Qualitative Research for Development

‘This book is a practical and informative addition to the existing text books on qualitative methods. The authors show the scope of qualitative research and the value of the approach to international development. Having a foot in both academia and development has enabled them to produce a valuable guide which addresses many of the questions raised by development organizations about how you do qualitative research, analyse and write up. I am delighted to see this valuable book!’
Janet Seeley, Professor of Anthropology and Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

‘Is there a need for yet another textbook on qualitative methods? At first sight, perhaps not, but after having read this volume there are good reasons to rethink that “gut response”. The debate between qualitative and quantitative methods is old and might be coming to an end. The understanding -- and lack of understanding -- of qualitative methods varies over time, and hence each period of time needs its own explanation of qualitative methods. The current volume sets the discussion squarely in current discussions around evidence, learning, rigour and performance management. While it is mainly directed at practitioners of qualitative research, I hope many others study its contents: project and programme managers, those who take decisions on the design and funding of research and evaluation, and in particular all who use research findings and who have opinions on whether a particular research process can be considered as “rigorous evidence”.’
Kim Forss, Expert Group for Aid Studies, Sweden