Research Methods
How do we get data? Who will be involved in collecting the data?
The strengths and limits of research methods should be considered. The possibilities of sampling should also be considered (i.e., how many people do you think you can recruit). The ability to promote the research and recruit should be considered as well as the researchers’ strengths and backgrounds. Multiple or combined methods can also be used. The methods chosen will depend on the research question, resources available, and the desired impact. Some methods to consider are interviews, surveys, focus groups, ethnographic research, etc.
Resources:
Qualitative vs quantitative research
Types of qualitative research Link 1
Types of qualitative research Link 2
Quantitative research methods Link 1
Quantitative research methods Link 2
Research Process
How do we plan and conduct the research?
Determining how to carry out the project requires much discussion, thinking, and re-thinking. Some ways to help layout the research process include taking notes, writing and sharing reflections, and determining the project’s limits and personal limits.
Resources:
Toolkit for research project management
Conducting primary research overview
Logic Model/Theory of Change
Do we know how our activities, actions and outputs will lead to the change we want to see? How will we design the project to increase collective impact?
The research project—from the research question to the impact you seek to create—should proceed logically. To help ensure the logic is sound, it can be mapped out in a step-by-step process. The logic model should be updated as project progresses and lessons are learned, but it is also an important planning tool to make sure the steps followed stay aligned with the research goal and desired impact.
Resources:
Example of research logic model/theory of change
Ethics
How will we ensure accountability, transparency and safety for all research participants? Do we know how to navigate the bureaucracy and who will help us do this?
Ethics planning should occur at the outset of the research design to make sure that the research itself is being conducted from an ethical standpoint and considers unintended consequences. Conducting community-based research raises particular ethical issues related to consent, privacy and confidentiality and compensation and support for community members.
Although there are consistent ethical considerations across research projects, the particular needs and position of each community must be taken into consideration. For example, research projects with people with disabilities would include specific strategies of accommodating physical or communication needs.
When working with a university, the research will have to be approved by an ethics review board, which can take awhile and involves filling out long forms and responding to inquiries. Community organizations can also have their own ethics review boards.
Ethics submissions should be sent in early, since research cannot occur until approval is obtained. University ethics boards may not have much experience with community-based research, so take the time to explain the rationale for the decisions, especially ones that might go against traditional research designs.
Resources:
Ethical guide for community-based participatory research
Ethics and community-based research
Research ethics guide for community organizations
Ethical guidance for research with people with disabilities
Guide to research ethics board submissions
Overview of human research ethics
Data Organization
How will we organize data collection to ensure that the findings are logical and of high quality?
Although it can be tedious, ensuring the data is organized and collected in ways that are valid, well-documented, and logical is essential for the project. If the data are sloppy, the results won’t be usable. Documenting decisions, changes to documents, how the data are collected and why, etc. are all pieces to this process.
Resources:
How to organize qualitative data
Data management support for indigenous research
Data Analysis
How do we ensure the findings are meaningful?
Following a data analysis method is essential to make sure the data are meaningful. Thematic coding is one method of qualitative data analysis, but the exact form it takes varies. In general, having multiple people review the data independently and building consensus helps ensure the findings are logical and buffers against biases.
Resources:
How to analyze qualitative data
