Hard-to-Reach: Applied Research Methods with Hidden, Marginal and Excluded Populations

Course Overview 

Focusing on hard-to-reach populations, this intensive course introduces applied research methods for conducting high-quality qualitative and quantitative research with marginal, hidden, and excluded groups. Research topics include (but are not limited to): migrants, refugees and displaced populations, children and adolescents, sex workers, homeless populations,  victims of violence, conflict or trafficking, people affected by HIV/AIDS, and drug users, as well as topics proposed by participants. 

The course is designed to bring together academics (researchers, PhD and master’s students) and practitioners (from NGOs, UN agencies, and government institutions), creating a unique space for experience sharing and methodological cross-fertilisation.

Course Objectives 

Participants will: 

• Develop practical skills to design and conduct empirical research with hidden and marginal populations 

• Learn strategies to address challenges such as the lack of sampling frames and difficulties in reaching target groups • Understand concepts of impact, attribution, and contribution, and the political dimensions of research findings 

• Strengthen capacity to combine qualitative and quantitative methods ethically and effectively 

Key themes include: 

• Estimation and sampling techniques 

• Participatory research approaches 

• Evidence-based policy vs policy-based evidence 

• Innovation, crowdsourcing, and the use of technology 

• Ethical considerations when working with vulnerable populations

Course Structure 

This full-time, intensive course is organised into morning and afternoon sessions combining lectures, applied exercises, and practical case work. Participants are encouraged to present past, ongoing, or planned research projects, which will be discussed and used throughout the course.