Choosing Research Methods: Data Collection for Development Workers

Abstract

* Forward * Introduction 1. Starting research: some basic issues * Identifying a research need * The level of participation * Expectations aroused by research * Constraints on conducting research * Government attitudes * Conflicts and emergencies * Cultural factors: gender relations and power structures * Resources 2. Strategic issues in planning and sound research * The unit of analysis * Questions of time * The research timetable * Continuous research or a snapshot? * Objectivity subjectivity and the control of bias * Representative results * Some pitfalls to be avoided * Choosing the researchers * Local participation and experts * Training the field team * Styles of research 3. The range of research methods * Making the most of existing resources * Asking questions and interviewing * Group interviews * Oral testimonies oral histories and life-histories * Surveys * Sampling * The pros and cons of a survey * Participant observation * Rapid rural appraisal * The variety of RRA techniques * Collating and presenting RRA findings * Limitations of RRA * An example of RRA * Participatory Rural Appraisal 4. General issues affecting most research methods * The use of appropriate indicators * Validation * After research: some crucial questions * Bibliography * Appendix 1 Checking for questions * Appendix 2 Questionnaire design * Appendix 3 Some high-tech high cost research methods * Appendix 4 Logical Framework Analysis * Appendix 5 Women and evaluation * Appendix 6 Action Research Programme: the methods and approach * Index