Customised research for international development and independent travel consulting by Dr Robin Wyatt

Dr Robin Wyatt - Social Researcher and Independent Travel Consultant

Guiding principles

Dr Robin Wyatt’s interest in field-based social research for the development and social sectors is guided primarily by his conviction that efforts can only be made at remedial action for particular problems when the nature of those problems is fully understood. Without rigorous research, when policy and programming are guided by ideology and assumptions, the chances that inappropriate actions will be taken are considerably greater.

Robin stresses that dissemination of findings is essential, and that research should be linked with the take-up of ideas if they are to make a difference. Too much of the time, he finds that research gets no further than the eyes of subscribers to technical journals, and hence there are shortcomings in both availability and language. He therefore aims to deliver findings based on robust evidence in a non-technical manner that is readily accessible and useable for user groups and relates to real-world situations. His deliverables serve to deepen users’ knowledge and understanding and provide clarity for making choices. Robin intends that his work should thereby help users develop solutions to challenges, followed in turn by opportunity creation. Robin is able to undertake field research assignments in both developing and developed world settings, and maintains offices in both India and the UK.

Action orientation | Dissemination | Ethics

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His interest in dynamics among migrant communities forms a link between the two contexts, and he stresses the importance of understanding country-of-origin social and cultural contexts.

In terms of methodology, Robin is well-versed with both qualitative and quantitative methods. Just as his subject matter tends to span discipline boundaries, he embraces methodologies that are interdisciplinary in nature. Where he can, he prefers to use participatory techniques as a means of getting to understand the perceptions, knowledge and values of those he is researching. Robin’s speciality is sensitive subject research, and he uses methods designed to “make silences speak”, as he puts it, while simultaneously applying the highest possible ethical standards. Owing to his understanding of the importance of building capacity to undertake and use further research, he recruits fieldworkers locally wherever possible.