Recruitment starts with people you know. Then it goes further. Good conversations give people time and a choice.
Who is missing
Every study reaches some people easily. Those are the people who come to groups, answer the phone and read the letter.
The people who are missing are usually the ones the study needs most. People who live alone. People who stopped going out after their stroke. People who find forms impossible.
Write down two lists before you invite anyone: who is easy to reach, and who is missing. Then plan one way to reach each person on the second list.
Where to find people
- Aphasia groups and stroke groups.
- Speech and language therapy services, with their permission.
- Community centres, libraries and cafes where people already go.
- Carers and family members, who often pass news on.
- Word of mouth, through people who trust you.
Ask the group leader or the service before you approach their members. That person protects the group. Respect the answer, even when it is no.
The invitation, in five steps
- Say who you are, and that you also have aphasia, if you are happy to say so.
- Say what the study is for, in one short sentence.
- Say what taking part involves: how long, where, and what happens.
- Say that no is fine, and that no will not affect their care.
- Offer a way to think about it: a phone call later, a written sheet, or a talk with someone they trust.
Then stop talking. Let the person decide.
The risk you carry
People may say yes because they know you. That is a kindness, and a pressure.
Say clearly: "You can say no. I will not mind. It will not change anything between us." Then mean it.
Running a good conversation
You may run an interview with another researcher, or help run a small group.
Before
- Send the questions in advance, in plain words. This is not cheating. It helps.
- Agree who does what with your co-facilitator.
- Check the room: quiet, good light, comfortable, easy to reach.
- Have paper and pens on the table. Some people think better by writing or drawing.
During
- Start with the ground rules: no right answers, you can pass, you can leave, we will not use names.
- Ask one question at a time.
- Wait. Count to five before you speak again.
- If someone struggles, offer another way: write it, point to it, show me.
- Do not answer for people. Do not correct them.
- If one person talks a lot, use a round: everyone says one short thing.
After
- Thank people, and say when they will hear what was found.
- Write your notes the same day. What you noticed in the room is data too.
- Tell your supervisor if anything worried you.
Running a conversation online
Some sessions happen on a screen. The same rules apply, with a few changes.
Five changes that matter
- Turn on live captions for everyone, and say that you have.
- Ask people to keep microphones on but to speak one at a time.
- Offer the chat box as a way to answer. Read the chat aloud so everyone hears it.
- Send the questions in advance, and show them on screen while you talk.
- Plan a shorter session. Forty-five minutes online is harder than ninety minutes in a room.
Ask before you record. Say who will see the recording, and delete it when the study says to.
When something goes wrong
Someone may become upset. Stop asking questions. Acknowledge it. Offer a break, water and privacy.
Someone may tell you about harm to themselves or another person. Say what you will do. Write down what they said, in their words. Tell the safeguarding contact the same day. Do not investigate.
You can end a session at any time if you feel unsafe. That is not a failure.
Words used on this page
Co-facilitator: the person who runs the session with you.
Ground rules: the short agreements you make at the start of a group.
Safeguarding: the steps that keep people safe from harm.