Abstract
The Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown represents a significant challenge for qualitative researchers due to social distancing measures restricting face-to-face data collection. At the time of ethical approval (early April 2020), all face-to-face research projects facilitated by the Scottish Prison Service and most prison jurisdictions were paused. In response to these methodological challenges, a participatory action correspondence methodology was designed in order for people in custody to influence the direction of this project by suggesting research questions and themes. This article analyses the potential of this approach, what this illuminated and critically engages with the challenges of implementing this qualitative methodology. Eight participants were selected due to previous participation in a Participatory Action Research project at one Scottish prison. After consent was given via post, eight letters were sent to the participants. This paper analyses the questions relating to, and aspects of Covid-19 that were important to the participants, in the hope that these insights will influence other qualitative research on the impacts of Covid-19 within prison settings. Methodologically and theoretically, this paper illustrates the potential and challenges relating to using a qualitative correspondence method to facilitate unique insights into life in custody during what emerges as a particularly challenging time in prison settings. More widely the paper reiterates and restates the importance of qualitative research methods as methods that provide unique and rich insights into the Covid-19 pandemic.
Highlights
As a consequence of lockdown measures imposed during the Covid-19 pandemic, face-to-face data collection was largely paused or halted in most research contexts (Howlett, 2021; Jowett, 2020; Townsend et al, 2020; Tremblay et al, 2021)
Findings are clustered around responses to letter two to provide a participant informed research agenda on Covid-19 in prison settings
The project started with a letter asking participants what they felt the important questions were to ask, these questions and areas of focus were used to shape the content of subsequent letters
Summary
As a consequence of lockdown measures imposed during the Covid-19 pandemic, face-to-face data collection was largely paused or halted in most research contexts (Howlett, 2021; Jowett, 2020; Townsend et al, 2020; Tremblay et al, 2021). This resulted in a diverse set of responses by qualitative researchers and the utilisation of often novel approaches to data collection and fieldwork (Lupton, 2020).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
