Why ditching depth is dangerous: Insights from London into the social factors driving violent extremism

This paper discusses the value of qualitative research, using an example of recent work which informed the UK's counter-terrorism strategy.

Why ditching depth is dangerous: Insights from London into the social factors driving violent extremism

Michael Thompson and Michael McLean

Introduction

In the race to generate instant insight and technological solutions, researchers are at risk of overlooking the fundamental strengths of qualitative approaches – depth of insight and understanding of social context. Opinion Leader's recent work informing the Preventcounter-terrorism strategy of three London Boroughs, shows how this can be avoided. The study employed a back-to-basics approach that addressed the full complexity of people's lives and motivations, demonstrating the value of qualitative research in addressing a matter...

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