【Report】Summary of the seminar delivered by Daichi Morishige

Research Methods in Migration Studies

On May 16, 2024, Dr. Polina Ivanova, Senior Researcher at Ritsumeikan University, gave a presentation on research methodology in Migration Studies at Ritsumeikan University. The presentation proceeded in five steps.

First, she began her presentation by defining the term “migration.” She shared a definition by the International Organization for Migration. She explained that there are various categories of migrants—such as refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons, etc.—and that there is no consensus on who can be categorized as migrants.

Next, the presentation explained Migration Studies. Dr. Ivanova explained that the discipline covers various topics and that studying migration is often an interdisciplinary effort.

Third, Dr. Ivanova explained the quantitative and qualitative methods used in Migration Studies. She noted that participatory approaches were becoming increasingly popular among migration scholars. She then shared her works as examples. Her earlier research on international students’ engagement in civil society in Japan and Australia used qualitative methodology because the literature on the topic was small, and it was critical to grasp the details. However, her recent research on loneliness among international students in the United Kingdom and Japan uses both qualitative and quantitative methods because much has been written on loneliness.

Fourth, Dr. Ivanova explained the vignette research methodology. Vignette studies use hypothetical stories in surveys to analyze people’s perceptions, attitudes, values, and decision-making processes. To make it easy for the audience to understand, she encouraged them to try out a sample vignette survey. She then introduced an existing study on migration that uses this method as an example.

Finally, the presentation concluded with an in-class exercise on vignette methodology. The audience members were put into groups and created their own vignettes based on a research question Dr. Ivanova provided. The groups shared their vignettes, and Dr. Ivanova commented on their strengths and weaknesses.

Written by Daichi Morishige (PhD researcher at Ritsumeikan University)