Qualitative Research
There is much confusion over the difference between qualitative and quantitative research. Simply put, 'qualitative' and 'quantitative' should refer specifically to the type of data that are being generated in the research process. Quantitative research produces data in the form of numbers while qualitative research tends to produce data that are stated in prose or textual forms. Both can produce data that can be shown in charts or pictorial form. In order to produce different types of data, qualitative and quantitative research tends to employ different methods. In contrast to quantitative household survey instruments, qualitative research tends to sacrifice breadth of coverage and statistical generalisability, instead using contextual methods to explore complex issues in depth.
In common with qualitative research, participatory research studies, such as Participatory Poverty Assessments (PPAs), tend to use more contextual methods, but can elicit both qualitative and quantitative data and are underpinned by a philosophical commitment to respect local knowledge and facilitate local ownership and control of data generation and analysis.
OPM pioneers new methods and approaches for applied research, with a particular focus on combining qualitative and quantitative data and on mainstreaming participatory methods. OPM offers services in the following areas:
- Supporting qualitative research for policy analysis and design (including Poverty and Social Impact Analysis)
- Designing qualitative and combined-methods modules for programme and project monitoring and evaluation
- Providing training and capacity building for in-country clients and research outfits in qualitative and participatory research methods
- Providing technical advice on sampling methodologies to maximise the impact of qualitative research findings
- Offering research coordination skills for implementing large-scale qualitative and participatory studies
- Supporting institutional arrangements for ensuring that qualitative and participatory research is effectively mainstreamed into policy, programme and project cycles.