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Social research

Social research is a scientific enquiry which measures, describes and explains changes in social and economic structures, and the attitudes, values and behaviours which motivate and constrain individuals and groups in society.

Social researchers in Defra are part of Government Social Research, which exists to provide government with objective, reliable, relevant and timely evidence to support policy and delivery. 

Social research has a ‘people based’ focus, concentrating on measuring, describing, explaining and predicting social and economic activities, trends and impacts. Across government, social research contributes to policy development, implementation and delivery, and to the estimation of policy impacts and outcomes. The discipline can encompass both qualitative (analysis of motivations, opinion or behaviour through unstructured research techniques) and quantitative (numerical representation) analysis. Research may involve primary data collection using social surveys, interviews and case studies, but equally important is the analysis and interpretation of existing research and data.

Putting a ‘people focus’ at the heart of all stages of the decision process is an essential component of evidence-based policy-making. The importance of a people-centred approach is increasingly recognised within Defra: David Miliband recently outlined the challenge (and opportunity) by stating that personal responsibility and collective action was required to avoid major environmental problems.

Social research, understanding the human dimension, is emerging as a vital component of the policy making process within Defra.

Currently, social researchers in Defra:

  • Provide specialist methodological advice and dealing with cross-cutting issues such as behaviour change and policy evaluation from within the Central Analytical Directorate;
  • Support Rural Affairs and Wildlife and Countryside, where social researchers input directly into policy development; and
  • Contribute directly to the environmental agenda especially sustainable consumption and production
    This includes the development of a framework for pro-environmental behaviours that brings together evidence on public understanding, attitudes and behaviours; identifies behaviour goals; and draws conclusions on the potential for change across a range of behaviour groups. The framework is designed to support policy development and implementation in Defra, in other Government Departments and externally.

Page last modified: 11 January 2008
Page published: 9 June, 2007