen
Chapter 2: Methodology And Sample
2.1 Approach
Because of the sensitive and personal nature of the subject matter, the research was conducted using telephone in-depth interviews. This approach guaranteed anonymity and confidentiality and allowed respondents freedom to express their personal views about the experience of the appeals committees, without being influenced by the perceptions of others or without fear of judgement by others.
2.2 Recruitment Procedure
SEED identified five local authorities to cover in the study, selected to provide a geographic spread, a mix of urban, suburban and rural locations, and to include both large and small local authorities.
Initial contact with potential respondents was made via the local authorities. Local authorities were asked to send letters on behalf of SEED to all parents who had used the appeals committees in the past year. The letter contained brief details of the project, explaining that volunteers were required to participate in an interview on the telephone by a researcher from an independent research agency. Those interested in participating were invited to contact George Street Research, using either a reply paid envelope and tear off slip, a direct line phone number or an email address.
At this stage, the potential respondents were asked to provide basic information for both contact and classification purposes. A sample was then selected and the individuals were contacted to arrange interviews.
2.3 Sample
A total of 29 in depth telephone interviews were conducted with parents who have experienced the appeals procedure. The sample was weighted towards parents who were refused a placing request rather than those who have had a child excluded from school, to reflect the actual distribution of parents between the two types of appeal.
2.4 Interviews
Interviews were conducted by experienced researchers from George Street Research at a time convenient to the respondent. The topic guide is appended ( Appendix 1). All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed for analysis.
« Previous | Contents | Next »