Research

What is research?

Research involves collecting and analysing data to answer a particular question. For example, EPIC has done research on young people’s experiences of taking part in their Child in Care Reviews (published in 2014).

Research can be done in many different ways, for example, by using surveys, carrying out interviews or doing a focus group. These are examples of primary research, where the information is collected from research participants. Secondary sources of data can also be used – this means information that already exists, for example, official statistics, published literature reviews and other research studies.

EPIC carries out both primary and secondary research to provide a better understanding of the important issues facing children and young people in care or young adults with care experience. EPIC is also involved in research being done by other organisations in relation to children and young people in care, for example, the Children’s Mental Health Coalition.

Doing research usually involves most of the following steps:

Ethical Principles

There are important ethical principles to take into account when doing primary research, in particular:

Voluntary informed consent – make sure that research participants know what is involved in taking part and agree voluntarily to do so
Confidentiality and anonymity – all the data should be confidential and nobody who took part should be identified (except where someone says something that raises concerns about their safety or that of someone else).
Doing no harm – ensure that taking part in the research will not have negative results for participants both during and after they take part.
Respectful and non-judgemental – listen to what people say and avoid making disapproving comments.

Why do research?

To find out more information about a particular issue, especially something that may not have been researched before.
To obtain other people’s point of view and get a better understanding of their experiences.
To contribute to current knowledge and provide more evidence about a topic.
To build links with other people doing research in the same area.
To make recommendations for change where needed.

Using research to make change?

It is important to have supporting evidence when making any recommendations for change especially in relation to government policy. Sometimes change can be slow and it may take many research reports all saying the same thing before change happens. Information gathered through EPIC’s research informs EPIC’s national advocacy work, which campaigns for change in current practise and government policy affecting young people in care.

Latest Research Report

One More Adversity: The lived experience of care leavers in Ireland during the Covid-19

by Michele Brady | Mar 11, 2022 | Aftercare, Living in Care, Publications, Research, Research Reports, Research Studies | 0 Comments

Introduction to the Report This study explores the lived experiences of care leavers in Ireland during the Covid-19 pandemic. While Covid-19 has undoubtedly been difficult for many groups (Pierce et al., 2020), care leavers are among those who may have faced...