Context analysis and behavioural drivers and barriers

Context analysis and behavioural drivers and barriers

Context analysis and behavioural drivers and barriers

Module 2

In this module

This module contains four sessions: 1) introducing the importance of understanding social context and recognizing strengths and resiliencies of affected communities (Session 2.1), 2) identifying the drivers and barriers to the uptake of behaviours critical to the response (Session 2.2), 3) discussing rapid strategies for uncovering social determinants and other local contextual factors for understanding and overcoming vulnerabilities of specific population groups (Session 2.3), and 4) highlighting the importance of language in social science research (Session 2.4).

Understanding context, vulnerability and inequality in public health and humanitarian emergencies

2.1

Content

This session introduces the idea that it is important to understand broad social context in order to understand vulnerability and inequality. It also highlights the importance of recognizing the strengths and resiliencies of affected communities, to better design and implement emergency response.

Learning outcomes:

  • Understand the concept of ‘vulnerability’ and how vulnerable groups are affected differently during crises
  • Be familiar with how context, including the political economy and cultural and social norms, can influence vulnerability
  • Recognize the value of contextual knowledge to emergency response

Duration: 100 minutes

Materials
Additional materials
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Understanding behaviour in humanitarian/emergency response: Modules and theories

2.2

Content

This session discusses how to understand and identify the drivers and barriers to the uptake of behaviours critical to the response to humanitarian action.

Learning outcomes:

  • Become familiar with decision-making and behavioural theories/models, e.g. Behavioural Drivers Model

Duration: 105 minutes

Materials
Additional materials
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Rapid strategies to understand the political, sociocultural and economic factors that increase vulnerability

2.3

Content

This session discusses rapid strategies to establish and deepen participants’ understanding of social determinants, risk perceptions, historical, political, sociocultural and economic context to overcome vulnerabilities of specific population groups.

Learning outcomes:

  • Gain familiarity with additional social science tools (e.g. Rapid Remote Context Analysis Tool, Rapid Anthropological Assessment in the Field) that can be used and adapted to identify inequalities and vulnerabilities
  • Be able to initiate a rapid context analysis to identify inequalities and vulnerable groups within a specific community
  • Gain familiarity with approaches to vulnerability assessment
  • Know how to conduct a power analysis

Duration: 90 minutes 

2.4

Understanding the importance of language in social science research

Content

This session discusses the significance of language in social science research in humanitarian action with a focus on community engagement and/or communications activities. 

Learning outcomes:

  • Become familiar with the basic language challenges in social science research
  • Understand the risks of conducting social science research which is not language-sensitive
  • Understand how social sciences can support community engagement and/or communications activities through language-sensitive research

Duration: 90 minutes 

Materials
Additional materials
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Modules

The training modules were developed to address key social science competency domains for those working in community engagement and/or communications related fields. Each module is made up of multiple sessions. Each individual session has a specific focus and learning outcome, which relates directly to the competency statement developed for each domain.

Guidance for delivering training

0

1

Social Science in humanitarian action and health emergencies

2

Context analysis and behavioural drivers and barriers

3

Ethics in operational research

4

Implementation of social science research approaches

5

Evidence synthesis, interpretation and dissemination

6

Translating knowledge to action

7

Tracking the uptake of socio-behavioural evidence

Contact

9

Ginger Johnson

Social Science Team Lead, Trainer & Research Specialist

The Collective Service

Acknowledgement

Development of this training package was led by Anthrologica for the Collective Service. The content was co-produced with partners from the Social Science in Humanitarian Action Platform (SSHAP), the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), Translators Without Borders (TWB), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the Rapid Research Evaluation and Appraisal Lab (RREAL) at University College London (UCL), UNICEF’s Social Science Analytics Cell (CASS), UNICEF’s Social Science for Community Engagement (SS4CE) team, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Oxfam and READY at Johns Hopkins University (JHU). Sincere thanks are also extended to the United Nations Volunteers (UNVs) who assisted with reviewing translated materials.

Social Science in humanitarian action and health emergencies

Social Science in humanitarian action and health emergencies

Social Science in humanitarian action and health emergencies

Module 1

In this module

This module contains three sessions discussing: 1) the value and the role of social science research in humanitarian action (Session 1.1), 2) defining operational social science, including how it can be used in settings where rapid insights are needed and how these insights fit into an emergency response cycle (Session 1.2), and 3) the value of social science research with a focus on community engagement and communication activities (Session 1.3).

Introduction to social science – definition, approaches and role in humanitarian action

1.1

Content

This session discusses the value and the role of social science research in humanitarian action with a focus on community engagement and communications activities.

