A Methodological Framework Integrating Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches for Socio-Economic Survey Work

Background

This page introduces outputs from the DFID-funded Natural Resources Systems Programme (Socio-Economic Methodologies Component) Project R7033: A Methodological Framework Integrating Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches for Socio-Economic Survey Work.

The effort was a collaborative project between the Social and Economic Development Department, Natural Resources Institute and the SSC.

Project purpose

Until recently, socio-economic survey work in the RNR and other sectors has often focused on quantitative, statistical, survey techniques on the one hand and informal, qualitative techniques on the other. As a result, collection and analysis of information in the RNR sector was characterised by a polarisation of approaches with "traditional", quantitative techniques on the one hand, and informal qualitative methods on the other.

This project made an attempt to bridge the gap between the two schools of thinking, recognising that there are interfaces where the two approaches could benefit from each other. The project's principal purpose was to develop socio-economic research methods which would combine elements of both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The methodological framework generated is expected to facilitate data gathering and analysis, resulting in more trustworthy information. This framework should not, however, be seen as a rigid recipe but a flexible guide on how to make better use of and integrate a number of known techniques.

Outputs

(a) The Methodological Framework

This is presented in the paper "A Methodological Framework for Combining Qualitative and Quantitative Survey Methods" by N. Marsland, I.M. Wilson, S. Abeyasekera and U. Kleih (2000); submitted for publication in the SEM Best Practice Guideline Series, Natural Resources Institute.

(b) Theme papers

Theme Paper 1:

Participation and the Qualitative - Quantitative Spectrum

Theme Paper 2:

Sampling and Qualitative Research

Theme Paper 3:

Analysis approaches in Participatory Work involving Ranks and Scores

Theme Paper 4:

Converting ranks to scores for an ad-hoc assessment of methods of communication available to farmers

Theme Paper 5:

Comparing changes in farmer perceptions over time

Theme Paper 6:

Quantifying and Combining Causal Diagrams

(c) Case Studies

Case Study 1:

Larger Grain Borer Coping Strategies Project

Case Study 2:

Computerising and Analysing Qualitative Information from a study concerning Activity Diaries 

Case Study 3:

Generalising Results from Matrices of Scores

Case Study 4:

On-going Evaluation of FRP Project "Sustainable Management of Miombo Woodland Project by Local Communities in Malawi"

Case Study 5:

The Use of Statistics in Participatory Technology development - The case of Seasonal Feed Scarcity for Goats in Semi-arid India

Case Study 6:

Wealth ranking Study of Villages in Peri-Urban Areas of Kumasi, Ghana

Last updated: 11 January, 2012