Critical Methods in Longitudinal Research With Latino Immigrant Families

Abstract

We have an ethical and a scientific imperative to do research that reflects the views and learning experiences of historically marginalized groups. Most studies that use a critical methodological approach rely on qualitative data. This article describes how a critical approach to recruitment, data collection, and retention can help to ensure that quantitative research accurately reflects the experiences of Latino immigrant families. The authors draw on relevant literature and their recent longitudinal study with 300 Latina mothers and their children from a rural community that focused on parent-child relationships and the development of math interest and achievement. The article includes recommendations to researchers about effective strategies for the meaningful engagement of Latino immigrant families in survey research studies. The strategies are situated within the context of existing discourses of recruitment and retention, as well as the theoretical and cultural considerations that are necessary for culturally competent quantitative research.

Strategies for conducting health research with Latinos during times of political incivility

“…Nonetheless, these efforts are often more costly and require increased time and effort by the PI and/or research team. Consequently, added costs need to be incorporated into research budgets as does adequate time to develop those values important to Latino cultures (e.g., simpatico , confianza , poderismo ) to produce high‐quality, inclusive research (Díaz et al., ).…”

“…The most commonly identified way to reduce issues related to distrust was to find ways to incorporate personal contact and creating mutual trust through relationship‐building between the participants, research staff, family and peers (Ceballos et al., ; Díaz, Denner, & Ortiz, ; García et al., ; Sheehan et al., ) and through the use of brokers, community health workers or promotores (Díaz et al., ). We argue that this will continue to be a very important aspect of making health research accessible to Latino participants.…”

“…Researchers also need to conduct research that has cultural congruence and relatability (George et al., ) including what Díaz et al. () call adhering to cultural scripts regarding simpatia (respectful interaction), confianza (support and trust) and poderismo (power of choice).…”

“…However, Choi and colleagues found this approach to be much more successful with their Korean participants when compared with those of Latino decent. Diaz, Denner, and Ortiz () emphasize the need for a critical approach that acknowledges “context of current and past systems of opportunities and oppression” (p.155). In times where participants may feel particularly vulnerable to discrimination, researchers should be purposeful in their efforts to create space for open dialogue and questions (George et al., ; Sheehan et al., ) and in creating an environmental setting that is appropriate for the type of participation sought.…”

“…If researchers are interested in doing health research in communities or states where police are collaborating with ICE in detaining suspected or confirmed undocumented immigrants, care must be taken to collaborate with trusted organizations such as faith communities and/or communitybased health centres. Researchers also need to conduct research that has cultural congruence and relatability (George et al, 2013) including what Díaz et al (2017) call adhering to cultural scripts regarding simpatia (respectful interaction), confianza (support and trust) and poderismo (power of choice).…”