Learning outcomes:

  • Understand why it is important to include social science as part of emergency response 
  • Understand how social sciences can support the design, delivery and continuous adjustment
    of community engagement and/or communication activities and wider response action

Duration: 135 minutes max

Operational social science research in the humanitarian/emergency response cycle

1.2

Content

This session defines operational social science and how it can be used in settings where research
is time-sensitive. It also explains where it fits within the humanitarian/emergency response cycle.

Learning outcomes:

  • Become familiar with the definition of operational social science and why it is important when evidence is needed urgently
  • Understand where the generation of quality operational social science research fits in the humanitarian/emergency response cycle 

Duration: 80 minutes max

Materials
Additional materials
Download

Advocating for the inclusion of social science in emergency response activities that engage communities

1.3

Content

This session discusses the value and the role of social science research in humanitarian action with a focus on community engagement and communications activities.

Learning outcomes:

  • Become familiar with the definition of operational social science and why it is important when evidence is needed urgently
  • Understand where the generation of quality operational social science research fits in the humanitarian/emergency response cycle

Duration: 80 minutes max

Materials
Additional materials
Download

Modules

The training modules were developed to address key social science competency domains for those working in community engagement and/or communications related fields. Each module is made up of multiple sessions. Each individual session has a specific focus and learning outcome, which relates directly to the competency statement developed for each domain.

Guidance for delivering training

0

1

Social Science in humanitarian action and health emergencies

2

Context analysis and behavioural drivers and barriers

3

Ethics in operational research

4

Implementation of social science research approaches

5

Evidence synthesis, interpretation and dissemination

6

Translating knowledge to action

7

Tracking the uptake of socio-behavioural evidence

Contact

9

Ginger Johnson

Social Science Team Lead, Trainer & Research Specialist

The Collective Service

Acknowledgement

Development of this training package was led by Anthrologica for the Collective Service. The content was co-produced with partners from the Social Science in Humanitarian Action Platform (SSHAP), the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), Translators Without Borders (TWB), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the Rapid Research Evaluation and Appraisal Lab (RREAL) at University College London (UCL), UNICEF’s Social Science Analytics Cell (CASS), UNICEF’s Social Science for Community Engagement (SS4CE) team, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Oxfam and READY at Johns Hopkins University (JHU). Sincere thanks are also extended to the United Nations Volunteers (UNVs) who assisted with reviewing translated materials.

Guidance for delivering training

Guidance for delivering training

Guidance for delivering training

In this module

All training materials are geared towards skilled facilitators to deliver content in an (online or offline) group setting. The training modules were developed to address 7 key competency domains for those working in community engagement and/or communications related fields, and who aim to utilise social science as part of an emergency response or in preparation for future crisis. The 7 modules within this training package are based upon these 7 key competencies. Each module is made up of multiple sessions (27 in total) with each individual session having a specific focus and learning outcome relating directly to the competency statement developed for each domain. Each session has a ‘Facilitator Guide’ which provides a detailed guide for delivering the training, and a ‘Facilitator PowerPoint’ presentation which summarizes content presented in the guide. Most sessions contain additional Handouts, ‘dummy’ data for practicing data collection and analysis skills, and other materials relevant to the session.

Content

It is highly recommended that anyone utilizing this training package, first go through all materials within Module 0. Each of the documents provided here form an important step towards adapting and delivering the social science training package to achieve your organization priorities and fulfill the needs of individual learners:

  • Review a concise (2-page) overview of what is included in the package and how it can be used to assist with achieving your organization priorities for emergency preparedness and/or response. 
  • Learn how to assess social science and social behaviour change capacities within your institution to design training activities which are reflective of organizational priorities, needs, and current and future (anticipated) capacities.
  • Understand the core competencies each training modules seeks to build to ensure these align with organizational priorities and inform the selection of trainers to facilitate delivery of quality sessions.
  • Engage selected trainees (either individually or under the guidance of trainer) to take a learning needs assessment to determine which of the training modules and sessions are recommended for building desired knowledge, skills and attitudes of direct relevance to their job performance.
  • Review the guidance note in order to benefit from key tips on how to best position the training (including recommended facilitator and trainee characteristics), how session content can/should be adapted for local audiences, and to access sample training agendas.

Modules

The training modules were developed to address key social science competency domains for those working in community engagement and/or communications related fields. Each module is made up of multiple sessions. Each individual session has a specific focus and learning outcome, which relates directly to the competency statement developed for each domain.

