Trauma-informed Data Collection for Political Science Research

• In Event: Building an Evidence Base for Research Ethics in Political Science

Abstract

Micro-level research on trauma-affected populations has been on the rise in political science. Many of these studies use interviews, surveys, experiments, and/or interventions that target psychological, economic, or social outcomes. While there has been increased attention given to ethical and positionality considerations for conducting field research with trauma-affected populations, protocols for carrying out trauma-informed data collection remain underspecified. This paper reviews of the multidisciplinary evidence regarding best practices for trauma-informed data collection—which recognizes the potential for individuals to have experienced trauma and aims to minimize any potential harm or re-traumatization during the research process—and offers practical guidance for how researchers can implement trauma-informed data collection strategies in their research design.

Author

• Biz Herman, International Rescue Committee