Methodologies of contemporary disaster resilience research

Abstract

Abstract The United Nations’ Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) 2015-2030 specifically calls for multi hazard and solution-driven research in disaster risk management to address gaps, obstacles, interdependencies and social, economic, educational and environmental challenges and disaster risks. The Advancing Skill Creation to ENhance Transformation (ASCENT) project aims to contribute towards this SFDRR goal by strengthening the research and innovative capacities of researchers to tackle the challenges associated with developing societal resilience to disasters. This research has been undertaken under the auspices of the ASCENT project and it is intended to provide an up-to-date account of the research methodologies in current use in order to inform researchers of contemporary research practice as well as to identify trends and possible gaps that could offer opportunities for innovation and improvement. This paper presents the results of a survey of research methodologies used in contemporary disaster resilience research that has recently (2005-2017) been published in leading disaster resilience journals. For the sample of 156 articles analysed, it was found that qualitative approaches dominate with data collection primarily from literature and interviews. Case study research is particularly common and the development of theoretical and conceptual frameworks is somewhat more prevalent than the development of practical toolkits and guidelines.