Setting up accessible research spaces
When choosing a research location, it is important to focus on finding somewhere where people feel, safe, included and respected.
The choice of location can affect power differentials, interaction dynamics and the way expertise, knowledge and authority is framed (e.g., research encounters with young people in classrooms, may proceed very differently from research encounters in play/recreational spaces). The space can also affect how engaged people feel in the activities and research process. The following considerations may be helpful when coming to a shared decision on a venue:
- Build in accessibility considerations to decision-making from the very start. Find venues with space for those with caring/nursing responsibilities and changing-space toilets are also a key consideration – research sites should be chosen with an accessible toilet regardless of whether those expected to attend have stated they may need one, as research participation should be inclusive without the need for people to disclose personal details if they do not wish to.
- Ask participants/co-researchers if there are particular environmental stimuli that are comfortable/uncomfortable. For example, if participants experience claustrophobia, it can be helpful to find a venue that leads on to a quiet space or patio, or to make sure there is a quiet open area that people can visit at any point.
- Think carefully about safe access to and from the venue (ask whether there are specific times of day or spaces that should be avoided, and check whether anyone wishes to engage anonymously and whether that might have implications for research location).
- Conduct a site visit in advance and consider if there are potentially problematic elements (e.g., check for environmental stimuli such as bright lights on shiny surfaces, loud drilling from nearby building site). It can be really helpful to have photographs and maps describing details of the locations and enable people to visit in advance or early to help them feel more comfortable. Many cities in the UK use AccessAble which brings together maps, photographs, building access and other useful information.
Key Insights
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Cite as: Scott-Barrett*, J., Marshall-Brown*, A., Livingstone-Banks, M., Chrisinger, B., Scher, B., Hickman, M. (2023) Participatory Research: Researcher Insights. University of Oxford *(joint first authorship)