Research Methods in Human Rights

Research Methods in Human Rights introduces the reader to key methodological approaches to Human Rights research in a clear and accessible way.

Drawing on the expertise of a panel of contributors, the text clearly explains the key theories and methods commonly used in Human Rights research and provides guidance on when each approach is appropriate. It addresses such approaches to Human Rights research as qualitative methods, quantitative analysis, critical ethnography and comparative approaches, supported by a wide range of geographic case studies and with reference to a wide range of subject areas. The book suggests further reading and directs the reader to excellent examples from research outputs of each method in practice.

This book is essential reading for students with backgrounds in law as well as political and social sciences who wish to understand more about the methods and ethics of conducting Human Rights research.

Chapter 1 – Introduction to human rights methods– Rhona Smith and Lee McConnell

Chapter 2 – Human Rights Based Approaches to Research – Rhona Smith

Chapter 3 – The Doctrinal Approach in International Human Rights Scholarship – Suzanne Egan

Chapter 4 – Legal Theory as a Research Methodology – Lee McConnell

Chapter 5 – Qualitative Methods – Rhona Smith and Lorna Smith

Chapter 6 – Quantitative Analysis – Todd Landman

Chapter 7 – Critical Ethnography and Human Rights Research – William Paul Simmons and Lindsey Feldman

Chapter 8 – Comparative Approaches to Human Rights – Sue Farran

Chapter 9 – ‘Mixing Methods’: Reflections on Compatibility – Lee McConnell and Rhona Smith

Dr Lee McConnell is Lecturer in Law at University of Bristol Law School.

Dr Rhona Smith is Professor of International Human Rights and Head of School (Law) at Newcastle University.