An article examined the potential for using big data in social research, drawing on a study of Twitter data linked to political protest over university fees in the United Kingdom. The article proposed alternative methodological principles for approaching these data, and introduced a new tool for harvesting and analyzing data from this source.
Source: Ramine Tinati, Susan Halford, Leslie Carr, and Catherine Pope, 'Big data: methodological challenges and approaches for sociological analysis', Sociology, Volume 48 Issue 4
Links: Abstract
Date: 2014-Sep
The watchdog for official information said that big data (a way of analyzing data that typically created very large datasets by bringing together data from different sources) could, and needed to, operate within data protection law, but that this should not be seen as a barrier to innovation. The report discussed the application of data protection law more generally to the use of big data.
Source: Big Data and Data Protection, Information Commissioner
Links: Report | Information Commissioner press release
Date: 2014-Sep
An article examined the concept of research impact. It said that use of the concept reflected a shift from a state patronage to an investment model of research funding and the article considered the underlying metaphor, which the author suggested could distort understanding of the public contribution of academic research and create false expectations.
Source: Martyn Hammersley, 'The perils of "impact" for academic social science', Contemporary Social Science, Volume 9 Number 3
Links: Abstract
Date: 2014-Sep
An article examined why published criminological research was more frequently quantitative than qualitative in nature. Drawing on Blackian sociology, Jacques and colleagues' theory of method, and Black's theory of ideas, it suggested that qualitative ideas were considered less important because the subject was placed closer, in cultural distance, to the source and audience. The article discussed the implications for criminology.
Source: Scott Jacques, 'The quantitative-qualitative divide in criminology: a theory of ideas' importance, attractiveness, and publication', Theoretical Criminology, Volume 18 Number 3
Links: Abstract
Date: 2014-Aug
An article examined interviewer effects on the process leading to cooperation or refusal in face-to-face surveys, focusing on the initial interpersonal interactions on the doorstep.
Source: Gabriele Durrant and Julia D'Arrigo, 'Doorstep interactions and interviewer effects on the process leading to cooperation or refusal', Sociological Methods & Research, Volume 43 Number 3
Links: Abstract
Date: 2014-Aug
An article examined the concept of Clean Language as a means of providing in-depth understanding in qualitative research. It discussed how Clean Language could enhance the rigour and authenticity of interviewer-based research by removing the inadvertent addition of extraneous metaphor during data collection and analysis.
Source: Paul Tosey, James Lawley, and Rupert Meese, 'Eliciting metaphor through Clean Language: an innovation in qualitative research', British Journal of Management, Volume 25 Issue 3
Links: Abstract
Date: 2014-Jul
An article examined the customization of realist review methods for participatory research assessment. The article outlined a number of key factors in the process and concluded that the timing of the customization process would be informed by the degree of heterogeneity of the evidence base.
Source: Justin Jagosh, Pierre Pluye, Geoff Wong, Margaret Cargo, Jon Salsberg, Paula Bush, Carol Herbert, Lawrence Green, Trish Greenhalgh, and Ann Macaulay, 'Critical reflections on realist review: insights from customizing the methodology to the needs of participatory research assessment', Research, Synthesis Methods, Volume 5 Issue 2
Links: Abstract
Date: 2014-Jul
An article examined the potential of qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) to assist with complex syntheses in systematic reviews. Drawing on findings from a worked example, it said that QCA was a promising alternative or adjunct, particularly to the standard fall-back of a 'narrative synthesis' when a quantitative synthesis was impossible. However, further methodological work was required to consider its optimal use and to document process, practice, and reporting standards.
Source: James Thomas, Alison O'Mara-Eves, and Ginny Brunton, 'Using qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) in systematic reviews of complex interventions: a worked example', Systematic Reviews, Volume 3
Links: Abstract
Date: 2014-Jul
An article examined how qualitative information from interviews was analyzed using quantitative methods. It highlighted the need for a new mixed method. based on an advanced statistical modeling method that would explore complex relationships arising from qualitative information.
