Gatekeepers of Gerontological Research: A Pilot Study Investigating Factors Influencing Research Compliance

Gerontological studies note research noncompliance as a limitation of their results; however, few investigations focus on ways to minimize noncompliance. Additionally, older adults’ research participation is often controlled by other individuals such as the managers of retirement residences or community centers, where recruitment often occurs. These individuals are, in essence, the Gatekeepers of research participation among older adults. This pilot study explored ‘research participation’ through semistructured interviews with four managers. Analysis of the transcript data identified several important differences between managers of retirement residences and community center managers. Gerontologists interested in obtaining more representative samples may want to consider the contextual factors of the managerial systems and experiences that can facilitate or obstruct research participation of older adults.