Integrating Quantitative and Qualitative Research in Development Projects

Marc Notes: 0; Incl. bibl. ref.; IBRD PA Ref. #2834. Publisher Marketing: "Much of the early work on poverty was highly quantitative: ... It became increasingly clear, however, that while numbers are essential for policy and monitoring purposes, it is also important to understand people's perception of poverty and their mechanisms for coping with poverty and other situations of extreme economic and social stress." Researchers have recognized over the past few years that quantitative analysis of the incidence and trends in poverty, while essential for national economic development planning, must be complemented by qualitative methods that help planners and managers understand the cultural, social, political, and institutional context within which projects are designed and implemented. This report is based on a two-day workshop held in June 1998, where outside research specialists and World Bank staff discussed the importance of integrating these research methods. The participants reviewed experiences in the use of mixed-method approaches in Bank research and project design. This report is a result of those discussions. The report examines the need for integrated research approaches in social and economic development, presents case studies of integrated approaches in practice, and talks about lessons learned. Contributor Bio:  Bamberger, Michael Michael Bamberger is a senior writer for "Sports Illustrated" and the author of "Wonderland,"Contributor Bio:  Bamberger, Michael Michael Bamberger joined "Sports Illustrated" as a senior writer in 1995 after thirteen years as a newspaper reporter. He has written a play (Bart & Fay") and five books, including The Swinger", "To the Linksland" and "This Golfing Life". His work has appeared in numerous editions of the annual anthology The Best American Sports Writing".