research methodologies

Work, saving and retirement among ethnic minorities: A qualitative study

This research study was designed to examine the different factors that affect the work, savings and retirement decisions of ethnic minority groups. The aim of this qualitative research was to fill acknowledged gaps in existing research to ensure that policies are appropriate and sensitive to any cultural differences. The findings are based on depth interviews conducted with people from the six main ethnic minority groups in the UK (Indian, Pakistani, Black Caribbean, Black African, Bangladeshi and Chinese), including those below and above State Pension age.

Interchange 66: Developments in Inclusive Schooling

This report provides a summary of the ‘Review of Developments in Inclusive Schooling’, commissioned by the Scottish Executive Education Department. The aims of the review are to: report research on significant developments related to inclusive schools or inclusive schooling; summarize emerging issues and trends; and identify areas which could benefit from further research.

Work and well-being over time: lone mothers and their children

This report provides findings from the third wave of a qualitative longitudinal study, which began in 2003, following a sample of lone mothers who elected to move into employment supported by tax credits following a period of unemployment in receipt of Income Support (or in a few cases Jobseeker's Allowance). The main aim of the research was to explore how lone mothers and their children manage and adapt to employment over time.

Growing up in Scotland (GUS): the impact of children's early activities on cognitive development summary report

The Growing Up in Scotland study (GUS) is an important longitudinal research project aimed at tracking the lives of a cohort of Scottish children from the early years, through childhood and beyond.

The study is funded by the Scottish Government and carried out by the Scottish Centre for Social Research (ScotCen). Its principal aim is to provide information to support policy-making, but it is also intended to be a broader resource that can be drawn on by academics, voluntary sector organisations and other interested parties.

How good is our school?

This revised edition of HM Inspectorate of Education's report How good is our school? replaces all previous versions.

Along with a revised edition of Child at the Centre, this document forms the third part of How good is our school? The Journey to Excellence.

The aim of this publication is to help schools to evaluate the quality of its education, based around a set of quality indicators.

The educational attainment of looked after children: local authority pilot projects - summary of the final research report

A summary version of the research report identifying interventions that appeared to make the most differences in terms of both the educational experience and the educational outcomes of the looked after children and young people participating in the pilot projects. The report was produced by Strathclyde University and published by the Scottish Government.

Qualitative evaluation of the Jobseeker Mandatory Activity (JMA)

This report presents the findings of a qualitative evaluation of the Jobseeker Mandatory Activity (JMA) pilot. The JMA provided extra support to help Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) claimants back into the labour market.

The focus was on those aged 25 years or more that had been claiming benefits for six months. The intervention comprised a three-day work-focused course delivered by external providers followed by three Jobcentre Plus personal adviser interviews. The pilot was tested in ten areas over a two-year period with the first customers entering provision in April 2006.

Are 'poor' pensioners 'deprived'?

The objective of this project was to describe and explain the relationship between age and living standards in later life: exploring how sensitive this relationship is to the questions being asked; and the extent to which the experience of individuals changes as they grow older.

The report is based on analysis of deprivation questions from the Poverty and Social Exclusion survey and the British Household Panel Survey.