Data Collecting Methods and Experiences

The insightful experiences and successful strategies of leading social researchers are presented in this resource for collecting data on sensitive issues. The methodological challenges of researching different communities, from rural and indigenous communities to governmental and nongovernmental organizations, are discussed with suggestions on overcoming barriers and using a multifacted approach to research. Wisdom and anecdotes from data collecting experiences are described to offer researchers confidence in field operations.

Manohar Pawar is a senior lecturer in social work at the school of humanities and social sciences at Charles Sturt University, Australia. He is the recipient of a 2001 Quality of Life Award from the Association of Commonwealth Universities and the 2001 Research Excellence Award from the faculty of arts, Charles Sturt University.