The New Haven debt map : community-based mixed methods research targeting local debt policy reform

Author / Creator

Harper, Annie, author

Available as

Online

Summary

This case study is based on original research exploring debt experiences and associated health outcomes among low-income residents of the City of New Haven, Connecticut. The case study describes th...

This case study is based on original research exploring debt experiences and associated health outcomes among low-income residents of the City of New Haven, Connecticut. The case study describes the methods that we used to conduct this research, which followed a Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) approach, using a combined exploratory and explanatory mixed-methods design. The reader will learn about the key components of a CBPR approach, including the importance of deep relationships and a commitment to learning from and with the community over an extended period. They will also learn about ways to combine qualitative and quantitative research methods in order to maximize the strengths of both; specifically, how to combine exploratory and explanatory qualitative methods with a quantitative element. The case study explains how these elements of research design are put into practice, including potential pitfalls and challenges. These include challenges related to limited funding, the multiple skills required on a research team for a project of this kind, and the practical difficulties of disseminating results to relevant communities. We also discuss challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, which required us to collect data remotely rather than in person.

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