Methods for Development Work and Research: A Guide for Practitioners

"A detailed handbook of field work method aimed at development researchers and NGO workers. Macro-level development issues as they relate to micro-level projects are discussed as a context before an examination is made of participation and the use of indicators and semi-structured interviews. Four illustrative chapters then examine current participatory rural appraisal methods before an assessment is made in the final chapters of the limitations, integration in development studies, and ethical implications of such methods." --Oxfam′s Review of Journals "Development researchers will be grateful to Mikkelsen for her laudable job in competently addressing their needs.... She provides an overview of the traditional and the new techniques and tools for field study.... The illustrations she cites contain instructive practical suggestions." --Deccan Herald "A compendium of practical analytical tools for both the participatory approach and rapid assessment methods. It is clearly presented and well illustrated. The basic emphasis is to reverse the top-down approach of traditional methodologies, in favour of greater dialogue, flexibility and participation." --Social Action For anyone conducting research in a development setting, this book is a must. Providing practical examples, techniques, and tools for different types of studies, this landmark study examines in detail both the concept of participation and the ethical considerations of fieldwork, stressing methodological pluralism and dialogue in development planning. The major focus of this book is devoted to new rapid and participatory methods, viewing them as an important adjustment of--or complement to--other long-established qualitative and quantitative field study methods. The selection of methods is a reflection of changed perceptions of North-South and insider-outsider relations, and highlights different techniques for studying selected development issues. The author shows how to employ techniques such as ranking and scoring; mapping and diagrams; and the use of indicators, focus groups, and semistructured interviews when working on a development research project. Replete with richly illustrated case studies, quotations, and graphics, this book is the essential resource for development planners and researchers. It will also be of great interest to students and scholars in development studies, research methods, sociology, and anthropology.

Dr Britha Mikkelsen is a senior social science and research specialist with COWI, Denmark, with wide experience in conceptualizing, conducting and coordinating project and program evaluations and impact studies.

She has been in charge of multi-disciplinary evaluation teams in the sectors of health, water-supply and sanitation, poverty reduction and gender equality, education and vocational training, rural infrastructure and telecommunication, and university education and research evaluations.

Dr. Mikkelsen takes a particular interest in interdisciplinary approaches, community participation, gender analysis, poverty impact assessment, cross-cultural perspectives and ethics.

She has worked with a number of multi- and bilateral donor-agencies and nongovernmental organizations in Asia and Africa, and has served on international and Danish research councils. She is a frequent lecturer, course and workshop facilitator.