Impactful social science methodologies for 21st century problems
Social scientists are developing methodologies that are useful beyond academia. Methods for Change plans to develop an online platform to showcase the value of social sciences methodologies to the wider world and demonstrate to industry the benefits that social sciences research can bring to their organisations.
Visit the Research Methods Library
Reflecting on already existing research methodologies within the School of Environment, Education and Development (SEED) at the University of Manchester and allied researchers at partner institutions (Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Oxford, Sheffield, Sussex and York), the Methods for Change team held conversations with social scientists from Universities from across the UK, to establish the characteristics and possibilities afforded by the methodological approaches they use, if applied by/within organisations such as businesses, third sector organisations and government departments.
These conversations served as the basis for the facilitation of collaborations between academics and artists/ designers, with the aim to distil key elements of 30 research methods and present them in novel, thought provoking or creative ways to reach a range of different audiences beyond academia. The pieces produced come in a variety of formats including comic illustrations, posters, zines, short films and animations and communicate methods through visual, sensory and physical elements. These are accompanied by accessible, jargon free written ‘how to’ guide about the methodological approach, with step-by-step instructions and top tips for carrying out the method.
What was next?
The M4C team had secured funding from Aspect to pursue Phase 2 of the project. This included:
- Engaging with a range of spatial, quantitative, and mixed methods to produce additional creative resources and how-to guides.
- Working with the Business Engagement CoP to build up a community of practice around academic and non-academic partnerships.
- Pursuing collaborative opportunities across the Aspect network from non-traditional funding sources.
How could other Aspect members get involved?
Aspect members used the multiple resources available on the M4C project page as teaching resources. Given that many social sciences students go on to work in non-academic sectors – government, NGOs, industry – educating them early about these research methodologies and their applications outside of academia paves the way for change at a much earlier stage.
The M4C team engaged with a range of 20-30 researchers across the Aspect network to create a second round of how-to guides – particularly around spatial, quantitative, and mixed methods addressing social, environmental, political, and economic societal challenges.
For further information on how to be involved, please contact Dr. Ali Browne (alison.browne@manchester.ac.uk).
Should we spend more time talking about methods?
This blog by the Methods for Change team, illustrated by Jack Brougham, asks if we should spend more time talking about the methods we use as researchers. Drawing on a recent paper, we suggest that researchers need to articulate why methods matter in creating change to global challenges. We share three creative techniques that we have experimented with across the Methods for Change project that can encourage playful, reflective conversation about methods and their role in galvanising change.
Collaborative Zine Making
This ‘How-To’ Guide outlines the Collaborative Zine Making Method used by Professor Sarah Marie Hall from the University of Manchester and developed in collaboration with Inspire Women Oldham. The zine was also created in collaboration with Inspire Women Oldham.
Oral Histories of Sensory Memories
This ‘How-To’ Guide outlines the Oral Histories of Sensory Memories method used by Associate Professor Roisin Higgins from Maynooth University, Republic of Ireland. The poster was created in collaboration with Maddy Vian, Maddy Vian Illustrations.
Pop-up Stall
This ‘How-To’ Guide outlines the Pop-up Stall method used by Dr Robert Meckin and Dr Andrew Balmer from the University of Manchester. The poster was created in collaboration with Maddy Vian, Maddy Vian Illustrations.
Diffractive Genealogy Method
This ‘How-To’ Guide outlines the Diffractive Genealogy method used by Professor Natasha Mauthner from the University of Newcastle. The poster was created in collaboration with Maddy Vian, Maddy Vian Illustrations
Facet Methodology
This ‘How-To’ Guide outlines the Facet Methodology approach used by Magdalena Rodekirchen, research associate at the University of Manchester. The video was created in collaboration with Tom Young.
Method Stacking
This ‘How-To’ Guide outlines the Method Stacking approach used by Dr Kat Thiel from Manchester Metropolitan University and Dr Iveta Eimontaite of Cranfield University. The poster was created in collaboration with Jack Brougham.
Participatory GIS Mapping
This ‘How-To’ Guide outlines the Participatory GIS mapping methods used by Dr Jonathan Huck from the University of Manchester. The poster was created in collaboration with Jack Brougham.
Thinking Through Comics
This ‘How-To’ Guide outlines the Thinking Through Comics method used by Professor Eric Laurier and Dr Shari Sabeti from the University of Edinburgh. The comic strip was created in collaboration with Jack Brougham.
Remote Ethnography: Mobile Phone Methods
This ‘How-To’ Guide outlines the Remote Ethnography method used by Dr Alison Briggs from the University of Manchester. The animated GIF was created in collaboration with Caroline Boyd of Boy Oh Boy! Designs
Collage as Method
This ‘How-To’ Guide outlines the Collage method used by Dr Amy Barron from the University of Manchester. The artwork was created in collaboration with Maddy Vian, Maddy Vian Illustration.
Making Textiles together
This ‘How-To’ Guide outlines the Making Textiles Together method used by Dr Amy Twigger-Holroyd from Nottingham Trent University, and Dr Emma Shercliff from Arts University Bournemouth. The artwork was created in collaboration with Maddy Vian, Maddy Vian Illustration.
Multi-method mapping
This ‘How To’ Guide outlines the Multi-method Mapping method used by Heather Miles for The University of Manchester. The animated GIF was created in collaboration with Caroline Boyd, Boy Oh Boy Designs.
Militant Research
This ‘How To’ Guide outlines the Militant Research method used by Dr Jess Adams for Newcastle University. The video was created in collaboration with Aude Aboul-Nasr.
Designs for Addressing Racial inEqualities (DARE)
This ‘how to’ guide outlines the Designs for Addressing Racial inEqualities (DARE) research method used by Dr Temidayo Eseonu from Lancaster University. The artwork was created in collaboration with Caroline Boyd, Boy Oh Boy Designs.
Critical Spatial Data Science
This ‘how to’ guide outlines the Critical Spatial Data Science research method used by Dr Caitlin Robinson from the University of Bristol. The artwork was created in collaboration with Jack Brougham.
Constructivist Grounded Theory
This ‘how to’ guide outlines the Constructivist Grounded Theory research method used by Dr Denise Miller from the University of Greenwich. The artwork was created in collaboration with Chris Murray, More than Minutes.
Methods for Change at the ESRC Festival of Social Sciences 2022
In this blog the Methods for Change team reflect on two interactive sessions on spatial, qualitative, and mixed methods convened as part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science 2022.
An introduction to Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (Innovate UK)
The Methods for Change (M4C) team delivered a session organised by Dr Temidayo Eseonu on Innovate UK funding, in particular, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) that link businesses, academics, and inspiring graduates and post-graduates.
Methods For Change: Showcasing Innovative Social Science Methodologies
A detailed Final report by the Methods for Change project team.