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 will be 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’s next?
The M4C team has secured funding from Aspect to pursue Phase 2 of the project. This will include:
- 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 can other Aspect members get involved?
Aspect members can use the multiple resources available on the M4C project page as teaching resources. Given that many social sciences students will go on to work in non-academic sectors – government, NGOs, industry – educating them early about these research methodologies and their applications outside of academic will pave the way for change at a much earlier stage.
The M4C team is looking to engage 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. Aspect members should get in touch with the M4C team if this is of interest.
For further information on how to be involved please contact Dr Ali Browne (alison.browne@manchester.ac.uk)
Resources

2 March 2023
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.

3 January 2023
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.

7 November 2022
Event: Methods for Change – Social science methodologies for 21st century problems
Join the Methods for Change Team two interactive events on a diversity of social science methods for understanding and addressing 21st century challenges!

30 September 2021
Methods For Change: Showcasing Innovative Social Science Methodologies
A detailed Final report by the Methods for Change project team.

29 July 2021
Methods for Change: Mapping as Octopus
Here we join Heather Miles, University of Manchester, reflecting On the Creative Methods Zoo question “If your research method were an animal, what would it be?”

28 July 2021
Methods for Change: Bumble Bees and Creativities
In this guest blog post Lauren White, an ESRC Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Sheffield, shares her reflections and methodological musings from the Creative Methods Zoo.

19 July 2021
Methods for Change: Creative collaborations for sharing postgraduate research
In this article, six postgraduate researchers profiled in the gallery reflect on their experiences of collaborating with Methods for Change creatives to communicate their methods in thought-provoking ways.

19 July 2021
Research Method: Biographical Mapping
This ‘how to’ guide outlines the Biographical Mapping research method used by Penny Tinkler and Laura Fenton from the University of Manchester. The image was created in collaboration with More Than Minutes.

15 June 2021
Research Method: A Comprehensive Qualitative Approach to Evaluation
Exploring A Comprehensive Qualitative Approach to Evaluation Method, with the Methods for Change project.

11 June 2021
Research Method: Participatory Film Making
Exploring the Participatory Film Making Method, with the Methods for Change project.

4 June 2021
Research Method: A Place-based Case Study Approach
Exploring the A Place-based Case Study Approach Method, with the Methods for Change project.

3 June 2021
Reflecting on the Methods for Change Showcase Event
Exploring the importance and opportunities for social science methods to create change.

3 June 2021
Research Method: The Change Points Toolkit
Exploring the The Change Points Toolkit, with the Methods for Change project.

2 June 2021
Research Method: Life Mapping
Exploring the Life Mapping Method, with the Methods for Change project.

1 June 2021
Research Method: Visual Organisational Ethnography
Exploring the Visual Organisational Ethnography Method, with the Methods for Change project.

28 May 2021
Research Method: Life Histories
Exploring the Life Histories Method, with the Methods for Change project.

26 May 2021
Research Method: Social Practice Art as Research
Exploring the Social Practice Art as Research Method, with the Methods for Change project.

24 May 2021
Research Method: Playing Games as Method
Exploring Playing Games as Method, with the Methods for Change project.

21 May 2021
Research Method: Hands-on engagement and learning with Ketso
Exploring Hands-on engagement and learning with Ketso Method, with the Methods for Change project.

17 May 2021
Research Method: Digitised Ethnography Creating Interactive Stories
Exploring the Digitised Ethnography Creating Interactive Stories Method, with the Methods for Change project.