Guidance for delivering training

0

1

Social Science in humanitarian action and health emergencies

2

Context analysis and behavioural drivers and barriers

3

Ethics in operational research

4

Implementation of social science research approaches

5

Evidence synthesis, interpretation and dissemination

6

Translating knowledge to action

7

Tracking the uptake of socio-behavioural evidence

Contact

9

Ginger Johnson

Social Science Team Lead, Trainer & Research Specialist

The Collective Service

Acknowledgement

Development of this training package was led by Anthrologica for the Collective Service. The content was co-produced with partners from the Social Science in Humanitarian Action Platform (SSHAP), the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), Translators Without Borders (TWB), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the Rapid Research Evaluation and Appraisal Lab (RREAL) at University College London (UCL), UNICEF’s Social Science Analytics Cell (CASS), UNICEF’s Social Science for Community Engagement (SS4CE) team, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Oxfam and READY at Johns Hopkins University (JHU). Sincere thanks are also extended to the United Nations Volunteers (UNVs) who assisted with reviewing translated materials.

Guidance for delivering training

Social Science Training – old

USING SOCIAL SCIENCE FOR EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE

A Social Science Training Package – Latest revision September 2022

Purpose

The Collective Service (CS) seeks to reinforce capacity and local solutions to humanitarian emergencies through mentoring, technical support and resource sharing with local actors and national and subnational governments.

People working in community engagement and/or communications related fields face several limitations to the effective integration of social science in health emergency interventions and policymaking. There are gaps in terms of knowledge and capacity to produce and use operational social science research in humanitarian and health emergency contexts.

This training package was developed to address these gaps by providing a set of modules with practical and detailed guidance for facilitators to adapt and use at the local level.

Objectives

Design your operational research

To equip with the knowledge to commission and/or design and implement operational social science research which can generate robust, rigorous and context-relevant socio-behavioural evidence.

Analyse existing research

To provide with the capacity to access, assess and make sense of, evaluate, and synthesize existing socio-behavioural evidence relevant to work.

Reinforce use of evidence

To strengthen the ability to use socio-behavioural evidence to inform and adapt activities and other broader decision-making during humanitarian crises.

What you will learn?

Across the training package, the modules and sessions address one or more of these key questions in the social science research process.

    • What information is needed?
    • Who need this information?
    • Does this information already exist? Is there a related needs assessment or study?
    • What methodology and tools should be used to collect and analyse this information?
    • How to ensure that this information goes back to communities? To inform community-level actions and decision-making of the broader response?
    • How to ensure that the information is used to make operational and/or strategic decisions?
    • How to track the information used to ensure that it effectively contributes to operational and strategic priorities?

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Development of this training package was led by Anthrologica for the Collective Service. The content was co-produced with partners from the Social Science in Humanitarian Action Platform (SSHAP), the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), Translators Without Borders (TWB), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the Rapid Research Evaluation and Appraisal Lab (RREAL) at University College London (UCL), UNICEF’s Social Science Analytics Cell (CASS), UNICEF’s Social Science for Community Engagement (SS4CE) team, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Oxfam and READY at Johns Hopkins University (JHU). Sincere thanks are also extended to the United Nations Volunteers (UNVs) who assisted with reviewing translated materials. 

Training guidance NOTE

Training modules and sessions

The training modules were developed to address key social science competency domains for those working in community engagement and/or communications related fields. Each module is made up of multiple sessions. Each individual session has a specific focus and learning outcome, which relates directly to the competency statement developed for each domain.

Social Science in humanitarian action and health emergencies
Context analysis and behavioural drivers and barriers
Ethics in operational research
Implementation of social science research approaches
Evidence synthesis, interpretation and dissemination
Translating knowledge to action
Tracking the uptake of socio-behavioural evidence

1. Social science in humanitarian action and health emergencies

Session 1.1: Introduction to social science: Definition, approaches and role in humanitarian action

This session discusses the value and the role of social science research in humanitarian action with a focus on community engagement and communications activities.

Session 1.2: Operational social science research in the humanitarian/emergency response cycle

This session defines operational social science and how it can be used in settings where research is time-sensitive. It also explains where it fits within the humanitarian emergency/response cycle.

Session 1.3: Advocating for the inclusion of social science in emergency response activities that engage communities
This session explores why and how to advocate for the inclusion of social science research in activities that engage communities and in a humanitarian/emergency response.

2. Context analysis and behavioural drivers and barriers

Session 2.1: Understanding context, vulnerability and inequality in public health and humanitarian emergencies
This session introduces the idea that it is important to understand broad social context in order to understand vulnerability and inequality. It also highlights the importance of recognizing the strengths and resiliencies of affected communities, to better design and implement emergency response.
Session 2.2: Understanding behaviour in humanitarian/emergency response: Modules and theories
This session discusses how to understand and identify the drivers and barriers to the uptake of behaviours critical to the response to humanitarian action.
Session 2.3: Rapid strategies to understand the political, sociocultural and economic factors that increase vulnerability
This session discusses rapid strategies to establish and deepen participants’ understanding of social determinants, risk perceptions, historical, political, sociocultural and economic context to overcome vulnerabilities of specific population groups.
Session 2.4: Understanding the importance of language in social science research

This session discusses the significance of language in social science research in humanitarian action with a focus on community engagement and/or communications activities. 

