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Methodology	Print E-mail
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Scientific As an academy, we are committed to scientific principles such as validity, reliability and replicability of our studies, and comply with the current standards and methods of empirical social research. To ensure quality we have a scientific board and depending on the size of each project, we also utilize steering committees or consult with individual experts if needed. Interdisciplinary Because dealing with intercultural questions often requires expert knowledge in several areas, we work across the disciplines. Our team is made up of specialists in political science, anthropology, sociology, psychology, and social work among other things. When necessary, we also cooperate with experts from other disciplines (like sports science or conflict research). Diversity of Methods Thanks to our interdisciplinary focus, SAD is able to fall back on a wide spectrum of qualitative and quantitative research methods. Often, we use a combination of different approaches, particularly in contexts where there are not yet any standardized procedures to choose from. In such a situation, it is advisable to raise the probability of valid results through the triangulation of different qualitative and quantitative methods. In this way, the various advantages of the methods are used in order to obtain a complete picture of the research object. Practice-oriented Our research activities are not only for their own sake. They are rather based on practical needs. In close cooperation with various stakeholders, we look for answers to current questions within the fields of development and cultural integration. Basic research at SAD also always keeps in mind the potential solutions to practical problems. When the data collection has no direct or only an indirect use for the individuals being studied, it is in our minds neither necessary nor justified. Problem and Target Group Specific Different kinds of questions demand different kinds of answers. Depending on the research object, context, and target group, we adapt our existing instruments and indicators or we develop new, more appropriate measures. Due to our thematic focus on intercultural issues in the area of youth promotion, the integration of migrants and minorities, as well as Sport & Development, we employ proven, target group appropriate methods. In particular, the research with children and youth must adapt to the linguistic abilities and comprehension levels of each age group while being adequately varied and playful. Culturally Sensitive Social science research methods are applicable even in non-Western contexts. When transferring research methods, local values, norms, and practices must always be taken into consideration when valid results are to be achieved. Both the function and the content of the applied instruments must be as familiar as possible to the target group, especially when the findings will be compared across various cultures. It is not very productive to use written surveys in a society with a high illiteracy rate or to confront people with rating scales, who have absolutely no knowledge of these concepts. Indicators are also not always transferable: for example, suggesting that the problem of excessive television viewing in a society indicates a type of avoidance behavior, when this has no relevant meaning to a community with little access to electricity. Few reliable answers can be obtained to questions that are taboo in the local society. Finally, one should keep in mind that a particular concept may not even exist at all in another culture, or that it is significantly different: for example in certain African language groups there is no translation equivalent to the notion of depression. The problem with intercultural research, however, does not lie in the transfer of methods to other countries. More important is an understanding of cultural characteristics in order to be able to correctly interpret results in light of cultural differences. Because of this, SAD always works with local partners in non-European projects. Protecting the Rights of Research Participants We are committed to the established international standards of research ethics, which we consider binding. We also believe that the participants should be fully informed about the research and the potential inconveniences, and be consensual participants. This is no easy matter in the case of children whose parents are not always accessible. However, the added effort must be made to provide an age-appropriate explanation and to ask for consent from the legal guardians. A participant in our research is also never connected to any possible advantages that would make it difficult for them to say no to. After the completion of the research, the participants receive feedback on the meaning and purpose of the research, and are given the opportunity to ask questions. Another important point is the protection of the private sphere of the participants and the confidential use of data as well as the careful guarding of their anonymity. Awareness of Research Consequences We are conscious of the fact that research poses an intrusion into the life of those affected that can sometimes have negative consequences. Somewhat emotional questions can lead to considerable stress and should only be conducted by trained interviewers. SAD strives to entrust experienced local partners with the data collection and provides training in the foundations of interviewing if necessary. In principle, we do not collect secondary or redundant information unless it is indirectly accessible. While researching special populations like traumatized refugee children, considerable mental and physical disturbances can be brought to light, which can make an assignment to a specialized site necessary. Suitable resources are explored in advance. The research outcomes often also reveal a certain need for action or imply the need for adjustments to existing programs. We also understand that it is our responsibility to pass on the results connected with the research process to the relevant decision-makers. Participatory One of our strengths is the involvement of various stakeholders, funding partners, practitioners, and especially the closely affected target groups in the research process. This is for reasons having to do with content and method, as well as ethical considerations, which meet many of the above mentioned points: An explicit orientation toward the problems and needs of the target group prevents misdiagnoses and the inability to change, and ensures practice-oriented results. Through an early participatory orientation and implementation of the research together with affected communities, culturally appropriate methods can be developed and local capacity building can be encouraged. Also through the participation of affected individuals, unethical or risky procedures can be identified and avoided.

 

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