Methods in Development Research

Abstract

Over the past decade there has been an increasingly receptive audience for participatory and qualitative research methods by policy makers, development practitioners and academics working in applied research. At the same time there is an increasing awareness that the value of research can be enhanced through a more systematic combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. While this recent interest has begun to provide useful pointers as to how development research might be improved, it has also given rise to certain problems. This book will draw together lessons about emerging best practice with regard to combining qualitative and quantitative methods and approaches to generate numbers from qualitative/participatory methods and to monitor and evaluate development processes. It will build and expand upon innovation and reflection from practice in developing and developed societies, from within development agencies and academia, government departments and civil society organizations. By drawing on current research in many sectors and countries, the book will situate current development research issues squarely within debates about development policy and social research and it will help begin the process of defining best practice in the use of participatory/ qualitative and quantitative methods, and issues of methodological triangulation which are of considerable interest to academics, practitioners and policy makers. A genuine how to manual which combines best practice and new innovations and presents fascinating material for academics, practitioners and policy makers.

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