Main description:
`[Research for Development] is well-written and, at every stage, is well-documented with practical examples. The simplicity with which it is written adds to its value in that non-professional persons get well-aquainted with the research process. Every chapter in the book ends with highlighting of the main points made in that chapter... A further strength of the book is the inclusion of an appendix with a list of websites that deal with issues in the area of development research... the simplicity of its organization and message should appeal to people/researchers across disciplines' - Pakistan Development Review
`Research for Development achieves the near impossible: it provides vast quantities of useful guidance for almost anyone involved in research for development regardless of the size of your research project or your role within that project' - Arvac Bulletin
`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 Asian Age
`It is a beautiful and comprehensive compilation giving scores of instances that prove the essentiality if carrying out a survey of a particular locality for bringing about a change there' - Rafique Jalal, DAWN
This book provides a comprehensive introduction and handbook for undertaking and managing research in development.
It is designed to provide both a quick reference manual and an indispensable learning tool for all students, researchers and practitioners engaged in development work.
The text is divided into two parts: Managing research for development, and Doing research for development. Together the two parts review the complete research process from outlining the essential role and purpose of research, highlighting specific issues to development research, to demonstrating how to evaluate and secure the best results from subsequent research projects.
The book includes: an overview of different types of research in development work; practical steps to writing a brief and managing research; practical steps to evaluating and promoting research findings; step by step guides to getting started and choosing a research method; detailed guidelines to seven key research techniques; examples, exercises, summaries and checklists; and glossary and guides to additional resources and packages
Drawing on considerable hands-on experience, Research for Development will be an essential companion and invaluable tool for anyone engaged in contemporary development research, development work and development studies.
Table of contents:
PART ONE: MANAGING RESEARCH FOR DEVELOPMENT
Introduction
Why Use Research in Development Work?
How Is Research Used in Development Work?
Participatory Research
Quality in Research
Planning for Effective Research
Preparing to Write the Brief
Planning for Effective Research
What Should Go into the Brief?
Who Should Do the Research?
Managing Research
Learning How to Do Research for Development Work
Managing for Impact
Promoting Research Findings
Evaluating Research for Development Work
PART TWO: DOING RESEARCH FOR DEVELOPMENT
What Is Already Known? Making the Most of Existing Information
Research Ethics
Communication with Respondents
The Key to Good Research
How to Ensure Quality in Data-Gathering
Choosing Methods
Seven Key Research Techniques
Some Packages of Methods for Research for Development Work
Talking to the Right People
Choosing a Sample
Analysis
How to Write an Effective Research Report
`[Research for Development] is well-written and, at every stage, is well-documented with practical examples. The simplicity with which it is written adds to its value in that non-professional persons get well-aquainted with the research process. Every chapter in the book ends with highlighting of the main points made in that chapter... A further strength of the book is the inclusion of an appendix with a list of websites that deal with issues in the area of development research... the simplicity of its organization and message should appeal to people/researchers across disciplines' - Pakistan Development Review
`Research for Development achieves the near impossible: it provides vast quantities of useful guidance for almost anyone involved in research for development regardless of the size of your research project or your role within that project' - Arvac Bulletin
`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 Asian Age
`It is a beautiful and comprehensive compilation giving scores of instances that prove the essentiality if carrying out a survey of a particular locality for bringing about a change there' - Rafique Jalal, DAWN
This book provides a comprehensive introduction and handbook for undertaking and managing research in development.
It is designed to provide both a quick reference manual and an indispensable learning tool for all students, researchers and practitioners engaged in development work.
The text is divided into two parts: Managing research for development, and Doing research for development. Together the two parts review the complete research process from outlining the essential role and purpose of research, highlighting specific issues to development research, to demonstrating how to evaluate and secure the best results from subsequent research projects.
The book includes: an overview of different types of research in development work; practical steps to writing a brief and managing research; practical steps to evaluating and promoting research findings; step by step guides to getting started and choosing a research method; detailed guidelines to seven key research techniques; examples, exercises, summaries and checklists; and glossary and guides to additional resources and packages
Drawing on considerable hands-on experience, Research for Development will be an essential companion and invaluable tool for anyone engaged in contemporary development research, development work and development studies.
Table of contents:
PART ONE: MANAGING RESEARCH FOR DEVELOPMENT
Introduction
Why Use Research in Development Work?
How Is Research Used in Development Work?
Participatory Research
Quality in Research
Planning for Effective Research
Preparing to Write the Brief
Planning for Effective Research
What Should Go into the Brief?
Who Should Do the Research?
Managing Research
Learning How to Do Research for Development Work
Managing for Impact
Promoting Research Findings
Evaluating Research for Development Work
PART TWO: DOING RESEARCH FOR DEVELOPMENT
What Is Already Known? Making the Most of Existing Information
Research Ethics
Communication with Respondents
The Key to Good Research
How to Ensure Quality in Data-Gathering
Choosing Methods
Seven Key Research Techniques
Some Packages of Methods for Research for Development Work
Talking to the Right People
Choosing a Sample
Analysis
How to Write an Effective Research Report
In the decade since it was first published, Research for Development has become the 'go to' text for development practitioners, students and researchers alike. This substantially revised second edition is even better: brought fully up to date with many new topics and chapters, this book is comprehensive, authoritative and highly informative. Whether one is seeking a quick definition or brief explanation of a subject, or needing a more detailed guide to how to go about doing research for development, this book is quite simply indispensible.
David Lewis
Professor of Social Policy and Development, London School of Economics & Political Science
Research for Development is undoubtedly the best guide to its subject that we have. The first edition has become an indispensable work of reference for development researchers and practitioners engaged in commissioning and managing research. Oxfam staff around the world have benefitted from its use, and all of us are looking forward to the publication of the new edition. Sophie Laws, Caroline Harper, Nicola Jones and Rachel Marcus are to be congratulated for the work they have put into updating the text and keeping it relevant to the ever-changing demands of development research, and for their contribution to our common goal of making the world a better place..
Duncan Green
Senior Strategic Adviser, Oxfam
David Lewis
Professor of Social Policy and Development, London School of Economics & Political Science
Research for Development is undoubtedly the best guide to its subject that we have. The first edition has become an indispensable work of reference for development researchers and practitioners engaged in commissioning and managing research. Oxfam staff around the world have benefitted from its use, and all of us are looking forward to the publication of the new edition. Sophie Laws, Caroline Harper, Nicola Jones and Rachel Marcus are to be congratulated for the work they have put into updating the text and keeping it relevant to the ever-changing demands of development research, and for their contribution to our common goal of making the world a better place..
Duncan Green
Senior Strategic Adviser, Oxfam