About the lecture

In this lecture, we think about sampling and accessing participants, focusing in particular on: (i) the number of participants needed; (ii) whether the participants should have certain pre-defined characteristics, such as particular age or ethnic profiles; (iii) whether the sample needs to be representative; (iv) what the best context is in which to gather data; (v) what permissions are required to access the sample and whether there are regulations or legislations governing access.

About the lecturer

Professor Liz Atkins is Professor of Vocational Education and Social Justice at the University of Derby. She has a broad expertise within the field of education, specialising particularly in vocational education and working with low-attaining young people, and she has also written widely on methodological issues within education research. Her publications include Education, Skills and Social Justice in a Polarising World (2022, co-author), Research Methods for Social Justice and Equity in Education (2019, co-author), and Qualitative Research in Education (2012, co-author).