HOW GATEKEEPERS SHAPE THE RESEARCH INTERACTION

Abstract

Institutional access and the influence of gatekeepers are critical methodological concerns in administrative surveys, especially within hierarchical organizations. This article explores these dynamics through an empirical study of Russia’s long-term care system for the elderly and people with disabilities. Based on over 100 focused interviews conducted across three Russian regions, the research investigates how gatekeeper-mediated administrative access influences both sample composition and the nature of interactions with respondents. The findings indicate that while administrative recruitment streamlines fieldwork logistics and ensures efficient coordination, it simultaneously introduces rigid selection filters that constrain respondent diversity and limit the openness of responses. Informants often perceive researchers as external inspectors, which encourages self-censorship and fosters the prevalence of “showcase” cases. The study emphasizes the methodological risks associated with administrative access, including selection bias, the dominance of institutionally loyal respondents, and the difficulty of eliciting authentic, nuanced accounts. The article concludes by providing practical recommendations for qualitative researchers working in similar settings.