Attitude Theory



QUALITATIVE METHODS

Dr. Linda Mayoux

SUMMARY

Qualitative methods are an essential complement to both quantitative and participatory methods in any impact assessment. Although it is possible to do an impact assessment using only qualitative methods, the focus of this paper is on how qualitative methods can complement other methods as part of an integrated impact assessment.

Section 1 gives an overview of what is meant by qualitative methods and how these can complement quantitative and participatory methods. Section 2 reviews the main methods: informal interviews, Case Studies, and direct observation and how their rigour and reliability can be increased for particular types of enterprise impact assessment. Section 3 gives summary guidelines for commissioning and assessing qualitative methods in different types of enterprise intervention.

The paper does not give detailed guidance on use of qualitative methods in different academic disciplines. For this the reader is referred to the papers listed in the references at the end of the paper.

CONTENTS

Introduction

Section 1: What Are Qualitative Methods? Principles and Contributions

1.1 What Are Qualitative Methods?

1.2 Underlying Principles

1.3 Contributions of Qualitative Research

Section 2: Using Qualitative Methods: Challenges and Ways Forward

2.1 Qualitative Interviews

2.2 Direct Observation

2.3 Case Studies

Section 3: Guidelines for Commissioning and Assessing Qualitative Research

INTRODUCTION

Qualitative methods are an essential complement to both quantitative and participatory methods in any impact assessment. They are a necessary to increase understanding of:

complex and sensitive impacts and processes

differential impacts between stakeholders and the reasons for these

potential consequences of any practical recommendations

Although it is possible to do an impact assessment using only qualitative methods, the focus of this paper is on how qualitative...