Researching Ulster Loyalism: The Methodological Challenges of the Divisive and Sensitive Subject

This article offers a reflection upon four aspects of methodology in the context of the author's doctoral research in Northern Ireland: managing identity and research relationships, the ethics of dissemination and the reception of potentially polemic research in the academy. It argues that identity influences research in sensitive contexts in ways that are often hard to anticipate, that more inclusive approaches to dissemination can help counter issues related to research relationships, and that responses to work in controversial contexts highlight ambiguities within the academy regarding the nature and function of social science research, presenting particular challenges for early-career researchers.

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Recruitment of Community-Based Samples: Experiences and Recommendations for Optimizing Success

Canadian Journal of Nursing Research ◽

10.1177/08445621211060935 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 084456212110609 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Anna Garnett ◽

Melissa Northwood

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Social Science ◽

Social Science Research ◽

Science Research ◽

Early Career ◽

Health Providers ◽

Community Based ◽

Building Relationships ◽

Ethnic Representation ◽

Early Career Researchers

Background Recruitment in health and social science research is a critically important but often overlooked step in conducting successful research. The challenges associated with recruitment pertain to multiple factors such as enrolling groups with vulnerabilities, obtaining geographic, cultural, and ethnic representation within study samples, supporting the participation of less accessible populations such as older adults, and developing networks to support recruitment. Purpose This paper presents the experiences of two early career researchers in recruiting community-based samples of older adults, their caregivers, and associated health providers. Methods Challenges and facilitators in recruiting two community-based qualitative research samples are identified and discussed in relation to the literature. Results Challenges included: identifying potential participants, engaging referral partners, implementing multi-methods, and achieving study sample diversity. Facilitators included: making connections in the community, building relationships, and drawing on existing networks. Conclusions Findings suggest the need for greater recognition of the importance of having clear frameworks and strategies to address recruitment prior to study commencement as well as the need to have clear outreach strategies to optimize inclusion of marginalized groups. Recommendations and a guide are provided to inform the development of recruitment approaches of early career researchers in health and social science research.

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Introduction: Defining Moments in the British-Irish Relationship

Negotiating a Settlement in Northern Ireland, 1969-2019 ◽

10.1093/oso/9780198841388.003.0001 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-47

Author(s):

John Coakley ◽

Jennifer Todd

Keyword(s):

Northern Ireland ◽

Social Science ◽

Social Science Research ◽

Science Research ◽

Source Material ◽

Dominant Position ◽

Defining Moments ◽

History Of ◽

Elite Interviews ◽

The Relationship

This chapter traces the history of the relationship between the two communities in Northern Ireland and the tension between the British and Irish governments within which it was traditionally embedded. It documents the process of incremental—and sometimes radical—societal change that has transformed the nature of the conflict, as the overwhelmingly dominant position of the unionist community has been replaced by a more evenly balanced relationship. Associated with this has been the evolution of institutional machinery designed to facilitate conflict resolution and the emergence of effective channels of communication between British and Irish elites. The chapter describes the manner in which the testimonies of these elites were collected as part of research on the process of negotiation of peace in Northern Ireland. It assesses the value of elite interviews and witness seminars as significant source material for social science research.

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The Researcher and the Researched: Navigating the Challenges of Research in Conflict-Affected Environments

International Studies Review ◽

10.1093/isr/viaa009 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Eleanor Gordon

Keyword(s):

Social Science ◽

Social Science Research ◽

Science Research ◽

Ethical Challenges ◽

Ethical Concerns ◽

Research Participants ◽

Methodological Challenges ◽

Security Challenges ◽

Different Cultures

Abstract Ethical concerns associated with social science research are heightened in conflict-affected environments, due to increased insecurity and the vulnerability of many research participants. This article considers some of the main challenges faced by researchers in conflict-affected environments and how they can be addressed, focusing in particular on ethical and security challenges. It also considers other challenges, which are often overlooked, such as the epistemological and methodological challenges of acquiring knowledge in conflict-affected environments, where research participants may be from different cultures, may speak different languages, and may be deeply traumatized and distrustful of others. In such places, research participants may employ techniques to assuage or discourage the researcher, including projecting borrowed narratives or remaining silent. This article argues that navigating security and ethical challenges, attending to issues of power, and remaining genuinely self-reflective can help fulfill the optimal potential of research in conflict-affected environments, which is to challenge narratives that perpetuate conflict, harm, and insecurity and to contribute to a better understanding and, thus, response to the challenges of conflict and peacebuilding.

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Franciscan Missions and Chiriguano Workers: Colonization, Acculturation and Indian Labor in Southeastern Bolivia

The Americas A Quarterly Review of Latin American History ◽

10.2307/1006766 ◽

1987 ◽

Vol 43 (3) ◽

pp. 305-322 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Erick D. Langer

Keyword(s):

Social Science ◽

Research Program ◽

Research Council ◽

Social Science Research ◽

Science Research ◽

Doctoral Research ◽

The Social ◽

Franciscan Missions ◽

American Foundation ◽

Science Research Council

An earlier version of this essay was presented at the Symposium “Bolivia: Formation and Development of a Labor Force, 1600 to the Present,” organized by Ann Zulawski and Lesley Gill for the 45th International Congress of Americanists, Bogotá, Colombia, 1985. The author wishes to thank Robert H. Jackson, Brooke Larson, and Nils Jacobsen for their comments on the paper. Research funds were provided by the Social Science Research Council, Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Research Program, and the Inter-American Foundation.

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Cuidar en tiempos de crisis

Castalia - Revista de Psicología de la Academia ◽

10.25074/07198051.35.1897 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 145-156

Author(s):

María Alejandra Energici ◽

Nicolás Schongut ◽

Sebastián Rojas ◽

Samanta Alarcón

Keyword(s):

Public Policy ◽

Social Science ◽

Research Team ◽

Social Science Research ◽

Science Research ◽

Interdisciplinary Perspective ◽

Methodological Challenges

Esta entrevista presenta un diálogo con el equipo a cargo de la investigación “Cuidar. Estudio sobre tiempos, formas y espacios de cuidado en casa durante la pandemia”. Se abordan los principales desafíos teóricos y metodológicos asociados a estudiar los cuidados desde una perspectiva interdisciplinar y, a continuación, los principales hallazgos del estudio y sus implicancias en el campo de la investigación social y las políticas públicas. -- This interview presents a dialogue with the research team of the study "Cuidar. Estudio sobre tiempos, formas y espacios de cuidado en casa durante la pandemia". We first explore the theoretical and methodological challenges associated with studying care from an interdisciplinary perspective. Then, we show main findings of the study and their implications in the field of social science research and public policy.

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