Untold Stories

Biases and Selection Effects in Research with Victims of Trafficking for Sexual Exploitation

Bibliographic Data

ID9955166
AuthorsAnette Brunovskis (0000-0003-4853-8013, Fafo Foundation, corresponding author), Rebecca Surtees
Year2010
Volume48
Issue4
Pages1-37
Publication date2010-07-19
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Migration (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0020-7985 • E-ISSN: 1468-2435
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/j.1468-2435.2010.00628.x
PMID20645469
OpenAlexW2145145981
LanguageEN
Citations received28
References cited29

Recent discussions of trafficking research have included calls for more innovative studies and new methodologies in order to move beyond the current trafficking narrative, which is often based on unrepresentative samples and overly simplified images. While new methods can potentially play a role in expanding the knowledge base on trafficking, this article argues that the solution is not entirely about applying new methods, but as much about using current methods to greater effect and with careful attention to their limitations and ethical constraints. Drawing on the authors' experience in researching trafficking issues in a number of projects over the past decade, the article outlines and exemplifies some of the methodological and ethical issues to be considered and accommodated when conducting research with trafficked persons -- including unrepresentative samples; access to respondents; selection biases by "gatekeepers" and self selection by potential respondents. Such considerations should inform not only how research is undertaken but also how this information is read and understood. Moreover, many of these considerations equally apply when considering the application of new methods within this field. The article maintains that a better understanding of how these issues come into play and inform trafficking research will translate into tools for conducting improved research in this field and, by implication, new perspectives on human trafficking

Criminology · Engineering ethics · Field (mathematics · Human trafficking · Narrative · Narrative review · Political science · Public relations · Selection (genetic algorithm · Sociology · Computer Science · Engineering · HIV, Drug Use, Sexual Risk · Psychology · Sex work and related issues · Sexuality, Behavior, and Technology

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