Contribution to Book
Guidance for applied cross-national research in under-resourced countries: Lessons from a gender-based violence intervention in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Cultural methods in psychology: Describing and transforming cultures
(2021)
Abstract
Applied research for social change is still in its infancy in cross-cultural psychology. Despite the
potential for tremendous impact, the complexities of conducting applied research, particularly in
under-resourced countries, may discourage scholars from pursing this important but daunting
venture. To forewarn and equip other scholars, we outline a variety of challenges (e.g., resource
constraints, cultural norms) that influence all aspects of the research process, from gaining entry,
organizing the cross-national research team, working with local stakeholders, designing the
methods, developing and administering instruments, collecting and interpreting the data, to
reporting the findings for local use. Via a personal account of our experiences in conducting a
study on a gender-based violence intervention in Congo, we share our lessons and offer
recommendations (e.g., using multiple methodologies) for conducting applied cross-national
research. We hope that as a result more scholars will be encouraged to undertake this impactful
and rewarding work.
Disciplines
Publication Date
2021
Publisher
Oxford University Press
Citation Information
Torjesen, K. J., Warren, M. A., & Wamue-Ngare, G. (2021). Guidance for applied cross-national research in under-resourced countries: Lessons from a gender-based violence intervention in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In K. C. McLean (Ed). Cultural methods in psychology: Describing and transforming cultures. New York: Oxford University Press.