Data Collection
Data were collected using semi-structured one-to-one interviews. A bespoke semi-structured schedule was developed for the study, and was designed to act as a guide to ensure specific topics were addressed, whilst also allowing for unanticipated responses (Galletta, 2013). Prompts and probes were utilised where necessary to encourage participants to elaborate on their answers and to clarify unclear responses. Interviews lasted on average 26 minutes (16.5-41.3 minutes range). Broad topics covered in the interview schedule included wellbeing during the pandemic, coping strategies, relationships, experiences of and feelings towards lockdown and COVID-19, and changes to schooling, e.g. “I wondered if you could tell me a bit about what school has looked like for you during lockdown? What did you think of this?”
Due to on-going COVID-19 restrictions, the interviews took place online via Microsoft Teams and fully informed opt-in assent was taken prior to the interview beginning. To account for ethical concerns when interviewing young people, care was taken to minimise power imbalances and to ensure participation was voluntary and fully informed. For example, prior to starting the audio recording, the researcher introduced themselves to the young people and engaged in light conversation to build rapport (Arksey & Kinght, 1999; Cohen et al., 2007; Eder & Fingerson, 2003). They also explained the study in detail, reiterated that the study was voluntary and that they could stop at any time, and offered an opportunity to ask questions. The young people were asked to think of a pseudonym for anonymity purposes. Young people were offered the option to choose their own pseudonym to increase feelings of control and ownership of their data (Allen & Wiles, 2016).