Source: Apostolos Fakis, Rachel Hilliam, Helen Stoneley, and Michael Townend, 'Quantitative analysis of qualitative information from interviews: a systematic literature review', Journal of Mixed Methods Research, Volume 8 Number 2
Links: Abstract
Date: 2014-Jul
An article examined the literature on evidence-based policy-making, and considered the barriers and facilitators to using evidence to inform policy. The article described the literature in terms of its theoretical underpinnings, definitions of 'evidence', methods, and underlying assumptions of research in the field. It said that assumptions that policy-makers did not use evidence were unsupported and created bias in research on evidence-based policy. It said that academics should aim to understand what influenced and constituted policy, and should produce more critically and theoretically informed studies of decision-making.
Source: Kathryn Oliver, Theo Lorenc, and Simon Innvaer, 'New directions in evidence-based policy research: a critical analysis of the literature', Health Research Policy and Systems, Volume 12
Links: Article
Date: 2014-Jul
An article examined how disabled children with little or no speech could be involved in their education. A project team worked with a group of young disabled people to develop ways in which they could take part in the research process.
Source: Debby Watson, Anthony Feiler, and Beth Tarleton, 'Involving young disabled people in the research process: the experiences of the PIE research project team', Children & Society, Volume 28 Number 4
Links: Abstract
Date: 2014-Jul
An article examined the use of deliberation as a research technique. Comparing it to more traditional methods and drawing on an example of deliberative research that developed a list of 'capabilities' for monitoring inequalities in Britain, the article said that deliberative designs involved a number of assumptions, was permeated by normative decisions, was currently under-theorized as an approach, and required transparency at all stages of the process to avoid reflecting the researchers' implicit values.
Source: Tania Burchardt, 'Deliberative research as a tool to make value judgements', Qualitative Research, Volume 14 Number 3
Links: Abstract
Date: 2014-Jun
An article examined the customization of realist review methods for participatory research assessment. The article outlined a number of key factors in the process and concluded that the timing of the customization process would be informed by the degree of heterogeneity of the evidence base.
Source: Justin Jagosh, Pierre Pluye, Geoff Wong, Margaret Cargo, Jon Salsberg, Paula Bush, Carol Herbert, Lawrence Green, Trish Greenhalgh, and Ann Macaulay, 'Critical reflections on realist review: insights from customizing the methodology to the needs of participatory research assessment', Research, Synthesis Methods, Volume 5 Issue 2
Links: Abstract
Date: 2014-Jun
A report examined factors that influenced individual researchers in making their data (both published and unpublished) available to other researchers, and the potential need for new types of incentives to enable data access and sharing. It said that there was a clear, overarching view that the research culture and environment was not perceived as providing sufficient support, nor adequate rewards, for researchers who generated and shared high-quality datasets. The report said that there were time and cost constraints, concerns about the protection of research participants, a lack of routine monitoring or enforcement of data plans, little formal recognition in key assessment processes (including promotion and research excellence framework procedures), little value placed on data officers' work, and a lack of infrastructure to assist and ensure the preservation and curation of data.
Source: Expert Advisory Group on Data Access, Establishing Incentives and Changing Cultures to Support Data Access, Cancer Research UK/Economic and Social Research Council/Medical Research Council/Wellcome Trust
Links: Report | Supporting materials | Wellcome Trust press release
Date: 2014-Jun
An article examined the empirical relations between alternative occupation-based social classifications.
Source: Paul Lambert and Erik Bihagen, 'Using occupation-based social classifications', Work, Employment and Society, Volume 28 Number 3
Links: Abstract
Date: 2014-Jun
An article examined the influence of survey design on gaining participants' consent to data linkage. Drawing on the analysis of experimental data from a British household panel survey, it said that design features such as question format and placement of the consent question had an impact on consent rates.
Source: Emanuela Sala, Gundi Knies, and Jonathan Burton, 'Propensity to consent to data linkage: experimental evidence on the role of three survey design features in a UK longitudinal panel', International Journal of Social Research Methodology, Volume 17 Number 5
Links: Abstract
Date: 2014-Jun
A new book examined comparative policy research design and methodology.
