Scholars hope new book will improve research methods for marginalized populations

While working with refugees in Slovenia, scholars from the University of Mississippi Staci Smith, visiting assistant professor of media and communication, and Brian Smith, chair and professor of integrated marketing communications, realized that the “one size fits all” approach for qualitative research methods did not work.

“We discovered that we couldn’t approach our research with refugees the ways prescribed in methods books,” Staci said.

The researchers found that the information covered in those books did not tell the full story about how to engage in research with people in marginalized groups; thus, an idea for a new book was born. “We kept looking for new ways to engage,” Brian said. For example, the scholars found when they had refugees speak about their own experiences in the third person, they felt safer to discuss difficult situations.

After returning from Staci’s Fulbright, Staci and Brian realized others may have gone through a similar situation. They decided to write a book about what they learned doing research with refugees and approached the Page Center for funding. The result was overwhelming, with over 50 submissions to the call for book chapters — one of the largest responses the Page Center has seen.

“With so many submissions and with representation from scholars all over the world, we knew that this was a topic that couldn’t be overlooked.” Staci said. Brian added, “We wouldn’t have gotten such high-quality submissions without the Page Center’s support.”

"Research methods for the marginalized: A communication approach for vulnerable populations," was just published with Routledge. The book discusses vulnerabilities of race, gender and sexual orientation, status, place, and the individual to offer a more comprehensive guide for researchers. Each chapter provides best practices for research based on real-world experiences working with vulnerable populations.

“The peer review process through the Page Center helped ensure that we featured the most important methodological insights,” Staci said.

The book is designed to be a companion to other research methods books and a resource for scholars to use when engaging in qualitative research with marginalized populations. “Our goal was to help prepare researchers to represent marginalized people’s experiences,” Staci said. Brian hopes that the book “is just the start to a bigger conversation in the ways we conduct research with people who are different than us.”

“'Research methods for the marginalized' is more than a methods text — it is a call to action,” said Page Center research director Holly Overton. “By centering the voices of those too often left out of traditional scholarship, this book provides a framework that is both grounded in precision while guided by empathy.”

Overton said the publication has the potential to reshape how researchers approach vulnerable communities and achieve the Page Center mission by promoting inclusivity in communication research.

“This book offers guidance that ensures marginalized and vulnerable populations are represented fairly and accurately,” said Page Center director Denise Bortree. “Its focus on practical, real-word challenges makes this collection of research a valuable resource for increasing equity and accountability in both research and practice.”

"Research methods for the marginalized: A communication approach for vulnerable populations" is available now. You can order a review copy for your course here.