Abstract
One of the main obstacles for survey researchers—especially those conducting
surveys in difficult contexts such as postconflict areas—is accessing
respondents. In order to address this problem, this article draws on an
ongoing research project to reflect on the utility of mobile phones to connect
with hard-to-access populations in conflict affected, low-income
countries. It considers the strengths and weaknesses of a number of different
mobile phone survey modes. The article goes a step further and discusses
how (potential) survey respondents can be included in the survey design
process thereby increasing the relevance of the research to them and
hopefully encouraging them to participate. We conclude by considering the
issue of “good enough” methodologies, or the need to balance methodological
rigor with an understanding of the exigencies of suboptimal research
contexts.
1
surveys in difficult contexts such as postconflict areas—is accessing
respondents. In order to address this problem, this article draws on an
ongoing research project to reflect on the utility of mobile phones to connect
with hard-to-access populations in conflict affected, low-income
countries. It considers the strengths and weaknesses of a number of different
mobile phone survey modes. The article goes a step further and discusses
how (potential) survey respondents can be included in the survey design
process thereby increasing the relevance of the research to them and
hopefully encouraging them to participate. We conclude by considering the
issue of “good enough” methodologies, or the need to balance methodological
rigor with an understanding of the exigencies of suboptimal research
contexts.
1
Original language | English |
---|---|
Number of pages | 28 |
Journal | Sociological Methods & Research |
Early online date | 3 Oct 2017 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2017 |
Research Beacons, Institutes and Platforms
- Humanitarian and Conflict Response Institute