Qualiti seminar: using qualitative research to inform policy and practice Using longitudinal methods in qualitative research: implications for policy and practice Jane Lewis 4 April 2006

What do we mean by longitudinal research? continuous research panel design repeated cross-sectional studies reconvened research events any research which involves repeated research events and is concerned with change over time

Why is it especially relevant to policy research? policies are processes policies are usually intended to bring about change policies happen in the context of peoples lives the implementation of policy changes the policy environment changes the questions asked of policies change

How does qualitative research illuminate change? describing change explaining change … and its absence locating change … and its absence responding to change

Example design: New Deal for Disabled People Wave 1 Site Visits Wave 2Wave 1 Workshop Event Wave 2 Wave 1 Clients Job Brokers

Example design: Job Retention and Rehabilitation Pilots Cohort 1 Cohort 2 Cohort 3 Study 1Study 2 Clients Providers 6 Interviews Visits and seminars throughout research period

Fieldwork challenges sample size keeping in touch intensive preparation maintaining coherence jointly constructing understanding vs observing change sustaining spontaneity and participants perspective

Analytical challenges Chronology of account Re-presentation to researcher Re-interpretation by researcher Re-interpretation by participant Discordant data Relationships between themes

Ethical challenges relationship between researcher and participant consent as an on-going process coercion and facilitating withdrawal intrusion and burden … and reward equal opportunities and demands holding up a mirror

Jane Lewis - NatCen April 2006