Social Research in Conflict-affected Areas
Date:
02/06/2015
Organised by:
University of Sussex
Presenter:
Dr Nigel Eltringham
Level:
Advanced (specialised prior knowledge)
Contact:
ESRC DTC Coordinator, t: 01273 877376 e: esrcdtc@sussex.ac.uk
Description:
Social Research in Conflict-affected areas - Tue 2 June 10:00-17:00
Dr Nigel Eltringham
The workshop explores the particular methodological issues that face social scientists conducting research in conflict affected zones. In the mid-1990s a seminal volume edited by Carolyn Nordstrom and Antonius Robben (Fieldwork Under Fire: Contemporary Studies of Violence and Culture California 1996) drew attention to the particular ethical and personal dilemmas anthropologists (and social scientists in general) face when conducting research in conflict affected areas. Recent volumes demonstrate the on-going importance of such reflection (Surviving Field Research: Working in Violent and Difficult Situations Routledge 2009; Research Methods in Conflict Settings: A View from Below CUP 2013). Drawing on ‘best practice’ developed by NGOs working in such contexts and individual case studies, the workshop will consider the generic problems that research in conflict affected areas poses for researchers and will explore the strategies and responses that have been adopted. At the end of the workshop participants will have a clear understanding of the following key issues: ethical dilemmas; security of researchers and respondents; coping with stress; and dilemmas of maintaining objectivity.
Learning Outcomes:
Understand the ethical dilemmas and access obstacles associated with conducting research in conflict affected zones
Design research in a way that anticipates the particular ethical issues associated with conducting research in conflict affected zones.
Identify, describe and evaluate the links between existing theories and models and findings and the proposed research and specify research questions or hypotheses.
Characterise and critically evaluate types of research questions that quantitative and qualitative methods are best able to address and articulate rationales for combining quantitative and qualitative approaches.
Demonstrate an understanding of the principles behind a range of analytic techniques (including rationale, philosophical assumptions, assumptions about data type, and capacity to answer specific questions). This understanding should make it possible to understand a range of techniques beyond those typically employed in any single discipline.
Level: This is an advanced course for researchers with some experience but does not presume that they have undertaken fieldwork in conflict affected areas.
Cost:
South East DTC, Essex Student: £20
External Student: £30
External Other: £100
Travel costs for research students can be reimbursed.
Website and registration:
http://www.sussex.ac.uk/doctoralschool/esrcdtc/training/socialresearchtraining
Region:
South East
Keywords:
Frameworks for Research and Research Designs (other), Research Ethics, research in conflict zones
Related publications and presentations:
Frameworks for Research and Research Designs (other)
Research Ethics