Research methods challenges: A case study of preparedness in The Bahamas

This study explored individual and household (IH) preparedness in The Bahamas – a small island developing state in the Caribbean. An online survey was used, and 629 Bahamians opted to participate. However, the researchers faced many barriers to collecting representative data. This case study, therefore, discusses the range of methodological challenges faced by the researchers and their impact on this study.

The publication provides the following findings:

• Governments must recognise the importance of research in policy and decision-making. And there is no doubt that higher education is the vehicle for synergising efforts between research and policy;
• There needs to be a more significant investment by governments and multilateral organisations. Governments, and yes, those in the developing context, should place great effort in supporting researchers and investing in research infrastructure;
• Researchers must be innovative when collecting data.