Social Research ¦ Market Research ¦ Behavioural Insight ¦ Evaluation ¦ SROI
Social Research ¦ Market Research ¦ Behavioural Insight ¦ Evaluation ¦ SROI
This research formed part of a wider academic study, in partnership with the University of Manchester, which looked into the impact that dating apps had on wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK, particularly upon people in the LGBTQIA+ population.
The University of Manchester team were undertaking a study to explore how LGBTQIA+ and heterosexual individuals in the United Kingdom employ/ed online dating apps to navigate intimacy throughout and following the Covid-19 lockdowns and social distancing measures.
Their investigation delved into the ways in which people from different backgrounds utilised dating apps to initiate or maintain relationships, including those of a sexual, romantic, and platonic nature, and assess the impact of these connections on personal resilience. The datacollected will contribute to our understanding of how these apps can support our emotional and personal needs, and whether they can provide a safer means of engaging in intimate interactions when faced with heightened viral risks.
Moreover, the University team also examined the distinct effects of pandemic-related social restrictions on the intimate lives of both LGBTQIA+ and heterosexual individuals. Can dating apps serve as a platform for fostering novel forms of intimacy, thereby enhancing users’ resilience during challenging times? They also explored whether these apps encourage or discourage behaviours that increase the risk of viral transmission.
MEL Research played a crucial role in the study, collaborating closely with the University of Manchester to ensure the success and integrity of the research project. Our involvement encompassed various key aspects, including questionnaire development, data collection, data cleaning and checking, and facilitating in-depth interviews.
Firstly, MEL Research worked in close partnership with the University team to develop a comprehensive questionnaire. This involved leveraging our expertise in survey design and methodology to create a robust instrument that effectively captured the necessary information. We collaborated with the University team to ensure that the questionnaire aligned with the research objectives and encompassed relevant topics related to the use of online dating apps and navigating intimacy during and after the Covid-19 lockdowns and social distancing measures.
Subsequently, MEL Research took charge of the data collection process. We utilised our extensive experience in conducting surveys to efficiently gather responses from approximately 800 participants, ensuring a balanced representation between LGBTQIA+ audiences and heterosexual audiences. Through our rigorous data collection procedures, we ensured the accuracy and completeness of the collected information.
Once the data collection phase was completed, MEL Research undertook the critical task of data cleaning and checking. We meticulously reviewed the collected data to identify and rectify any errors, inconsistencies, or missing information. Our team applied rigorous quality control measures to ensure the reliability and validity of the data. This process involved cross-referencing and verifying responses, addressing any discrepancies or uncertainties, and ensuring the data was ready for further analysis.
Upon completing the data cleaning and checking phase, MEL Research delivered the thoroughly reviewed and validated dataset to the University of Manchester. We ensured that the dataset was organised and prepared in a format that facilitated efficient analysis and interpretation by the University team.
Additionally, MEL Research facilitated approximately 30 in-depth interviews that the University of Manchester hand-selected from the collected data. We coordinated the recruitment of these interviews, providing a platform for participants to share their experiences and insights in more depth.
In summary, MEL Research played a vital role in the research project, collaborating closely with the University of Manchester at various stages. We were involved in questionnaire development, data collection, data cleaning and checking, as well as facilitating the selection of in-depth interviews. Our contributions ensured the reliability and accuracy of the data, enabling the University team to conduct robust analysis and generate valuable insights into the experiences of individuals using online dating apps to navigate intimacy during and after the Covid-19 lockdowns and social distancing measures.
We delivered a sample of approximately n=800 completed interviews in total, split evenly between LGBTQIA+ audiences and heterosexual audiences. Subsequently, we worked with the University team to recruit approximately 30 in-depth interviews to add further qualitative depth to the findings. Given the nature of the study and the academic research it fed in to, as well as the sensitive nature of some questions around sexuality, romantic relationships, HIV status, loneliness and wellbeing, it was imperative that we engaged efficiently and responsively with the University team to help ensure the survey itself, and the fieldwork approach, was cleared by their Ethics Committee.
“Working with MEL research was the best decision for our project. MEL rapidly collected quality data and supported us at every step of the process.” – University of Manchester Research Team
