During the COVID-19 pandemic, qualitative researchers missed out on opportunities to recruit potential participants. Researchers did not have access to pools of participants in the same ways as before the pandemic. Also, the typical issues of recruiting participants seemed to be magnified. For example, participants may have been concerned about the time investment,
cost(s) of participation, and possible bias surrounding qualitative research participation. Perhaps these concerns were made even worse because of the stress induced by a global pandemic. Qualitative research has also not been broadly generalizable. So potential participants may be asking themselves, “Why is my participation important?”

In addition, perhaps the massive cultural and political shifts in America over the past three years have also made participation in qualitative studies that much more difficult. Will sensitive topics be covered? How will participants be protected? Can you guarantee that participants’ responses will not be linked back to specific individuals in any way? These
questions became of even greater concern to those wishing to remain protected from the harsh criticism that members of society often inflict on others.

As time continues, perhaps researchers can consider that recruitment is both contextual and dynamic. For instance, connection matters. Making connections with potential participants can be crucial to the success of the study. Considering the specific context of the research being conducted and how that context relates to the participants’ lives could also be important. And finally, recruitment continues to be an ongoing process throughout the study, which will be revisited over and over. Managing a pool of participants, regardless of size, takes careful planning and continued reflection.