Source: Isabelle Engeli and Christine Rothmayr Allison (eds), Comparative Policy Studies: Conceptual and methodological challenges, Palgrave Macmillan
Links: Summary
Date: 2014-May
An article examined the use of focus group methodology as part of a life course approach, building on the work of Julia Brannen. Drawing on a study of young British and Asian adults' experiences of the transition from university to full-time employment, the article presented and discussed data from focus groups to highlight how young people discussed their individual choices, and related this to Brannen's conceptualization of the three modalities on which young people draw when talking about the future.
Source: Uracha Chatrakul Na Ayudhya, Janet Smithson, and Suzan Lewis, 'Focus group methodology in a life course approach – individual accounts within a peer cohort group', International Journal of Social Research Methodology, Volume 17 Number 2
Links: Abstract
Date: 2014-May
A paper examined the Scottish Government's view of university research in an independent Scotland. It said that Scotland's world-class higher education sector would benefit from independence through such means as strategic investment, independent research funding policy, ongoing opportunity for international collaboration, and the realization of research impact.
Source: Scotland's Future: Higher education research in an independent Scotland, Scottish Government
Links: Paper | Summary | Scottish Government press release
Date: 2014-May
An article examined difficulties in recruitment for research on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals. It discussed methods of recruitment used by the author and argued for a plurality of recruitment procedures for future research on sexualities and personal relationships.
Source: Mark McCormack, 'Innovative sampling and participant recruitment in sexuality research', Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, Volume 31 Issue 4
Links: Abstract
Date: 2014-May
An article examined the development of an action learning group including healthcare staff, prison staff, and older prisoners at a prison in England, to develop a health and social care assessment and care planning process for older prisoners. It said that action learning was a valuable approach for developing practice, but there were important considerations when using action learning in the prison setting, including: maintaining focus of the group; the clarification of roles and procedures; providing practical and theoretical space; and consideration of the composition of the group.
Source: Elizabeth Walsh, Katrina Forsyth, Jane Senior, Kate O'Hara, and Jenny Shaw, 'Undertaking action research in prison: developing the Older Prisoner Health and Social Care Assessment and Plan', Action Research, Volume 12 Number 2
Links: Abstract
Date: 2014-May
A new book examined a range of issues related to research data management and data sharing. Chapter topics included: research planning, including strategies for collaborative research, ethics, privacy, and intellectual property rights; formatting and organizing data; data storage and transfer; and re-using other researchers' data.
Source: Louise Corti, Veerle Van den Eynden, Libby Bishop, and Matthew Woollard, Managing and Sharing Research Data: A guide to good practice, SAGE Publications
Links: Summary
Date: 2014-Apr
A report examined the factors that served to increase the quality of university research in the United Kingdom, apart from funding. It said there were six key factors that contributed to research excellence: recruitment practices; mentoring and appraisal; collaboration; research strategies; securing a mix of funding; and competition.
Source: Growing the Best and Brightest: The drivers of research excellence – a report for the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills, Economic Insight
Links: Report | Ministerial speech
Date: 2014-Apr
An article examined the use of cognitive interviewing as a follow-up, rather than as a pretesting methodology, to explore the effects on participants' responses of different types of survey delivery (mode effects). The article discussed the methods tested, and considered the benefits, limitations, and lessons learned.
Source: Michelle Gray, Margaret Blake, and Pamela Campanelli, 'The use of cognitive interviewing methods to evaluate mode effects in survey questions', Field Methods, Volume 26 Number 2
Links: Abstract
Date: 2014-Apr
The Welsh Government published two reports on poverty in Wales. The first drew on the British Household Panel Survey to examine the extent to which individuals moved in and out of poverty, the characteristics of those who remained in poverty, and the types of events that led to change either way. The second report looked at the usability of the BHPS, and its successor Understanding Society, for analysis at the Wales level, through an illustrative analysis of poverty dynamics in Wales.
