QUICK GUIDE 2 - QUALITATIVE VS. QUANTITATIVE DATA Generally, the most effective data collection efforts use a mixed approach which combine both qualitative and quantitative methods. This recognizes the complementary nature of the two approaches, although in the statelessness context qualitative methods may be the only feasible way forward. QUICK GUIDE 2 - QUALITATIVE VS. QUANTITATIVE DATA being the best or only option. Often qualitative data collection is a good starting point to gather information on statelessness as its scope is usually narrow and in-depth, focusing on a specific population or group. Qualitative data collection may also be helpful in framing questions, assessing the salience of questioning for larger scale quantitative research and determining methodologies for quantitative reseach. Qualitative methods can be used to obtain a snapshot of the types of issues that a community might be experiencing. Its results provide evidence of the impact of statelessness, which is often a key step to understand the problem and to generate the necessary political will to address it. The results of qualitative data collection can also be helpful in providing information to the media and for raising public awareness. Qualitative data What is qualitative data collection? The objective of qualitative data collection is to shed light on a given problem or topic from the perspective of the population it involves. Qualitative data collection is especially effective in obtaining information about the experiences, values, opinions, behaviours, and social contexts of particular populations. It provides information about the “human” side of an issue. It is also usually necessary to support quantitative data with qualitative data, which helps to interpret its implications. For example, while figures on the number of children in a stateless population who are unable to access primary education might be available, a qualitative study could help to shed light on the obstacles and reasons for their inability to enjoy their right to education. Qualitative data provides in-depth information about important issues, such as how the stateless persons concerned and their families experience daily life, the reasons why certain groups might be specifically vulnerable to the risk of statelessness, or the reasons why they don’t hold national ID cards. It can also illustrate the link between statelessness and other measurable phenomena such as poverty levels. When to collect qualitative data on statelessness? • To understand whether there is a problem of statelessness in a specific group or community; • To better understand the causes of statelessness amongst a particular group; • To better understand the social, political and economic implications of statelessness amongst a particular group, as well as coping strategies, needs and priorities of the affected population; • Where resources to undertake any kind of quantitative data collection are limited; Identify the need for qualitative data on statelessness Qualitative data will often be collected independently of any collection of quantitative data, although where possible a combined approach is recommended. Factors such as the complexity and high costs normally associated with quantitative data collection methods, and the lack of a sampling frame may point to qualitative data collection 14 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 • Where quantitative data collection might generate protection concerns, such as exposure or stigmatisation of the population; • To build partnerships with and to develop trust with affected communities; • To demonstrate the human impact of statelessness; to collect testimonials; to raise awareness; to advocate with decision-makers; and draw media attention. 15