2009; doi: 10.1037/11887-000.

Studying ethnic minority and economically disadvantaged populations: Methodological challenges and best practices.

George P Knight, Mark W Roosa, Adriana J Umaña-Taylor

UIID-AD: 1853 DOI: 10.1037/11887-000

Abstract

Ethnic minority and economically disadvantaged populations have consistently been underrepresented in most social science research. Given the changing demographics of the United States, there appears to be some movement toward a greater research emphasis on these populations. The focus on gaining more support for research on these populations represents a substantial opportunity to move the field forward with respect to an understanding of diversity and a more nuanced understanding of human behavior and outcomes. Unfortunately, there is a relative dearth of information on the unique methodological challenges associated with conducting research with ethnic minority and economically disadvantaged populations. In our own efforts over the years teaching research methods to graduate students or mentoring students involved in our research on ethnic minority and economically disadvantaged populations, we have been frustrated by the challenge in accessing the sparse and difficult-to-find literature on methods that have been demonstrated to be most effective with these populations. This book evolved from many discussions in which we shared these frustrations with each other and with like-minded colleagues. The purpose of this book is to provide a comprehensive single resource for the lessons learned from research with ethnic minority and economically disadvantaged populations, to describe the unique methodological issues researchers face, and to provide some best practice guidance for how to address these challenges. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved). (preface)

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