Select Page

Primary Source Research

Focus Group Discussion South Africa

Primary Source Research

HII delivers academically rigorous  research in developing, fragile and conflict affected states globally.

 Mixed Methods Research

HII provides academic quality primary source professional research in the most difficult to access regions of the world.

Mixed methods research combines quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis in one study. Combining methods provide deeper insights than can be gained from any one method.

Using mixed methods approaches also balances out the limitations of each individual method – providing stronger evidence to support findings.

 Quantitative Research

Unlike qualitative research, quantitative research is devoted to the collection of numerical data. When quantitative data is collected using robust sampling methodologies, then the data will be generalisable across a population of interest.

Quantitative research methods also enable the testing of hypotheses using Inferential Statistics.

Quantitative data is most commonly used as Descriptive Statistics by generating charts and tables that illustrate means, modes and probability distributions with standard deviations. This type of data can provide important but narrow insights into populations and the likelihood that phenomena will be replicable.  

Quantitative research methods are best matched with qualitative research because quantitative results lack context.

Qualitative Research Methods

Qualitative research methods involve the collection and analysis of non-numerical data.

The most common forms of qualitative research methods in the Humanitarian Aid and Development sector are Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Key Informant Interviews, (KIIs), In-Depth Interviews (IDIs), observations and qualitative surveys.

While quantitative research tools are highly structured, qualitative research provides space and time to explore the ‘WHY’ behind numerical data.

Qualitative research is always best matched with Quantitative research because on its own qualitative research is not generalizable across populations or samples, is almost always subjective and is more labour intensive.

 Polished Presentation & Dissemination

HII provides the highest quality presentation of research in graphically designed reports, professional presentations and the ability to generate impressive visualisations through complex data analysis.

Data Science & Visualisations

GIS Informed Network Analysis

HII has the capability to deliver complex network analysis connected to specific geographical organised crime, conflict, migration, emergency and environmental events – in real time and historically. Talk to us for a demonstration of this capability.

Statistical Analysis & Visualisation

Statistical Analysis is the stage of a research project where collected data is interpreted to identify trends, remove bias and inform decisions.

HII uses a range of analytical techniques such as linear correlation and regression, significance testing (p-value), and t-tests including to establish causality and test a hypothesis.

Automated mapping of illegal logging networks and activity.

Project Examples

Real time research into the role the Syrian diaspora played in the emergency response to the earthquake that struck Türkiye and Syria on 6 February 2023. Research involved primary source qualitative fieldwork in both Syria and Türkiye combined with digital and social media network analysis.

Two climate change studies using primary source research analysing different behavioural and economic constraints and opportunities for decarbonising UK lorry fleets. Including both quantitative and qualitative fieldwork across England.

The Academy, 42 Pearse Street, Dublin, Ireland D02 KA44

© Humanitarian Impact Institute, Ireland