Towards 2020 – Challenges for the Social Science Community

Workshop Panel 3: Future capability and capacity

Paula WhiteMA Applied, Social Science Research, Victoria University of WellingtonAdvisor, Research and Analysis, Tertiary Education Commission Te Amorangi Mätauranga Matua

paula.white@paradise.net.nzpaula.white@tec.govt.nz

Overview

• Reflections about positive and not-so-positive exepriences as an ‘emerging’ researcher in last 5 years

• Personal goals as a social science researcher for next 5 – 10 years

• What would support me to meet those goals• Vision for the next generation social of scientists

in Aotearoa New Zealand• Some final thoughts

Successes

• Undertaking a Masters programme in social science research with a strong applied componentGovernment and community sector practicumsActive learning and “getting one’s hands dirty” with

applied research

• Opportunitites for enagaging with other researchers through eg. conferences, ASSR workshopsEstablishing networks, making connections, learning

from others’ experiences and expertise

Challenges

• Becoming aware of own skill and knowledge gaps as a researcher through job-seekingEmployers want readiness in both qualitiative and quantitaive

methodology and practice

• Different standards of research skill and practice amongst social science researchersDifficulty of influencing better practice as an emerging

researcher

• Unresolved issues around the ethics and practice of cross-cultural researchOvercoming the legacy of past unethical practice and dialogue

to move from diversity to cohesion

Personal goals

• Developing expertise in using/understanding emergent and increasingly relevant methodological knowledge and skillsMixed methods researchKaupapa Mäori researchBest practice research with Pacific peoples

• Dialogue with new and experienced researchers• Addressing challenge of designing research to

meet information needs for increasingly complex society

Supports?

• Financial resources are importantsponsoring ongoing knowledge creation and

sharing through eg. employment, BRCSS, SPEAR

• Formal/informal networks, workshops, seminars, mentoringMore formalised mentoring as should not fall

entirely on shoulders of those experienced researchers who are passionate and willing

Next generation

• Availability of education and training opportunities to meet capacity challengesUnder- and postgraduate level in both theory and applied

research practice

• Quality training that prepares/supports graduates to meet capability challengesRelevant in context of current and likely future

methodological and societal issues

• Researchers sharing their ‘pearls of wisdom’• Discussion around progressive ideas/alternative

research design strategies, eg. Flyvbjerg, Wolf

Next generation contd.

References

Bent Flyvbjerg, Making Social Science Matter: Why social inquiry fails and how it can succeed again, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2001

Amanda Wolf, ‘Research Strategies for Policy Relevance’, Social Policy Journal, Issue 23, pp. 65 – 85, 2004

Vision

• Social science research ‘that matters’ is likely to attract and be attractive to emerging researchers

• Contribution of social science research in future increasingly valued and respectedPolitical awareness of importance of this area of activity is

‘now’ and should be acted upon

• Relevant social research provides a path to positively influence our own futures

• Beyond philosophical/practical issues around capacity and capability, its about…VISION AND LEADERSHIP – do you have it?

Questions?