Methods for Change Phase 2: Showcasing innovative social science methodologies: [Final report 2022 – 2023]

This is the final project report for the Aspect funded Methods for Change project Phase 2 (2022-2023).

Across Phases 1 (2020 – 2021) and Phase 2 (2022 – 2023), the Methods for Change (M4C) project has sought to highlight the value of social science methodologies to the wider world. The M4C team has worked with colleagues across the Aspect Network to increase recognition of the importance of social science, arts and humanities methodologies to address, and create change towards pressing societal issues. Working closely with 59 academic contributors, the Methods for Change team has developed research strategies and communicative tools to make a case for the wider application of social science methods beyond academia.

Across both phases, the Methods for Change team has collated knowledge about 47 innovative and transformative social science methods, and demonstrated how they are (or could be) used to create change in non-academic contexts. To clearly communicate the value of methods, and to encourage the uptake of non-traditional methods outside of academia, this collection of ‘How-to’ Guides summarise how academics utilise innovative methods in their research with businesses, third sector organisations, governments, and other non-academic groups and individuals; and how these methods contribute to social, environmental, political or economic change.