qualitative research

Making a break : developing methods for measuring the impact of respite services

Report of a study which assessed the role of respite care for various groups including children with complex needs, adults with learning disabilities, multiple sclerosis and schizophrenia sufferers and frail elderly people. It also identified the most appropriate outcome measures for use with these groups in the evaluation of respite care.

Informed Consent in Social Research: A Literature Review

This paper comprises a literature review outlining the current issues and debates relating to informed consent in social research. Focuses primarily on consent in relation to qualitative research comprising ‘traditional’ methods of data collection, such as interviews and observation. It does not does not engage with the many complex ethical issues relating to research using visual methods and new digital technologies nor does it engage with the issues of consent in relation to quantitative research both of which, while important, are beyond the scope of this paper.

Parental confidence in the special educational needs assessment, statementing and tribunal system : qualitative study (Research report DCSF-RR117)

Report presenting the findings of a study of parental experiences of the special educational needs (SEN) assessment, statementing and Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal (SENDIST) system. The goal was to gain a greater insight into perceived problems with SEN provision and to identify those factors which make the system work well for some parents and not others.

Poverty, inequality and human rights

This research examines how human rights have been used internationally to shape new conceptions of poverty and new approaches to combating it, and assesses the lessons for the UK. People working to tackle poverty in the UK are increasingly interested in using human rights in their work. This study looks at how this has been done in other countries, its impact on affected communities, debate, policy and government programmes, and its relevance for the UK.

Pathways to work from incapacity benefits: a study of referral practices and liaison between Jobcentre Plus advisers and service providers

This report presents findings from a qualitative research project carried out as part of a wider evaluation of Jobcentre Plus Pathways to Work. The study was conducted in 2007 and 2008 to explore referral practices and liaison amongst Jobcentre Plus staff and service providers involved in helping incapacity benefits recipients move towards, and into, paid employment. The study was led by the Social Policy Research Unit at the University of York in collaboration with the Policy Studies Institute and the National Centre for Social Research.

Mental health and employment

This report presents findings of a qualitative research project commissioned by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to investigate the relationship between mental health and employment. The research was conducted during 2007 by the Social Policy Research Unit at the University of York and the Institute for Employment Studies.

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.