METHODOLOGICAL ISSUES IN RESEARCH WITH REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS

A growing number of psychologists are becoming involved in research wi th migrants, particularly those from developing countries. This articl e highlights the unique methodological difficulties in research with r efugees and immigrants. The main examples given are from Indochinese r efugees and Pacific Island immigrants to New Zealand. Six areas of dif ficulty are identified: (a) contextual differences between migrants an d the receiving society, (b) conceptual problems with translation of i nstruments, (c) sampling difficulties, (d) linguistic problems, (e) ob servation of etiquette, and (f) personality characteristics of researc hers. Recommendations are made to resolve some of the difficulties enc ountered in each area.