Guidance for Applied Cross-National Research in Under-Resourced Countries

Applied research for social change is still in its infancy in cross-cultural psychology. Despite the potential for tremendous impact, the complexities of conducting applied research, particularly in under-resourced countries, may discourage scholars from pursuing this important but daunting venture. To forewarn and equip other scholars, a variety of challenges (e.g. resource constraints, cultural norms) are outlined that influence all aspects of the research process, from gaining entry, organizing the cross-national research team, working with local stakeholders, designing the methods, developing and administering instruments, collecting and interpreting the data, to reporting the findings for local use. Via a personal account of experiences in conducting a study on a gender-based violence intervention in Congo, lessons are shared and recommendations are offered (e.g. using multiple methodologies) for conducting applied cross-national research. It is the hope that as a result more scholars will be encouraged to undertake this impactful and rewarding work.