Source 1: New Policy Institute, The Dynamics of Low Income, Social research number: 30/2014, Welsh Government
Source 2: Rhys Davies and Huw Lloyd-Williams, An Investigation of the Potential for Wales-Level Analysis of the British Household Panel Survey and Understanding Society: An illustrative analysis of poverty dynamics in Wales, Social research number: 31/2014, Welsh Government
Date: 2014-Apr
A study examined how senior civil servants related to academic research and expertise, drawing on an online survey that asked about how they accessed and used such information and what impact this had on policymaking. The report said that the majority of senior civil servants actively engaged with academic outputs, although many did so in limited ways and a significant minority did not engage at all. They reported turning to briefings or reports (79 per cent), or media reports of academic outputs in newspapers and weeklies (61 per cent), or professional journals (55 per cent), in disciplines such as public policy (63 per cent), economics (60 per cent), public administration (54 per cent) and business and management (49 per cent). Senior civil servants also welcomed general expertise and were positive about academics' roles in the policy process.
Source: Colin Talbot and Carole Talbot, Sir Humphrey and the Professors: What does Whitehall want from academics?, Policy@Manchester, University of Manchester
Links: Report | University of Manchester press release
Date: 2014-Apr
An article examined the validity across time of Esping-Andersen's 'three worlds' typology, examining welfare state data at five-year intervals from 1950 to 2000. It said that the original framework did not identify a lasting and meaningful three-world arrangement, unless it was extended to include new dimensions relating to social services, gender, poverty, and activation, whereupon the extended framework identified three worlds of welfare that began to emerge by 1975 and had firmed by 1985.
Source: Benjamin Danforth, 'Worlds of welfare in time: a historical reassessment of the three-world typology', Journal of European Social Policy, Volume 24 Number 2
Links: Abstract
Date: 2014-Apr
A report examined the impact of United Kingdom open access policies on patterns of publishing in humanities and social science journals, considering practical issues and difficulties that might arise.
Source: Rebecca Darley, Daniel Reynolds, and Chris Wickham, Open Access Journals in Humanities and Social Science, British Academy
Links: Report | British Academy press release | Guardian report
Date: 2014-Apr
An article reported on a study of how people conducted research that 'mattered' to people with learning disabilities, and that involved them and their views and experiences.
Source: Melanie Nind and Hilra Vinha, 'Doing research inclusively: bridges to multiple possibilities in inclusive research', British Journal of Learning Disabilities, Volume 42 Issue 2
Links: Abstract
Date: 2014-Apr
An article examined the outcome of the testing of two methods of calculating material deprivation: that used by the United Kingdom government taken from the Family Resources Survey (FRS), and the methods used in the Poverty and Social Exclusion (PSE) study at the University of Bristol. It said that, compared with the PSE measure, the FRS method underestimated the depth and extent of material deprivation among families with young children in Scotland.
Source: Morag Treanor, 'Deprived or not deprived? Comparing the measured extent of material deprivation using the UK government's and the Poverty and Social Exclusion surveys' method of calculating material deprivation', Quality & Quantity, Volume 48 Number 3
Links: Abstract
Date: 2014-Apr
An article examined the relationship between dialectical critical realism and qualitative research methods. Drawing on Bhaskar's later work, as well as Marxism, the paper discussed how dialectical critical realism might begin to answer some of the criticisms levied against critical realist methodology.
Source: John Michael Roberts, 'Critical realism, dialectics, and qualitative research methods', Journal for the Theory of Social Behaviour, Volume 44 Issue 1
Links: Abstract
Date: 2014-Apr
The government published a collection of papers outlining research priorities in policy areas covering children's services and education. The papers were intended: to identify the priority evidence gaps across the Department for Education's key areas of work; to provide a coherent strategic context for the research community, sector bodies, and practitioners; and to support planning and prioritization of research. The Department invited feedback on the papers.
Source: Department for Education
Links: Reports | DE press release
Date: 2014-Apr
An article examined the characteristics, underlying concepts, and distinctive aspects of systemic action research.
