OxTalks is Changing
During Michaelmas Term, OxTalks will be moving to a new platform (full details are available on the Staff Gateway).
For now, continue using the current page and event submission process (freeze period dates to be advised).
If you have any questions, please contact halo@digital.ox.ac.uk
Balancing Global Standards and Cultural Relevance: Methodological Lessons from Researching Preschool Children’s Development in Pakistan
Selecting valid and reliable methods is one of the most critical yet complex aspects of research, particularly when working across under-researched contexts. This seminar reflects on the methodological journey of my PhD, which examined the social-emotional and academic development of 650 preschool-aged children in Karachi, Pakistan. I will discuss the challenges of identifying tools that are both psychometrically sound and culturally relevant, navigating trade-offs between global comparability and local validity, and working within the practical constraints of schools and classrooms. Particular attention will be given to issues of measurement, such as adapting existing instruments, balancing breadth and depth of constructs, and addressing limitations in cultural fit, as well as the challenges of applying advanced statistical approaches like multilevel and structural equation modelling with relatively small and clustered samples. Drawing on lessons learnt, I will share reflections on how researchers can make informed methodological choices, the value of piloting and stakeholder consultation, and strategies for maintaining rigour while remaining contextually sensitive. The seminar aims to open up discussion on the realities of doing high-quality quantitative research in low- and middle-income country settings.
This seminar is part of the Child Development and Learning (CDL) Seminar Series.
Join in-person or online: teams.microsoft.com/meet/3799219398382?p=2e2iFubdvLDs8dvPmG
Date:
4 November 2025, 12:30
Venue:
28/30 Norham Gardens, 28/30 Norham Gardens OX2 6PY
Venue Details:
Seminar Room K/L and online
Speaker:
Dr Anushay Mazhar (University of Oxford)
Organising department:
Department of Education
Part of:
Child Development and Learning Research Group Seminars
Booking required?:
Not required
Audience:
Members of the University only
Editors:
Hannah Freeman,
Heather Sherkunov,
Kristina Khoo
