Pre-conference workshop: Researching sensitive topics in the quantitative social sciences
 

Sensitive topics include subjects such as mental health, witchcraft accusations, racism, forced marriage, son preference, bodily mutilation, some aspects of religion and violence. These topics are often associated with harm and receive focus from governments, charities, activists, and researchers in order to alleviate some of this harm. As social scientists we are particularly focused on elucidating the causes and mechanisms of cultural behaviours, often, but not always, with the outlook that this may go on to influence policy makers and interventions. However, sensitive topics are difficult to study. Firstly, their sensitivity raises additional ethical considerations when planning research, particularly if the research puts participants at risk, or if the subject matter is illegal. Secondly, data collection can be extremely difficult if study participants conceal their true beliefs about a sensitive topic or report incorrect information about their behaviour. This workshop aims to bring together experts from multiple disciplines and from the policy and charity sector to discuss three broad and related questions:

1) How should researchers approach the ethics of studying sensitive topics

2) How can we measure and collect accurate data

3) How should researchers frame and present results

 

​For further information, please contact Ms. Olympia Campbell by email: olympia.campbell.15@ucl.ac.uk and sign up to this pre-conference workshop here.