Development Fieldwork

A Practical Guide
Second Edition
Regina Scheyvens - Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
Development Fieldwork
March 2014 | 312 pages | Sage UK
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Description

This book provides an invaluable guide to undertaking development fieldwork in both the developing world and in western contexts. It takes you through all the key stages in development research and covers:

 

  • Research design and the roles of quantitative and qualitative methods.
  • Research using archival, textual and virtual data, along with using the internet ethically.
  • Practical as well as personal issues, including funding, permissions, motivation and attitude.
  • Culture shock, ethical considerations and working with marginalized, vulnerable or privileged groups, from indigenous peoples through to elites and corporations.
  • How to write up your findings.

Sensitive, engaging and accessible in tone, the text is rich in learning features; from boxed examples to bullet-pointed summaries and questions for reflection. Development Fieldwork is the perfect companion for students engaged in research across development studies, geography, social anthropology or public policy.

Contents

Introduction

Introduction

PART ONE: METHODOLOGY

  • Designing Development Research
  • Quantitative Research
  • Qualitative Research
  • Something Old, Something New: Research Using Archives, Texts and Virtual Data

PART TWO: PREPARATION FOR THE FIELD

  • Practical Issues
  • Personal Issues

PART THREE: IN THE FIELD

  • Entering the Field
  • Ethical Issues
  • Working with Marginalised, Vulnerable or Privileged Groups

PART FOUR: LEAVING THE FIELD

  • Anything to Declare? The Politics and Practicalities of Leaving the Field
  • Returning to University and Writing the Field
  • Ways Forward

Description

This book provides an invaluable guide to undertaking development fieldwork in both the developing world and in western contexts. It takes you through all the key stages in development research and covers:

 

  • Research design and the roles of quantitative and qualitative methods.
  • Research using archival, textual and virtual data, along with using the internet ethically.
  • Practical as well as personal issues, including funding, permissions, motivation and attitude.
  • Culture shock, ethical considerations and working with marginalized, vulnerable or privileged groups, from indigenous peoples through to elites and corporations.
  • How to write up your findings.

Sensitive, engaging and accessible in tone, the text is rich in learning features; from boxed examples to bullet-pointed summaries and questions for reflection. Development Fieldwork is the perfect companion for students engaged in research across development studies, geography, social anthropology or public policy.

Contents

Introduction

Introduction

PART ONE: METHODOLOGY

  • Designing Development Research
  • Quantitative Research
  • Qualitative Research
  • Something Old, Something New: Research Using Archives, Texts and Virtual Data

PART TWO: PREPARATION FOR THE FIELD

  • Practical Issues
  • Personal Issues

PART THREE: IN THE FIELD

  • Entering the Field
  • Ethical Issues
  • Working with Marginalised, Vulnerable or Privileged Groups

PART FOUR: LEAVING THE FIELD

  • Anything to Declare? The Politics and Practicalities of Leaving the Field
  • Returning to University and Writing the Field
  • Ways Forward
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Development Fieldwork

A Practical Guide

Regina Scheyvens
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March 2014 | 312 pages | Sage UK

Format Published Date ISBN Price

This book provides an invaluable guide to undertaking development fieldwork in both the developing world and in western contexts. It takes you through all the key stages in development research and covers:

 

  • Research design and the roles of quantitative and qualitative methods.
  • Research using archival, textual and virtual data, along with using the internet ethically.
  • Practical as well as personal issues, including funding, permissions, motivation and attitude.
  • Culture shock, ethical considerations and working with marginalized, vulnerable or privileged groups, from indigenous peoples through to elites and corporations.
  • How to write up your findings.

Sensitive, engaging and accessible in tone, the text is rich in learning features; from boxed examples to bullet-pointed summaries and questions for reflection. Development Fieldwork is the perfect companion for students engaged in research across development studies, geography, social anthropology or public policy.


Table Of Contents:

  • Introduction
  • PART ONE: METHODOLOGY
  • Designing Development Research
  • Quantitative Research
  • Qualitative Research
  • Something Old, Something New: Research Using Archives, Texts and Virtual Data
  • PART TWO: PREPARATION FOR THE FIELD
  • Practical Issues
  • Personal Issues
  • PART THREE: IN THE FIELD
  • Entering the Field
  • Ethical Issues
  • Working with Marginalised, Vulnerable or Privileged Groups
  • PART FOUR: LEAVING THE FIELD
  • Anything to Declare? The Politics and Practicalities of Leaving the Field
  • Returning to University and Writing the Field
  • Ways Forward

Recent Product Reviews:

An excellent overview of the pitfalls and problems of fieldwork in remote places... elegant, incisive and enjoyable... good humoured and eminently practical - the "Lonely Planet" guide to the field.
Professor John Connell, The University of Sydney, Australia
Development Fieldwork is without doubt the best available guide to dealing with practical, methodological and ethical issues in 'development' research, within and across 'North' and 'South'. It addresses both long-standing and more recently emerging research issues with sensitivity, insight, good sense and a clear commitment to engaged, responsible research practices and relationships. It is a vital resource for undergraduate dissertation students and postgraduates, but has much to offer even experienced researchers. Development Fieldwork is an essential resource.
Dr. Emma Mawdsley, University of Cambridge
This is a fantastic collection of the ‘ins’ and ‘outs’ of development-related fieldwork. From ethical concerns to practical encounters, the volume offers clear and useful advice for both first time researchers and seasoned academics on negotiating ‘the field’. Already one of the most dog-eared books on my shelf!
Dr. Simon Springer, University of Victoria, Canada
The writers through the ‘gift of the gab’ and brilliant advocacy in the temple of development have forged useful approaches in the furnace of practical experiences for the benefit of new, upcoming, emerging and established development researchers.
Prof. Oladele O. Idowu, International Journal of Agricultural Management

Recommendations