Methods for development work and research : guide for practitioners

This book is an indispensable, down-to-earth. richly illustrated guide to a variety of quantitative and qualitative methods for research and practice in development settings. Providing practical examples, techniques and tools for different types of studies, Britha Mikkelsen examines in detail both the concept of participation and ethical considerations in field work, and stresses methodological pluralism and dialogue in development planning. She supports her exposition with illuminating case studies. quotations and

The major part of the book is devoted to new rapid and participatory methods, viewing them as an important adjustment of or complement to other long est hd qualitative and quantitative field study methods. The selection of methods reflection of changed perceptions of North South and insider-outsider relations. and highlights different techniques for studying selected development isues with a focus on people's knowledge and their active involvement in their own desting.

The author stresses that it is both possible and necessary to change the top-down approach which characterizes much development work and research. Dulogue, feuvilis, ande participatory methods are key intervening in social process people's cultures. Technigas such as ranking and scoting, mapping and diagrams, and the une of indicators, focus groups and semi-structured interviews in the study of current development ises such as poverty reduction and gender thly illustrated. With its nefreshing plinary perspecting and ins this book i practitioners the South and the North It useful for students of development dology, sociology. antheog technical and agricultural scienor International and voluntary development organizations will find this book