4.1         INTRODUCTION AND LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Since projects and interventions that aim to increase social value are very different, the impact models
must therefore also be developed differently. Once the hypothetical impact model has been created, as
explained in the previous module, it must be verified based on the empirically determined impact and
updated if necessary. In order to identify the impact dimensions that can be generalised, students of
social impact analysis must first understand how impact identification can be operationalised.
Unfortunately, there is no standard methodology that could be prescribed for each case to identify
impacts, but qualitative research approaches are typically used at this stage. This requires familiarity with
the range of possible qualitative research approaches. Only after knowing what methods are available
can the most appropriate one be selected for a particular analysis. 

The aim of this module is, therefore, to explain the general framework of data collection and data analysis
for qualitative research as well as the specific guidelines relevant to social impact analysis. First, we
elaborate on the scientific criteria for qualitative research on a conceptual level. 

Since social impact analysis requires empirical impact identification, once the impact is well understood
on a hypothetical level, the analyst must face the challenge of how to identify this impact in the real
world. For this reason, the approaches to identifying these effects using available data and observations
are explained next, and finally, the types of data and methods used to collect and analyse them are
presented. The module concludes with guidelines for the presentation and application of the empirically
verified impact model..

4.2         CONTENT

1. Purpose of identifying impact

2. Scientific criteria for qualitative research

3. Research approaches, possibilities, and limits

4. Data collection

4.1. Types of data (quantitative and qualitative; primary and secondary)

4.2. Methods (interview, focus group, observation)

4.3. Guidelines for data collection

5. Data analysis and updating of the impact model

5.1. Outcomes

5.2. Deadweight and impact

6. Presentation and use of the verified impact model

4.3         LEARNING OUTCOMES

After completing this module, the participants are able to:

–      explain the need to validate impact through data;

–       explain the breadth and depth of impacts;

–      explain the relevance of scientific criteria for measuring impact;

–      explain the difference between alternative research designs;

–      – identify what type of data is needed for alternative research designs;

–      – describe how to get the data (data collection) for alternative research designs;

–      – describe how to analyse data and update the impact model;

–      – explain how to use the empirically verified impact model.

4.4         TEACHING METHODS

Lectures, demonstration through case-study analysis, discussion, group or individual practical work on case studies, presentations.

Possibility of blended learning and flipped classroom: lectures and demonstration of case studies online; discussions, practical work, and presentations offline.

4.5         ASSESSMENT

Assessment and feedback is based on the case-study work and presentation by participants.

4.6         STUDY MATERIALS

–      Lecture slides

–      Case studies

–      Then et al. (2017). Social Return on Investment Analysis. Measuring the Impact of Social Investment. Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7.

–      The Guide to Social Return to investment (2012), The SROI Network. Stage 24