title: Research Assistants Caught in Limbo: Considering Their Role in Quantitative, Longitudinal Research with Vulnerable Populations.
abstract: Research assistants (RAs) play a variety of roles that are critical in making research happen and in determining its quality and effectiveness. Yet their locus of power in the production of knowledge stands in sharp contrast to their relative powerlessness in the hierarchical research organization. This article explores the experiences of RAs engaged in a randomized controlled longitudinal field trial of a Housing First intervention for individuals experiencing homelessness and mental illness in Toronto. They encountered several unexpected effects of navigating the power ascribed to them by both study participants and community service providers. This study underscores the importance of acknowledging that RAs are the face of the research study in the field, and of better understanding implications associated with that fact, especially when marginalized populations and their providers are involved.
authors.forename: Suzanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Zerger
authors.forename: Katherine Francombe
authors.initials: KF
authors.lastname: Pridham
authors.forename: Erin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Plenert
authors.forename: Caitlin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Newberry
authors.forename: Adam
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Whisler
authors.forename: Indira
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Fernando
authors.forename: Naveed
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ahmed
mesh_terms: D002170:Canada; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons / Q000523:psychology; D006798:Housing; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D028642:Persons with Psychiatric Disorders; D011209:Power, Psychological; D024382:Professional Role / Q000523:psychology*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012108:Research Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D035862:Vulnerable Populations