Source: Danny Burns, 'Systemic action research: changing system dynamics to support sustainable change', Action Research, Volume 12 Number 1
Links: Abstract
Date: 2014-Mar
An article presented a four-item job insecurity scale for European countries. It said the scale could be considered as a 'valid and reliable' instrument to measure job insecurity, and could be used to make meaningful comparisons across countries. It might also be utilized to assess how job insecurity was related to outcomes.
Source: Tinne Vander Elst, Hans De Witte, and Nele De Cuyper, 'The job insecurity scale: a psychometric evaluation across five European countries', European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology, Volume 23 Issue 3
Links: Abstract
Date: 2014-Mar
An article reported on a 'consensual exercise' designed to identify 100 important research questions that, if answered, would help to reduce or prevent poverty. It involved 45 participants from government, non-governmental organizations, academia, and research. The list of questions covered a wide range of important themes, including attitudes, education, family, employment, heath, well-being, inclusion, markets, housing, taxes, inequality, and power.
Source: William Sutherland et al., '100 questions: identifying research priorities for poverty prevention and reduction', Journal of Poverty and Social Justice, Volume 21 Number 3
Date: 2014-Mar
An article examined the emergence of the 'impact agenda' and its incorporation in academic contracts in universities, focusing on social science research centres. Researchers highlighted both its disadvantages and its advantages.
Source: Richard Watermeyer, 'Issues in the articulation of "impact": the responses of UK academics to "impact" as a new measure of research assessment', Studies in Higher Education, Volume 39 Issue 2
Links: Abstract
Date: 2014-Mar
An article examined the application of action research in a project that sought to understand prisoner experiences in high security prisons in England. It discussed the challenges and limitations of the approach and the role of power relations, and suggested that facilitating change might require the development of two separate 'pedagogies'.
Source: Deborah Drake, 'Researching prisoner experiences with prison officers: an action research-inspired approach', Action Research, Volume 12 Number 1
Links: Abstract
Date: 2014-Mar
An article examined the psychometric properties of a new Quality of Life Scale for Children (QoL-C) under the age of eight years, which used a pictorial response format. It said that further development of the measure was needed, but the findings indicated that reliability of children's responses was increased by one-to-one support. It recommended further investigation of the use of pictures, emoticons, and minimal text.
Source: Hannah Thompson, Marie-Claire Reville, Anna Price, Laura Reynolds, Lauren Rodgers, and Tamsin Ford, 'The Quality of Life Scale for Children (QoL-C)', Journal of Children's Services, Volume 9 Number 1
Links: Abstract
Date: 2014-Mar
A paper provided the outcome of a consultation on the production of national statistics, detailing the statistical outputs that would be discontinued.
Source: Response to the Consultation on Statistical Products 2013, Office for National Statistics
Links: Paper | Supplementary paper | Consultation paper | ONS press release
Date: 2014-Feb
An article examined the value of qualitative research to a positivist framework for evaluating policy, presenting results from a study of the impact of two key National Health Service reforms, the 18 Week Patient Pathway and Payment by Results, on four English hospitals. It said that the study demonstrated the capacity of qualitative work to improve understandings of cause and effect, as well as to inform the development of better quantitative measures and data sets.
Source: John Wright, Paul Dempster, Justin Keen, Pauline Allen, and Andrew Hutchings, 'How should we evaluate the impacts of policy? The case of Payment by Results and the 18 Week Patient Pathway in English hospitals', Policy Studies, Volume 35 Number 1
Links: Abstract
Date: 2014-Feb
An article examined the use of survey responses that allowed a third response option in questions with two possible alternative responses (bipolar options). The article discussed a study that tested the use of follow-up probes, administered where respondents chose the mid-point option, to determine the reason for their selection. It said that the vast majority of responses were 'face-saving did not knows' and that reallocating responses accordingly significantly altered descriptive and multivariate inferences.
Source: Patrick Sturgis, Caroline Roberts, and Patten Smith, 'Middle alternatives revisited: how the neither/nor response acts as a way of saying "I don t know"?', Sociological Methods & Research, Volume 43 Number 1
Links: Abstract
Date: 2014-Feb
The government published further reports from its ongoing review of the European Union's competences, and how they affected the United Kingdom, which the Foreign Secretary had launched in July 2012.
