Qualitative disaster research

This chapter provides an overview of the history and unique aspects of qualitative disaster research. Qualitative disaster research traces its roots to the 1920s, commencing with the classic study of the Halifax (Canada) maritime disaster by Samuel Henry Prince. The chapter reviews the challenges associated with conducting disaster research, particularly field-based studies. The unique aspects of applying qualitative methods to study disaster events as well as recommendations for best practices are reviewed. The chapter also discusses ethical challenges related to disaster and homeland security research and the emotional impacts of disaster research on human beings. Sections discuss the life cycle of disasters (preparedness, response, mitigation, and recovery), commonly used data collection techniques, and strategies for data reduction and analysis specific to the study of disasters. The final section links efforts to strengthen the trustworthiness and credibility of qualitative research to the study of disasters.