Sampling and Retention of Underrepresented Groups

A fundamental task of research involves the recruitment of individuals to participate in a study. The failure to recruit a diverse sample might affect the size and demographic characteristics of the sample, which might limit the research project in numerous ways. Smaller sample sizes and sample bias might reduce the statistical power of the study and diminish the applicability of findings and interventions based on it. This entry defines underrepresented groups and outlines strategies to enhance the recruitment and retention of underrepresented research participants. All aspects of the research study (i.e., prefieldwork, protocol development, recruitment, pilot research, analysis, and dissemination) are assumed to be interlocking.