Source: Review of the Balance of Competences between the United Kingdom and the European Union: Single Market – Free movement of goods, HM Revenue & Customs
Links: Report | Supplementary papers | FCO press release
Source: Review of the Balance of Competences between the United Kingdom and the European Union: Asylum and non-EU migration, Home Office
Links: Report | Evidence | FCO press release
Source: Review of the Balance of Competences between the United Kingdom and the European Union: Trade and investment, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills
Links: Report | Supplementary papers | FCO press release
Source: Review of the Balance of Competences between the United Kingdom and the European Union: Environment and climate change, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Links: Report | Supplementary papers | FCO press release
Source: Review of the Balance of Competences between the United Kingdom and the European Union: Transport, Department for Transport
Links: Report | Evidence | FCO press release
Source: Review of the Balance of Competences between the United Kingdom and the European Union: Research and development, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills
Links: Report | Supplementary paper | FCO press release
Source: Review of the Balance of Competences between the United Kingdom and the European Union: Culture, tourism and sport, Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Links: Report | Supplementary paper | FCO press release
Source: Review of the Balance of Competences between the United Kingdom and the European Union: Civil judicial cooperation, Ministry of Justice
Links: Report | Supplementary papers | FCO press release
Date: 2014-Feb
An article examined the use of critical realism in social research, arguing that the separation of entities for study was at variance with the conditions of the capitalist system, where the key features were inseparable. It suggested that critical realism obscured the system-wide significance of local and specific cases, thereby blocking progress in social research. The journal published a reply to the article, by Steve Fleetwood.
Source: Andrew Brown, 'Critical realism in social research: approach with caution', Work, Employment and Society, Volume 28 Number 1
Date: 2014-Feb
A new book examined the impact of the work of 360 United Kingdom-based academics on business, government, and civil society. It examined: ways to conceptualize and model impact; how to develop the measurement of impacts of social science research; and how to improve impact from individuals, research units, and universities.
Source: Simon Bastow, Patrick Dunleavy, and Jane Tinkler, The Impact of the Social Sciences: How academics and their research make a difference, SAGE Publications
Links: Summary
Date: 2014-Feb
An article examined the use of ethnographic research to examine the effectiveness of community treatments orders in mental health settings, considering for whom they might work, in what circumstances, and why. Drawing on an ethnographic study, it considered the role of qualitative research in exploring causality, and considered how the research might fit within a realist framework.
Source: Hannah Jobling, 'Using ethnography to explore causality in mental health policy and practice', Qualitative Social Work, Volume 13 Number 1
Links: Abstract
Date: 2014-Feb
A special issue of a journal examined the role and value of qualitative research in informing evidence-based policy making.
Source: Innovation: The European Journal of Social Science Research, Volume 27 Number 1
Links: Table of contents
Notes: Articles included:
Will Thomas and Sue Hollinrake, 'Policy-makers, researchers and service users – resolving the tensions and dilemmas of working together'
Fran Bennett and Sirin Sung, 'Money matters: using qualitative research for policy influencing on gender and welfare reform'
Derek Birrell, 'Qualitative research and policy-making in Northern Ireland: barriers arising from the lack of consensus, capacity and conceptualization'
Date: 2014-Feb
An article said that patient and public involvement in health research, including mental health research, was poorly conceptualized. A political conceptualization best captured the new knowledge that marginalized health groups could produce.
Source: Diana Rose, 'Patient and public involvement in health research: ethical imperative and/or radical challenge?', Journal of Health Psychology, Volume 19 Number 1
Links: Abstract
Date: 2014-Feb
An article examined the uses of covert research in studying the social contexts of vulnerable groups, its potential worth in areas where overt strategies could not be used, and the issue of participant consent. It said that although covert research was critiqued as breaching the moral legitimacy of informed consent, it might have ethical and practical utility for research related to safeguarding concerns, potentially allowing the revelation of abusive and oppressive practices. The article noted that such research needed to follow rigorous ethical standards.
