Diverse Research Methodologies

Methods applied during social research (whether in the context of socio-economic assessment, resettlement planning, SLP development, or as a stand-alone service) must be adapted to local circumstances and to the questions at hand.

Envires is proficient in a wide range of recognized social research methodologies for data collection and interpretation. These include:

  1. Quantitative surveys (undertaken by means of paper-based or electronic questionnaires). When undertaking such surveys, Envires believes in using local fieldworkers where possible, as this adds value by harnessing local knowledge and contributing to local employment creation.
  2. Qualitative methods (such as semi-structured interviews, Focus Group Discussions and Participatory Rural Appraisal);
  3. Data analysis (including the use of data management and statistical software such as SPSS, Microsoft Access and Microsoft Excel);
  4. Data synthesis (in which quantitative and qualitative data are combined through conceptual tools such as the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach and Log frame Analysis); and
  5. Incorporating the spatial dimension of social phenomena into research through the use of hand-held global positioning system (GPS) devices coupled with sophisticated geographic information system (GIS) technology.