Attachments
Introduction
Applied social research is a field of study which aims to understand and address real-world problems, through the application of research methods in sociology, psychology, anthropology and related fields, to gain insights into specific phenomena and inform decision-making in public policy and similar practical contexts. Over recent decades, the field has experienced transformative changes driven by technological advancements, globalization, and evolving methodologies. Moreover, social research has become essential in shaping humanitarian and development action, providing crucial insights that guide interventions, policies, and resource allocation, across different contexts of crisis.
As one of the largest independent research actors currently operating in crisis contexts, IMPACT Initiatives (IMPACT), with support from the USAID Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), launched an in-depth literature review at the beginning of 2024 to understand what the emerging innovations and best practices in the field of social research are, and how these can be applied for research efforts within the humanitarian and development sector.
This paper summarises the key findings from this literature review, broken down into four chapters. In chapter 2, the most important evolutions from the last decades will be discussed, from digital transformation, Open Access, globalization, and the emergence of more interdisciplinary and participatory research approaches. In chapter 3, some common applications of social research for humanitarian and development contexts from recent years will be discussed, including key innovations in terms of new technologies, methods and tools. In chapter 4, the relationship between social research and policymaking will be analysed, exploring how research influences policy decisions and the key challenges and enablers in this process. Case studies to illustrate successful integrations of research into policymaking will also be discussed within this chapter. Finally, chapter 5 will be dedicated to the conclusions and recommendations, summarizing key takeaways, offering suggestions and highlighting remaining information gaps that need to be addressed for future research efforts, by IMPACT or similar organisations.