Journal of Refugee Studies
Volume 28, Issue 2, 2015, Pages 238-257

Studying refugee settlement through longitudinal research: Methodological and ethical insights from the good starts study (Article)

Mcmichael C.* , Nunn C. , Gifford S.M. , Correa-Velez I.
  • a Department of Sociology and Anthropology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
  • b Department of Sociology and Anthropology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
  • c Swinburne Institute for Social Research, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
  • d School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia

Abstract

Research involving resettled refugees raises methodological and ethical complexities. These complexities typically emerge within cross-sectional research that focuses on refugee experiences at a specific point in time. Given the longterm and dynamic nature of refugee settlement, longitudinal research is valuable, yet it raises distinct complexities within the research process. This article focuses on the methodological and ethical insights that emerged in a longitudinal study of settlement and wellbeing with a cohort of young people from refugee backgrounds in Australia. It considers: engagement and retention of a cohort over time; the need to adapt research tools to changing settlement contexts and life stages; participants' experiences of long-term involvement in the study; and the challenge of timely translation of findings into evidence for policy and practice. The article contributes to a growing understanding of the practical, ethical and epistemological challenges and opportunities presented by longitudinal research, in this case, with resettled refugee background youth. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.

Author Keywords

Refugee settlement Methodology Ethics longitudinal research Informed consent Refugee youth

Index Keywords

young population research refugee relocation methodology ethics
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84939637027&doi=10.1093%2fjrs%2ffeu017&partnerID=40&md5=c2a084ed1e0531aa6c2127b8cd5ef5af
DOI: 10.1093/jrs/feu017
ISSN: 09516328
Cited by: 19
Original Language: English