The unspoken reality

From the perspectives of two ECRs, this chapter highlights the unspoken but ever-prevalent hurdles of data collection. There is discussion surrounding the planning and co-ordination of data collection, from reaching out to potential research participants to the organising of consent and location, and while we do not intend to overwhelm or predict your journey, we hope to offer solace and practical advice to guide you through. Woven throughout are real-life examples experienced by the authors, reflections which demonstrate that sometimes, the co-ordination of data collection is not as seamless as initially thought. The real ‘nitty gritty’ of qualitative research is the behind-the-scenes work you will do over the course of organising your data collection, and the authors of this chapter look to speak to the opportunities and challenges you may face within this segment of the research process, no matter where you are located or what your previous research experience has been.