Combining Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods in Risk Perceptions Research. Convenor: Peter Simmons, CSEC, Lancaster University; Panellists: Lynn Frewer (BBSRC, Reading), Claire Marris (UEA), Nick Pidgeon (Bangor), Lennart Sjöberg (Stockholm), and Peter Wiedemann (Jülich)
Content: The
use of a, combination of qualitative and quantitative methods
in studies of public perceptions and understandings of risk has
become an increasingly popular research strategy. However, despite
the attractions of mixed method research designs, the combining
of different types of research method also has its difficulties
and raises important issues for researchers in this field, issues
of which those commissioning and using risk perceptions research
also need to be aware when evaluating research.
The proposed session will pick up
on issues raised at a recent risk perceptions methodology workshop,
which was funded by the UK ESRC's Risk and Human Behaviour Programme
and held at Lancaster in July 1995. Participants at the workshop
(which was reported in RISKOM, the Newsletter of the Risk
Communication Network) identified four main areas of concern:
These issues will be used as a starting
point in preparing for the panel session.
Format: A
discussion paper will be prepared in consultation with the panellists
and presented at the outset of the session. A brief summary will
be produced for distribution to participants. Each panellist
will give a brief statement of their experience of combining research
methods and of their views on the key issues to be addressed.
Discussion will then be open to everyone present. The aim is
for a highly participative session.
Audience: The session will be of particular interest to researchers working in the risk perceptions field and to those concerned with commissioning or using such research.