Citation

Dijkzeul D, Hilhorst D, Walker P. Disasters 2013; 37(Suppl 1): S1-S19.

Affiliation

Professor of Conflict and Organization Research, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany Professor of Humanitarian Aid and Reconstruction, Wageningen University, The Netherlands Director, Feinstein International Center, and Irwin H. Rosenberg Professor of Nutrition and Human Security, Tufts University, United States.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/disa.12009

PMID

23905762

Abstract

This introductory paper sets the stage for this special issue of Disasters on evidence-based action in humanitarian crises. It reviews definition(s) of evidence and it examines the different disciplinary and methodological approaches to collecting and analysing evidence. In humanitarian action, the need for evidence-based approaches sometimes is viewed in tension with a principled approach, often unnecessarily. Choosing appropriate research methods depends on the objectives of the researcher, in particular whether the research focuses on the intervention and/or the context and the length and complexity of the causal chains involved. The paper concludes by defining some trends in evidence-based approaches in crises: the move away from inputs and outputs of humanitarian action towards outcomes and impacts; the shift towards a higher degree of partnerships in research, and the participation of users and target groups; and the acceptance of a broad array of approaches to establish evidence.

Language: en