Exploring student volunteer experiences through the lens of procedural and relational switching costs

This study explores the experiences of student volunteers by examining procedural and relational switching costs, as reflected in their perceptions of the benefits and challenges associated with participating in data collection for a large-scale sports disability research project. A qualitative research design was employed, and semi-structured in-person interviews were conducted with 20 student volunteers to capture their experiences. Thematic analysis revealed that ‘procedural switching costs stemmed from scheduling conflicts, technical difficulties, and language barriers, while relational switching costs emerged through challenges in building rapport with interview participants’. Despite these obstacles, volunteers reported gaining valuable skills and meaningful experiences through their participation. The findings underscore the importance of addressing switching costs to enhance volunteer experiences and project effectiveness. Practical recommendations include providing targeted training in communication and trust-building, forming diverse research teams, offering consistent faculty support, and developing flexible research protocols. Additionally, ensuring clear communication procedures, technological support, and access to translators were identified as key strategies to streamline the research process. By implementing these measures, institutions and researchers can create a more supportive environment for student volunteers, thereby improving engagement and outcomes in disability sports research. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of volunteer dynamics and offers actionable strategies to support student involvement in research with marginalised communities.