Researchers

J. Moran-Ellis, V. Alexander, A. Cronin, M. Dickinson, J. Fielding, H. Thomas, J. Sleney
Department of Sociology, University of Surrey.

February 2003-February 2005

Context

The practices, processes, and implications, involved in integrating data and findings from multi-methods have not often been the topic of direct attention in research projects. Focusing on a substantive concept, this project investigates the methodological issues that arise in multi-method and multi-level approaches to a research question concerned with how ‘vulnerability’ is perceived, experienced, and responded to, in everyday life and at the planning/policy level?

Aims and Objectives

• Make visible the ‘work’ of methodological integration and develop an understanding of the processes and practices involved in this;
• Transform these insights into advanced-level teaching materials;
• Contribute to a richer understanding of vulnerability, coping, and resilience.

Outputs

• A study manual with CD-ROM /Internet site including data/excerpts from the projects and methodological components;
• Day courses and advanced training workshops;
• Academic and professional journal articles;
• Conference papers.

Research Design

Five small, substantive projects will be conducted to generate qualitative and quantitative data on ‘vulnerabilities’ using different methods and focusing on different units of analysis:

• Geographical Area/Level: secondary analysis of quantitative datasets and mapping data;
• Physical Community: visual methods to explore perceptions of vulnerability in the built environment;
• Marginal Communities: online and offline interviews, focus groups, and electronic diaries to explore non-heterosexual women’s experience and management of vulnerability in real and virtual spaces;
• Household: qualitative interviews with all household members to explore distributions of perceived and experienced vulnerabilities;
• Individual: In-depth interviews to explore experiences of vulnerabilities and responses amongst people living alone.

Data on the related methodological practices and processes will be generated in team meetings and discussions, researcher diaries, and a shared ‘methodology diary’.