An IASH Work-in-Progress seminar, delivered by Dr Caryn Abrahams (African Fellow, 2025-26)
The intricacies of experimental research design while co-creating a study with the state
This work-in-progress seminar shares some reflections in co-creating a research study with a subnational government team, in Gauteng, South Africa. The study itself, about algorithmic decision-making in the state, is still at the stage of seeking ethical approval, but the design is actively being co-created with collaborators in the state. The presentation shares the process of co-creation, the peculiarity of insider-outsider bases of information, and the discomfort of asking questions no one is yet ready to answer. In these terms, experimental design is cast as a flight of fancy by the state, which is dealing with more perfunctory everyday processes. Yet to the scholar, co-design means reining in the expectations of innovative research for the collaboration, while still undertaking flights of fancy for the science.
Please join in-person in the IASH Seminar Room.
Due to staff illness, this session unfortunately will not be available online.