Social research provides an opportunity to discover trends, statistics, or the opinions of any given population. Oxus International analyzes the requirements of a client’s project to consider the best strategy for collecting and analyzing data, whether it is qualitative or quantitative in nature. We are experienced in conducting qualitative methodologies such as focus groups and semi-structured interviews, and quantitative methods such as surveys.

Social research can be as broad as collecting general demographic information and opinions from the entire country, or as narrow as seeking out information on a targeted, hidden population. Oxus International’s team of experienced, Western educated sociologists are well-versed on the latest trends in data collection, as well as recognized best practices, to meet the needs of any project.

The key to successful data collection is being able to effectively target the desired population group, which can involve specific vetting steps like using a Kish grid or an initial round of questioning to first identify potential population members (this is especially effective for minority or hidden populations). Oxus International also takes great care to assure that, if required for the project, the data can be interpreted to represent an entire population (as opposed to just the sampled population) and disaggregated on several levels.

Our social research integrates several media, communication, geography, economics, and social science tools to better understand and address the social developments.

In addition to these more traditional research capabilities, Oxus International is expanding the use of “compelling outputs” research. While social researchers learn fascinating information every day, the outputs of many projects are little more than dense reports read only by other researchers. Communities are often given little insight into the purpose or findings of research in which they participated. We see an opportunity to transform research into compelling, relatable outputs that may help to address the problems the researcher sought to understand.

Oxus has performed many social research projects related to a variety of topics, including peace and reconciliation efforts in southern Kyrgyzstan, the impacts of gold mining, opinions of government performance, and conflict mitigation. For more information on specific projects, please check out the Projects page.

Please contact Oxus International directly for more information about our Social Research services.