Navigating the Tightrope: A Joint Autoethnography on Challenges and Strategies in Participant Recruitment for Educational Research

Educational research relies on rigorous methodological approaches to generate valid and reliable knowledge. However, despite researchers’ best efforts, sometimes various challenges may arise during participant recruitment. Identifying, selecting, and securing participants’ informed consent is often difficult, and if not managed carefully, such challenges can compromise the integrity of the research. This study explores the complexities of recruiting participants for educational research by examining both the challenges encountered and the strategies employed to address them. Employing a joint autoethnography within a qualitative approach, we gathered data through a collective self-interview and analysed them thematically. The findings revealed four overarching themes: (1) participant dynamics, (2) contextual influences, (3) cultural challenges faced by researchers, and (4) the role of incentives. By offering a transparent account of the recruitment process, this study underscores the importance of developing thoughtful and context-sensitive strategies to overcome recruitment barriers. These insights aim to enhance the quality, ethical rigour, and overall effectiveness of educational research, while also encouraging further inquiry into participant recruitment across diverse settings.