Research for Development : A Practical Guide
Contents: I. Managing research for development: how to use this book: 1. Introduction – why use research in development work? 2. How is research used in development work? 3. Participatory research. 4. Quality in research. 5. Planning for effective research – preparing to write the brief. 6. Planning for effective research – what should go into the brief? 7. Who should do the research? 8. Managing research. 9. Learning how to do research for development work. 10. Managing for impact – promoting research findings. 11. Evaluating research for development work. II. Doing research for development: 12. What is already known? Making the most of existing information. 13. Research ethics. 14. Communication with respondents – the key to good research. 15. How to ensure quality in data-gathering. 16. Choosing methods. 17. Seven key research techniques. 18. Some packages of methods for research for development work. 19. Talking to the right people – choosing a sample. 20. Analysis. 21. How to write an effective research report. Appendix: useful websites. Glossary. References. Index.
"What is research and what is the best approach to research for development? What are the different ways in which research is used in development work? This handbook answers these questions with tremendous ease and, in the process, helps to do away with the myth that research is only meant for researchers and not for practitioners and implementers of schemes and projects. It is a comprehensive introduction for undertaking and managing research in development.
Research is used in development work for a variety of purposes. Among others, it helps to explore an issue in order to plan a programme, it makes people aware of their needs, and it aims to collect in-depth information about a specific issue to make a case for change. Research can be a tool used by development workers for social change, and it is here that this handbook will play a major role.
Written by professional researchers, this immensely practical book provides development workers with a more research-oriented point of view, so that they can avoid mistakes in the design of programmes. It will also help them to understand people’s needs and respond accordingly.
The manual has been divided into two parts—part I provides the conceptual framework, while part II focusses more on the practical steps on conducting research for development work. It also contains details of various websites, which will assist the reader to be in touch with the latest developments in the field of development research. The presence of activity tables, key-points and checklists make the book very reader-friendly, and will enable development workers to design, implement, monitor and evaluate programmes in a more efficient manner.
Apart from its immense usefulness to development professionals, consultants and trainers, this well written and lucid book will also be of interest to students and scholars in the field of development studies, social development, sociology and social research methods."
