Research Aid Workers
Humanitarian Management 2013/2014
Introduction
In this report, a research is done on the work and experiences of aid workers. An interview is performed with a professional from the field in order to collect data about the experiences. Also, questionnaires are distributed in order to collect quantitative data. The information will be analysed and exchanged with findings from fellow students. Finally, a research report is written consisting of qualitative and quantitative data.
Information will be retrieved on topics such as the stressful and threatening situation aid workers may face. ‘People who provide humanitarian aid may also have vicarious experiences. This can happen when they see or share the traumatic experiences of the population they are working with, especially if they identify with a person’s story or suffering’ (Carlos Martín Beristain, 2006)
The report begins with the methodology. The process of the research is described with information on the activities performed, such as the interview with the aid worker.
The qualitative and quantitative data collection are covered, explaining the details of the interview for the qualitative part and the type of and numbers of questionnaires for the quantitative part.
Next, the results of the research are reported, presented in a well-structured way. Firstly, this chapter will elaborate on the interview with the aid worker, secondly the questionnaire will be presented.
Finally, the conclusion is drawn, answering the problem statement and the research questions. Also included is an interpretation of the results and comments based on this.
Problem Statement: To what extent is aid work perceived as a dangerous business?
Research questions
1. Is there a difference between danger perceived by males and females?
2. To what extent should aid workers be better prepared?
3. Should aid workers be better taken care of after the mission?
This statement has been formulated to attract the reader
Introduction
In this report, a research is done on the work and experiences of aid workers. An interview is performed with a professional from the field in order to collect data about the experiences. Also, questionnaires are distributed in order to collect quantitative data. The information will be analysed and exchanged with findings from fellow students. Finally, a research report is written consisting of qualitative and quantitative data.
Information will be retrieved on topics such as the stressful and threatening situation aid workers may face. ‘People who provide humanitarian aid may also have vicarious experiences. This can happen when they see or share the traumatic experiences of the population they are working with, especially if they identify with a person’s story or suffering’ (Carlos Martín Beristain, 2006)
The report begins with the methodology. The process of the research is described with information on the activities performed, such as the interview with the aid worker.
The qualitative and quantitative data collection are covered, explaining the details of the interview for the qualitative part and the type of and numbers of questionnaires for the quantitative part.
Next, the results of the research are reported, presented in a well-structured way. Firstly, this chapter will elaborate on the interview with the aid worker, secondly the questionnaire will be presented.
Finally, the conclusion is drawn, answering the problem statement and the research questions. Also included is an interpretation of the results and comments based on this.
Problem Statement: To what extent is aid work perceived as a dangerous business?
Research questions
1. Is there a difference between danger perceived by males and females?
2. To what extent should aid workers be better prepared?
3. Should aid workers be better taken care of after the mission?
This statement has been formulated to attract the reader
References: Beristain, M. (2006) Humanitarian Aid Work: A Critical Approach. Penn Press, University of Pennsylvania Headington Institute (n.d.). Trauma and critical incident care for humanitarian workers. Retrieved from http://www.headington-institute.org/Default.aspx?tabid=2070 Lovgren, S. (2003). Aid workers, too, suffer post-traumatic stress. National Geographic News. Navarro, A. (2008). Psychology in Humanitarian Assistance. NOHA. Retrieved from http://disaster.efpa.eu/ddl.php/090c1260c915ead14cadbaa7a6053f11/?dkey=090c1260c915ead14cadbaa7a6053f11. Appendices