QUICK GUIDE 3 - MAIN STEPS QUICK GUIDE 3 - MAIN STEPS Develop key research question(s) The development of a key research question or questions is an important early step which will not only help to inform your decision as to which type of data collection (qualitative, quantitative or mixed) needs to be undertaken but it will also determine the scope of the study. Key research question(s) can be developed by considering the following categories of questions: ? Why do we need data? • To confirm whether statelessness or risks of statelessness exist? • • • 20 ? Who are we studying? • Stateless persons, those potentially at risk or of undetermined nationality? To establish where stateless people live and their circumstances? • One group with a single profile or groups with different profiles? To establish demographic characteristics of the stateless population (e.g., age, sex, occupation, socioeconomic situation)? • In one location or multiple locations? • Children? Women? The elderly? Refugees? Irregular migrants (and their children)? Foundlings? Minority groups? Nomadic populations? Historical migrants? • Those who were formerly stateless, and the difference that acquiring a nationality has made in terms of access to services, socio-economic characteristics, protection needs and social and political inclusion. To explore the causes and consequences of statelessness, including access to rights and services? • To identify whether there are discrepancies in law and practice when it comes to acquisition of nationality/ birth registration/ documentation of certain groups? • To explore what solutions might be available for stateless persons? U N H C R > R E S E A R C H I N G S TAT E L E S S N E S S - Q U I C K G U I D E S U N H C R > R E S E A R C H I N G S TAT E L E S S N E S S - Q U I C K G U I D E S 21