QUICK GUIDE 3 - MAIN STEPS
QUICK GUIDE 3 - MAIN STEPS
Analyse the data and report
Confidentiality and consent
Analysis of the data should be done in a manner that helps to respond to the key
research questions identified at the beginning of the process. In the analysis of
qualitative data, it is particularly important to identify key findings and patterns by
reviewing responses provided by affected individuals and communities to the questions
they were asked, either in the context of a stakeholder interview, a focus group
discussion or in a semi-structured individual or small group interview. Qualitative data
is particularly helpful in recording detailed information and personal testimonies, so an
effort should be made to capture the richness and nuances of the data collected.
National statistical laws provide a high degree of protection to providers of information,
including respondents in surveys and other data used for the purposes of official
statistics. Such data may not be shared with any other body, including other government
departments, in any way that would lead to an individual being identifiable from the
data. Where data is being collected by bodies other than national statistical authorities,
and where sensitive data is being collected, prior consent from respondents is
necessary. It is important that informants and participants in research give free, prior and
informed consent to participate in the research and for the information they provide to
be put to subsequent use. Researchers must also be clear and open to respondents as
to how the information will be used.
Reporting results may need to take several forms in order to be most effective with the
relevant stakeholders. The report must be produced in the official language(s) of the
State in which the research takes place. Affected individuals and communities that have
participated in the fieldwork must be provided with copies of the written report. Where
affected individuals and communities are only literate in a different language to that in
which the report has been produced, then the report needs to be translated into their
language. Every effort should be taken to ensure that the report can be made public. In
countries where statelessness issues are particularly sensitive, publication of the report
must be discussed and agreed with the Government in advance, as the utility of the
information in a report is greatly diminished if it cannot be made public.
Apart from providing government officials with the written report, it may be effective to
organize an event at which the report is launched, particularly where the Government
has participated in and/ or supported the research. If public, the launch event can also
be an opportunity to discuss the key findings and recommendations amongst a range of
stakeholders, including the affected communities.
Consideration should be given to how the results of the data collection exercise help to
support efforts to address statelessness, be that in terms of general awareness raising,
development of a statelessness-specific advocacy strategy or specific goals including
law or policy reform.
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