Insights From Setting up the First Wave of a Qualitative Longitudinal Study

In this paper we describe and reflect upon the process of setting up the first wave of a complex qualitative longitudinal study with young people in Vienna. We explain the project’s agenda, design, and organizational structure connecting experienced and early career researchers with master’s students. In particular, we describe the tools used to coordinate the research, the challenges and benefits of blending research and teaching, and the materials and strategies we employed to ensure data quality and self-reflexivity. We conclude with reflections upon ethical challenges associated with incorporating marginalized young people into the research within the context of school, especially concerning pseudonymization, informed consent, and hierarchical settings shaping the research.