A tale of two studies: Reflections on issues faced by novice researchers during data collection and analysis in Pakistan

Abstract

This paper reports on the challenges faced by two researchers during data collection and translation of data and analysis in two public sector universities in Pakistan. Data collection from each institute involved different procedures and a different set of issues, including negotiating access with gatekeepers and participants, dealing with teachers’ attitudinal issues, and getting consent from female participants. Challenges related to access to the institution, to female participants and recording permissions are discussed. Both researchers faced issues in translation of the key constructs with no equivalent lexical items in the context of study. It is further argued that awareness of such issues beforehand will help novice researchers be better prepared. Implications for novice researchers from Pakistan, and researchers from other contexts, have also been discussed.