Researching Refugees: Methodological and Ethical Considerations

Abstract

Research with refugees involves particular conceptual, ethical and methodological issues. In this chapter, we outline a number of approaches to refugee research. The merits and limitations of the dominant trauma approach are reviewed, noting the particular tendency of this approach to exclude indigenous forms of knowledge and understanding. We review the emergence of alterative or complimentary approaches which strive to integrate qualitative and quantities methodologies and emphasis a return to human experience and a deeper eco-social and cultural understanding of the refugee experience. One such methodology, interpretative phenomenological analysis is described in greater detail. We then extend our chapter to examine some of the ethical issues which emerge in refugee related research. This section locates the research enterprise within the broader socio-political context of engaged research.