Development Fieldwork
A Practical Guide
- Regina Scheyvens - Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Development Fieldwork is an excellent practical guide that will assist students in approaching the fieldwork component in the course. This book will be recommended for the 2017 group of students.
A very reader-friendly text which raises and explores a range of relevant issues in terms of research ethics and methodologies.
Excellent value for money and a very good introductory text.
A very useful book both for students preparing their own future development research projects and more experienced researchers. Apart from sound theoretical basis it provides readers with many useful practical tips - all content is very accessible.
This is an extremely useful, practice-directed guide to better fieldwork in development settings. This year I will be using it to anchor the work of my programme as the students prepare for their fieldwork and related research projects. Highly recommended.
Really an interesting guide for academics and practitioners alike. It gives insight into the day-to-day challenges of any professional working in the field of development cooperation.
- Chapters on Research Using Archival, Textual and Virtual Data
- More diverse research contexts, partnership working, working in 'remote' areas, post-conflict research, and research in western contexts
- Further content on analysing qualitative and quantitative data and mixed methods
- More learning features including bullet-pointed summaries and reflection questions
