Assumed names:
Among the participants in the Understanding Science project were learners known in the research as:
(First) interviewed in Y7 (11-12 years of age):-
- Bill
- Derek
- Jim
- Lomash
- Morag
- Sandra
- Sophia
(First) interviewed in Y10 (14-15 years of age):-
- Amy
- Bert
- Mandy
- Mohammed
- Ralph
(First) interviewed in Y12 (16-17 years of age):-
- Adrian
- Tim
Access issues and ethical precautions taken
All participants in the Understanding Science project were enrolled through the gatekeepers, members of the science department in the school. All gave consent for participation, and in the case of those under 16 years of age, parental consent was also obtained. Students were not only enrolled voluntarily, but could leave the project and decline further interviews at any time. Interviews were held out of class time (during the lunch break or immediately after school). Interviews held during the lunch break were arranged for either the first or second half of that period to ensure students had time for lunch. I (the interviewer) had been vetted to work with young people as part of my role in the University. Interviews took place in a ground floor school teaching room adjacent to a preparation area used by teaching and technical staff, and with windows to the school grounds. During interviews the interviewer and participant sat opposite each other across a large wooden table. Interviews were recorded with participants' knowledge and permission.
The participants…are referred to by assumed names to protect their identities. This is the usual practice in educational research when working with children. This protects them from any embarrassment if they are reported as saying anything that might seem foolish (to someone else, or themselves later!) Unfortunately this does not allow public acknowledgement of their contributions to the research (accept anonymously).
Formal member checking was not undertaken as this technique is less viable and pertinent when asking people about their knowledge and understanding than about their views and beliefs. However opportunities were sometimes taken to seek to check on an interpretation in a subsequent interview.
