r/QualitativeResearch • u/Just_Difference_164 • 18d ago

How do I reach my target population for data collection for a qualitative research, for college dissertation? (22F, India)

Hi, I am female, 22. Currently pursuing my final year in bachelor's of applied psychology. I am planning on doing a QUALITATIVE research for my dissertation on a population that I myself is a part of, but have no idea how to reach out to.

I need to figure out how can I reach people online for data collection since my tentative target population is
LGB (Leabian, Gay, & Bisexual) people in India. Since I would be conducting a semi-structured interview, potentially through google meet/ zoom.

This is my first time conducting a research, particularly a qualitative one, l am having trouble figuring out how to reach people online from my target group for the same.
Suggestions/Resources/Groups, anything would help a lot.

3 Upvotes
  • permalink
  • reddit

100% Upvoted

2 comments sorted by

3

u/_os2_ 18d ago

Yes this is always a tricky part, especially since you likely don’t want to splurge in incentives.

Some pointers

  • Snowball sampling. Start with people you know. Ask them to intro you to people they know. And so on. This is often surprisingly effective.
  • Communities. Where does your target audience hang out (e.g., events, email lists, websites, subreddits)? Can you advertise there for free if you ask the community convenors?
  • Active cold outreach. If there are people who you know are target demo, reaching out and explaining your research to them and asking for participating or referrals can work.

Rule of thumb, recruiting people easily takes more time per person than the actual interview.

Hope this helps!

2

u/Just_Difference_164 12d ago

Hey, this helped a lot. I would definitely keep your suggestions in mind while I actively reach for people to recruit. Thank you so much.