Field Research in Non-Western Settings

Course Description

This online course aims to explore the range of research methods applicable to non-western settings.

There is a growing consensus in the field of development and communication that emphasizes how traditional western social science approach may be insufficient to understand the cultural nuances of non-western countries. For instance, translating a Likert-scale into a local vernacular may not be sufficient to capture the complex social variables that researchers seek to quantify. Further more, historically oral societies pass on knowledge differently than western societies do, and these differing traditions demand using methods that resonate with the cultural norms. Thus, scholars and practitioners are seeking ways to involve people and integrate local knowledge in the research process. Thus, there is a move to challenge conventional research methods by integrating knowledge that is contextually and culturally relevant to the problem at hand.

The main assumption of this course is that due to the different social fabric, societies characterized by poverty and recent colonialism pose research challenges unlike those in the United States and other western countries. The course reviews the different research methodologies that would benefit the people and discusses the applicability of each one to the realities from non-western settings. It also discusses the necessary conditions required to conduct data collection in non-western setting. The course focuses on research strategies and methodologies that maximize practical applications, produce concrete recommendations for program improvements and future interventions, and identify the most cost-effective approaches.

Through a series of modules we will explore and discusses theories and cases related to conducting research field in the context of development, analyze each method and explore its application to non-western settings. It promotes the exchange of criteria and opinions about research methods based on case studies and through group work among the participants and discussions with the instructor. The course would primarily rely on benefits of research in non-western settings as applied to designing and implementing effective communication programs.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, participants would be able to:

1. Understand the process of field research in non-western settings, the particularities and challenges that researches in non-western setting impose.
2. Use different research methods and approaches and know when and how to apply each one, knowing the advantage and disadvantage of each one and having a plan to overcome them.
3. Develop analytical skills to evaluate different approaches to field research in non- western settings.
4. Chose, combine and apply appropriate techniques from a “basket of techniques” for data collection.
5. Design research strategies to address specific development needs in non-western settings.
6. Submit a research proposal applying the above principles on a contemporary development topic.