Reaching Hard-to-Reach Populations in My PhD Research

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When I began my PhD research on China–PNG Higher Education Exchange Programs, my plan was to conduct all follow-up interviews face-to-face. The idea was to engage directly with participants, build trust, and gather nuanced perspectives through in-person dialogue.

As the survey progressed, however, I realized that many of my participants form a hard-to-reach population. They are dispersed across PNG’s provinces, while others are based overseas in China. The diversity of their locations, along with scheduling challenges, made it impractical to rely solely on face-to-face interviews.

To overcome this, I submitted an addendum to the DWU Research Ethics Committee (UREC). I requested approval to shift my interviews to an online format using Microsoft Forms. The UREC approved the amendment, which has allowed me to adapt my methodology while maintaining ethical and academic standards.

This change brings a key advantage: convenience. The interview questions are embedded in the online form, and participants can complete them at a time that suits them best. By reducing logistical barriers, I am making it easier for hard-to-reach participants to share their experiences. Their voices remain central to the study, even if I cannot sit across the table from them.

Moving into the follow-up phase of my PhD research on China–PNG Higher Education Exchange Programs. The follow-up questionnaire will help capture deeper insights from participants about their experiences and perspectives. 📝✨

For participants, this approach offers accessibility and flexibility. Whether they are students, alumni, or professionals, they can now contribute their insights without travel or scheduling constraints. Their responses still form part of the qualitative phase, enriching the survey data already collected with deeper perspectives.

That said, some interviews remain best suited for face-to-face dialogue. For universities, government departments, and the Chinese Embassy in Port Moresby, I will still conduct in-person interviews. These conversations are vital for exploring institutional and policy perspectives that shape educational cooperation between China and Papua New Guinea.

The result is a hybrid model: online questionnaires for dispersed and hard-to-reach participants, complemented by face-to-face interviews with key institutional stakeholders. This approach ensures inclusivity while preserving the depth and credibility of the research process.

In the end, this shift reflects the reality of conducting fieldwork in complex and geographically dispersed contexts. By embracing flexibility, I can capture a broader range of experiences, making the research more representative and participant-centered. It is a practical solution to engaging hard-to-reach populations while staying true to the objectives of my PhD study.

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