The Sociological Determination: A Reflexive Look at Conducting Local Disaster Research after Hurricane Katrina

Abstract

<p align="justify"> <span style="font-family:Verdana;">This paper examines the process of collecting data on New Orleanians affected by Hurricane Katrina. It does so by focusing upon the experiences of local researchers who were simultaneously conducting research on and within the disaster. It also documents one research team’s attempt to generate a random sample of residents from several New Orleans neighborhoods, stratified both by racial composition and level of damage. Further, it describes the challenges associated with navigating complex bureaucracies that are themselves affected by the disaster. Results demonstrate that our methods for drawing samples from six New Orleans neighborhoods yielded highly representative samples, even in heavily damaged neighborhoods where the long-term displacement required a multi-pronged strategy that involved contact by mail, telephone, and visits to local churches. The paper concludes by making recommendations for facilitating future research by locally affected researchers.</span> </p> <p align="justify"> <span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span> </p

Flooding and the ‘new normal’: what is the role of gender in experiences of post‐disaster ontological security?

“…A total of 407 surveys results in a response rate of 25.9 per cent, determined using the online calculator provided by the American Association for Public Opinion Research (2016). This is similar to that of other samples drawn in disaster‐affected areas, owing to the challenges associated with surveying a displaced, residentially unstable, or returning population (Barron Ausbrooks, Barrett, and Martinez‐Cosio, 2009; Henderson et al, 2009; Haney and Elliott, 2013).…”

Move out or dig in? Risk awareness and mobility plans in disaster‐affected communities

“…In short, there is an overrepresentation of both women and higher earning residents, a common finding in research done in post‐disaster communities. Haney and Elliott () suggest this occurs because of the comparatively easier time wealthier residents have returning after a disaster and, therefore, receiving the invitation to participate.…”

“…The survey contained more than 100 items, including questions about evacuation, the use of social networks during the disaster, and future plans for returning and rebuilding, as well as the demographic information about household members. Ninety‐six envelopes came back marked “return to sender,” which is very common in disaster‐affected areas where residents are no longer living in the house, the house is slated for demolition, or current construction is underway (Haney & Elliott, ). Therefore, I assume that 1,404 surveys were received by the residents, though this is surely a high‐end estimate.…”

“…On‐the‐ground data collection finished in late September 2014, yielding 407 surveys and a response rate of 25.9% according to the American Association of Public Opinion Research online calculator (AAPOR, ). This response rate is typical for samples drawn in disaster‐affected areas, due to the challenges of surveying a displaced, residentially unstable, or returning population (Barron Ausbrooks, Barrett, & Martinez‐Cosio, ; Haney & Elliott, ; Henderson et al, ).…”

“There’s Always Winners and Losers”: Traditional Masculinity, Resource Dependence, and Post-Disaster Environmental Complacency

“…96 envelopes came back marked "return to sender," which is very common in disasteraffected areas (Haney and Elliott 2013). Therefore, we assume that 1,404 surveys were received by residents, though this is surely a high-end estimate.…”