Recruitment refers to the methods you will use to identify and approach individuals to take part in your study. You must describe the full recruitment procedure clearly and step by step, including:
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WHEN each part of recruitment will happen,
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WHERE it will happen,
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BY WHOM, and
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WITH WHOM.
You must explain:
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How you will identify potential participants (e.g. through a database, social media group, organisation, etc.).
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What tools or support you will use to identify them (e.g. records, gatekeepers, third parties).
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How they will be contacted (e.g. email, in person, flyers, social media), and who will contact them.
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How participants will be given information about the study before they decide to take part (e.g. via a letter, email, or post).
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How they can show interest or volunteer (e.g. click a link, email you, complete a form).
You must show:
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That your recruitment is ethical, POPIA-compliant, and avoids inappropriate use of personal information.
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How you will obtain permission to recruit (from a gatekeeper or platform admin, if needed).
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That participants will not being pressured or influenced, especially by people in authority.
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That your recruitment messages are clear, accurate, and easy to understand, and available in languages where needed.
Attach copies of all emails, posters, messages, or verbal scripts you plan to use in recruitment. Reviewers want to see exactly what potential participants will be told.