Difference of qualitative and quantitative res.DOCVIP

Information capacity strengthening for agricultural policy formulation Institute of Policy and Strategy for Agriculture and Rural Development QUALITATIVE METHODOLOGIES FOR POLICY ANALYSIS Training for IPSARD research and management staff from 15 – 18 May 2006 in the framework of the project ??Strengthening Information Mobilisation Capacities towards Agricultural Policies??. Project partners: MISPA, IPSARD and AFD’s (Agence Fran?aise de Développement). Reference document part 1: Introduction to qualitative research Edited by trainer consultant Jaap Voeten (MsM/UvT) Expected learning outcome of part 1 ‘Introduction to qualitative research’ Participants should be able: to define qualitative research; to distinguish the philosophical background and practical features of qualitative research from quantitative research; to list an overview of qualitative research methods in various subject disciplines; to explain why qualitative research is essential in policy. Contents 1.1 Explanation of overall course objective and specific training objectives 1.2 Review and discussion of qualitative research definitions 1.2.1 Definitions 1.2.2 Characteristics of qualitative research 1.3 Difference (and complementarities) of quantitative and qualitative research 1.4 Philosophical principles and history of qualitative research (knowledge claims: positivism, critical theory, constructivism etc.) 1.5 Overview of the qualitative research methods in various research disciplines 1.6 Conclusion 1.1 Explanation of training objectives The overall learning outcome of the proposed training is: IPSARD staff will have understanding and practical skills in qualitative research focused on policy development relevant to their work. The training will familiarize participants with qualitative research methods and understand the challenges of the policy research planning, the design process and the field work. Relevant to their work means that IPSARD staff is able