Research for Development
A Practical Guide
- Sophie Laws - Coram
- Caroline Harper - Overseas Development Institute, UK
- Nicola Jones - Overseas Development Institute, UK
- Rachel Marcus - Independent Researcher
Developmental Geography | International Development | Research Methods for Development Studies
Divided into three parts, the book provides a complete overview of the research process spanning:
- the uses, planning and management of research
- reviewing existing evidence
- learning development research skills
- choosing research methods
- undertaking ethical research
- writing an effective research report
- promoting research uptake and assessing research
- monitoring and evaluation
This fully revised second edition also includes a new section on how to use the internet for research. Its 16 chapters are enriched by a variety of international case studies, checklists of key points, learning exercises, helpful references to further reading and engaging illustrations. The book also includes a detailed glossary of terms.
Drawing on considerable hands-on experience, Research for Development is an ideal practical companion for students of development studies and public policy, as well as practitioners in the field.
Cover image © Jenny Matthews / World Vision/ PhotoVoice
A good general text on key elements of development research.
I think this is a super book - the ideas are not only relevant to research in international development, but also for social research in any context that wishes to engage 'respondents' as research participants.
The book covers, among the usual topics, other issues relating to planning and managing research, participation, and uses of research findings to influence policy, programming and practice. A key theme running through the book are the social and political elements of research.
Perhaps more could have been made of the emancipatory intentions of (some) research by addressing critical perspectives in addition to positivist and social constructionist approaches. A critical realist take on research may also be a useful addition here (usefully brought to life in Alderson P (2013) Childhoods, Real and Imagined)
That said, the book goes into enough depth for most small-scale studies - and shows readers how, for example, to carry out simple qualitative and quantitative analysis; a useful outline for studies in resource poor contexts/settings.
This is a book I'll recommend to postgrad students (as well as other tutors) on our education-related programmes.
The MA course policy research and evaluation attracts more and more foreign students who want to conduct their dissertation project in their own country. This book is really helpful because it outlines the essential steps in a research project in an accessible manner (making it relevant for all students) whilst at the same time highlighting specific issues in developing countries. I particular like the summaries at the end of Chapters (key points, further reading, web sites, etc.).
A substantive and highly useful reference text. Well-written and relevant both in terms of range of topics and approach.
A really valuable book concerning the methods of research for the students of international development. Thanks for the great service!
- A new section on how to use the internet for research
- New international case studies, checklists of key points, learning exercises, helpful references to further reading and engaging illustrations
- A detailed glossary of terms.
