Why Qualitative Research Matters to Policy

Qualitative research is research that relies on data sources such as interviews, questionnaires, observation, text or image documents, artifacts and more. In other words, any kind of data that cannot be quantified, or measured in numerical terms. Qualitative research typically focuses on understanding concepts, perceptions, and experiences. For example, a quantitative study of the Muslim […]

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The future of quantitative research on Muslims in Canada?

Did you know that much of the statistical data on Muslims in Canada that researchers have to work with comes from just a few main sources? Most of the quantitative data we use comes from Statistics Canada and a few large-scale surveys. Each of these sources has provided the data for many high quality studies, […]

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Introducing the Religious & Socio-Political Studies Journal

I-RSS is excited to launch the first issue of the Religious & Socio-political Studies Journal this summer. This interdisciplinary, academic journal fills an important need for scholarly research about Muslims, for Muslims and often by Muslims. It also represents a step forward for I-RSS in support of our mission to produce original and relevant research […]

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I-RSS Internship Program: Fostering Leadership Through Arts and Social Sciences Research

The I-RSS internship program fosters the next generation of social science and humanities researchers, advocates and policy leaders. The program supports our overarching mission to create original and relevant research, and space for outreach, advocacy and discussion on issues affecting Muslims in North America.  I-RSS interns are undergraduate students in the social sciences and humanities. […]

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Commemorating June 6th – I-RSS Supports London Youth Education Initiatives

Last month, I-RSS was approached to provide consultation and editing support to the Youth Coalition Combating Islamophobia (YCCI) in their Islamophobia education packages for school classrooms. It was our honour to support and uplift these remarkable Muslim youth as they transformed their very real grief and trauma into meaningful action in combating Islamophobia. For more […]

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How to hire I-RSS to do research for your organization

I-RSS conducts research for all kinds of organizations serving Muslim communities. Whether there is a specific question that needs an answer, or a general topic of importance to your organization, I-RSS can work with you to develop the right research project for your needs.  When should I approach I-RSS about my project? Right at the […]

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Muslim Organizations Must Base Policy on Research: Here’s Why

Muslim organizations serve a diverse and evolving community. They play an important role in the lives of Muslim Canadians, fulfilling needs not met by non-Muslim organizations and services. As such it is essential that these organizations be responsive to their communities and keep their programs and policies current and relevant. Relevant, original academic research supports […]

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Why We Need Muslim Researchers for Muslim Subjects

“We cannot fight for our rights, our history as well as our future until we are armed with weapons of criticism and dedicated consciousness.” (Edward Said) “Agency has become a catch word. In a way, this intoxication with ‘agency’ is the product of liberal individualism. The ability of individuals to fashion themselves, to change their […]

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