3. Ethics in operational research

Session 3.1: Ethical principles and approvals for social science research in a humanitarian/emergency context
The session covers the main ethical principles that should guide social science research – an important responsibility of the researcher which must be upheld. This session discusses formal ethical requirements and approval processes and what happens when formal approvals are either not possible or not clear. It also explains the importance of gaining community approval and how this might be achieved.
Session 3.2: Promoting the meaningful translation and application of ethical principles

The session discusses how research teams and practitioners working in community engagement and/or communications during an emergency response, can translate and apply ethical principles to fit local communities and contexts.

4. Implementation of social science research approaches

Session 4.1: Localised research: Designing operational social science research that is responsive to communities

This session covers how to plan and roll-out social science research that brings in local knowledge and expertise and puts communities’ knowledge, capacities and needs at the centre.

Session 4.2: Quantitative and qualitative approaches to generate data in operational social science research
This session lays out the differences between quantitative and qualitative approaches to collecting and analysing socio-behavioural data and the strengths and weaknesses of both of these approaches. It guides participants on when to apply these types of methods, including to which sorts of research questions.
Session 4.3: Quantitative data collection methods: Rapid needs assessment (RNA) surveys, and knowledge, attitudes and practice/perceptions (KAP) surveys
This module gives an overview of how to apply quantitative approaches, specifically knowledge, attitudes, practice/perceptions (KAP) surveys to collect data for community engagement and/or communications activities and wider humanitarian response actions.
This session focuses on qualitative approaches to collecting data that is relevant to community engagement and/or communications activities. Specifically, it covers in-depth interviews, structured and informal observations and focus group discussions.
Session 4.5: Quantitative data analysis in operational social science research
This session gives an overview of how to apply quantitative approaches to analyse data in operational social science research.
Session 4.6: Qualitative data analysis in operational social science research
This session aims to improve knowledge around the tools and steps to analyse qualitative data in operational social science research.
Session 4.7: Mixing different methods to produce quality evidence to inform action
This session teaches the value and benefits of applying mixed methods approaches.
Session 4.8: Triangulation of data: Why is it important and how does it work?
This session teaches how to triangulate social science data with other types of data to generate evidence relevant to community engagement and/or communications activities.
Session 4.9: Community feedback mechanism: Design and data collection
This session focuses on the application of qualitative approaches to design and manage a community feedback mechanism. It introduces community feedback and explains its role in a response, and describes how to collect community feedback data using examples from the Red Cross. The session links the IFRC Comminity Feedback kit to the social science operational research context.
Session 4.10: Community feedback mechanism: Consolidation and analysis
This session focuses on the application of qualitative approaches to manage community feedback mechanism. It describes community feedback consolidation, prioritization and analysis using examples from the Red Cross. The session links to the IFRC Community Feedback Kit to the social science operational research context.

5. Evidence synthesis, interpretation and dissemination

Session 5.1: Evidence synthesis for social and behavioural data
This session presents ways to access relevant data and information required to undertake an evidence synthesis, and then approaches to synthesizing qualitative evidence from those different sources. It then covers a practical example of synthesizing qualitative and quantitative data in the context of a humanitarian emergency.
Session 5.2: How to transform social science data and evidence into actionable findings

This session covers how to effectively design research and transform social science data and evidence into findings that can be used to influence policy and practice.

Session 5.3: How to communicate and present research to different audiences
This session covers how to effectively design research and transform social science data and evidence into findings that can be used to influence policy and practice.
Session 5.4: Feeding back to communities and using findings to support community-level solutions and actions
This session describes the different approaches used to share research findings back with communities through a range of case examples. It explains what is needed to ensure this feedback supports the decision-making and action of communities affected by an emergency.

6. Translating knowledge to action

Session 6.1: Translating social science research into action
This session explores how social science evidence can translate to actual change in the planning and roll-out of community engagement and/or communications activities. It discusses key considerations, challenges and practical steps needed to translate social science evidence to action.
Session 6.2: Enabling environments for the uptake of social science evidence in emergency response
This session aims to explore what an enabling environment looks like so that social science can inform different phases of an emergency response and how it can best be promoted.

7. Tracking the uptake of socio-behavioural evidence

Session 7.1: Tracking the use or ‘application’ of integrated operational social science outputs: integrated outbreak analytics and monitoring
This session discusses tools and approaches for monitoring the use of integrated evidence by emergency response actors to better inform operational decision-making. It is based on examples from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Content delivered through real-time presentation, and pre-recorded videos to explain in detail the theory behind the concepts covered, and to stimulate discussion based on the examples provided.
Session 7.2: Using community feedback to take action and “close the loop”
This session focuses on using community feedback data by sharing findings and taking action, tracking actions taken, and “closing the loop” by returning to communities with updates.