Chapter 2: Methodology
2.1 Approach to Research
Given the exploratory nature of this study, it was decided to conduct qualitative research among a range of different "hard to reach" groups. There was a need to ensure broad geographic coverage across Scotland as well as obtaining the views of a number of different respondent groups. As such, we adopted a qualitative approach, combining focus groups and individual / double / triad in-depth interviews.
2.2 The Recruitment Process
Different respondent groups were recruited in different ways to take account of the varying levels of incidence of each group and the potential for leads to be provided by relevant organisations. Each potential participant was provided with a full and summary copy of the consultation document and asked if they would look at each prior to attending the depth/group.
Across the study as a whole, a total of 11 focus groups were conducted and in-depth interviews conducted with 40 respondents. The structure of these is shown in table 2.1 below.
Table 2.1 Group and Depth Structure
Respondent Type | Number of groups / depths | Location |
|---|
General public | 3 groups | Mixed: Age 22-39 (Aberdeenshire)
Mixed: Age 35-49 (Inverness-shire)
Mixed: Age 45-59 (Dundee) |
Young people | 2 groups | Males: 15-17 (Edinburgh)
Females: 18-21 (Aberdeenshire) |
Older people | 2 groups | Mixed: 60-70 (Glasgow)
Mixed: 71+ (Dumfries & Galloway) |
Women | 2 groups | 22-40 (Inverness-shire)
41+ (Edinburgh) |
Low income | 2 groups | 22-40 (Glasgow)
41+ (Inverness-shire) |
Disabled | 20 respondents | Primarily Central Belt but also Dumfries & Galloway and Ayrshire |
LGBT2 | 10 respondents | Central Belt |
Visible minority ethnic | 10 respondents | Central Belt and Fife |
Age ranges for the General Public focus groups were chosen not to replicate any of the groups of older or younger people that were also convened. Low income was defined as a household where the head of household earned less than £12,000 per annum.
Most of the disabled individuals who participated in in-depth interviews were recruited via organisations representing the disabled. Respondents had a range of different disabilities including visual impairment, hearing impairment, mobility difficulties (wheelchair users) and learning difficulties. In addition, one stakeholder from an organisation assisting individuals with mental health problems was interviewed.
Carers attended some of these interviews (depending on the needs of individual participants) and their views were also recorded.
A range of individuals with different minority ethnic backgrounds were interviewed.
2.3 The Topic Guide
Establishing a topic guide that would cover the issues raised in the NTS as well as meeting the needs of each type of respondents necessitated a number of different steps.
Firstly, the consultation document was analysed and key issues noted down. This was supplemented by analysing existing studies on the transport needs of various groups of people. Various organisations were then contacted to ensure that coverage of topics specific to each type of respondent were included in our topic guide.