The criteria outlined below provide a framework for the methodology of locating research for inclusion in the Researching Asylum in London (RAL) database. The purpose of the criteria is to ensure consistency in the methodology of locating research. The criteria also define the remit of the project, and provide the boundaries within which the database aims to achieve the exhaustive inclusion of relevant research.
The criteria are divided into five main areas:
1. Research
2. Date
3. London-relevance
4. Refuge/asylum content
5. Research type
1. Research
We define research according to two main criteria. Firstly, the research must be investigative, that is, it must use constructive, exploratory or empirical methodologies to explore the issues being investigated. This encompasses basic research, applied research and evaluation. Secondly, the research must have the purpose of expanding knowledge in a particular subject area or addressing practical problems with new solutions. In short, it must add to the existing knowledge base.
2. Date
The research must have been written from 1999 onwards. We decided upon this date after estimating that the number of pieces of research conducted within this time period would allow us to document and summarise all the research within our capacity. We also noticed that conducting research in this subject area burgeoned during this time. It seemed a ‘natural’ date from which to begin our comprehensive search.