Source: Jonathan Parker and Sara Ashencaen Crabtree, 'Covert research and adult protection and safeguarding: an ethical dilemma?', Journal of Adult Protection, Volume 16 Number 1
Links: Abstract
Date: 2014-Feb
An article examined the role of lay researchers within four different approaches to community-based research in South Yorkshire. The article examined the differential roles and types of work, capturing both experiences and outcomes.
Source: Louise Warwick-Booth, 'Using community-based research within regeneration: the role of the researcher within community-based approaches exploring experiences within Objective 1 South Yorkshire', Community, Work & Family, Volume 17 Number 1
Links: Abstract
Date: 2014-Jan
An article examined the tensions within participatory research projects between the demands of the academy, the needs of vulnerable research participants, and the concerns of the researchers themselves. Drawing on evidence from participatory studies with vulnerable groups, the article outlined a need for more collaborative and democratic approaches to research.
Source: Jo Aldridge, 'Working with vulnerable groups in social research: dilemmas by default and design', Qualitative Research, Volume 14 Number 1
Links: Abstract
Date: 2014-Jan
An article examined the differences and similarities between the 'minimum income standard' (MIS) used in the United Kingdom and that recently developed for Japan. Although there were notable differences in the lists of goods and services that comprised the budgets, there were also some striking similarities. This suggested that the MIS methodology could be used in different countries to inform discussions on contemporary living standards and societal norms, and to enable international comparisons to be drawn.
Source: Abigail Davis, Donald Hirsch, Rie Iwanaga, Masami Iwata, Junko Shigekawa, Yuka Uzuki, and Atsuhiro Yamada, 'Comparing the minimum income standard in the UK and Japan: methodology and outcome', Social Policy and Society, Volume 13 Issue 1
Links: Abstract
Notes: The minimum income standard is the income needed in order to reach a minimum socially acceptable standard of living, based primarily on popular consensus.
Date: 2014-Jan
An article said that children s views were different from those of adults, making it worthwhile to explore innovative ways in which to research and capture their unique experiences and perspectives. Reporting on two research projects in which children were involved in participatory activities, the article outlined how children had exercised their agency and shaped the process. The article considered challenges involved in this type of research.
Source: Annamaria Pinter and Samaneh Zandian, ' I don t ever want to leave this room : benefits of researching with children', ELT Journal, Volume 68 Issue 1
Links: Abstract
Date: 2014-Jan
An article examined how research habits were improvised and shaped in the field. It proposed a new term, 'experimental partnering' to define an interpretative approach that was mindful of improvisatory or unstable temporary alignments and their impact.
Source: Emma Roe and Beth Greenhough, 'Experimental partnering: interpreting improvisatory habits in the research field', International Journal of Social Research Methodology, Volume 17 Number 1
Links: Abstract
Date: 2014-Jan
An article considered how to capture the 'complexity of the mundane' when researching everyday life in families. Drawing on findings from two studies, of fatherhood across three generations and of adult narratives of childhood language brokering, it examined how the material generated by narrative approaches could assist the analysis of family practices from sociocultural, inter-generational, and life course perspectives.
Source: Ann Phoenix and Julia Brannen, 'Researching family practices in everyday life: methodological reflections from two studies', International Journal of Social Research Methodology, Volume 17 Number 1
Links: Abstract
Date: 2014-Jan
A new book (in five volumes) provided a comprehensive overview of the field of child well-being.
Source: Asher Ben-Arieh, Ferran Casas, Ivar Frones, and Jill Korbin (eds), Handbook of Child Well-Being: Theories, methods and policies in global perspective, Springer
Links: Summary
Notes: Chapters included:
Jonathan Bradshaw, 'Social policies and child well-being'
Virginia Morrow and Jo Boyden, 'Ethics of researching children's well-being'
Charles Watters, 'Well-being of asylum-seeking and refugee children'
Date: 2014-Jan