The pitfalls of questionnaire surveys
Practical Action
Access to medical Semi-structured
Not appropriate
services
interviews
unless wanting to
know the extent of
the problem. Keep it
short and focused
and use in
conjunction with PRA
tools.
Figure 2: Methods used to gain project information
References and resources
ADB. The PPA approach.
Edwards, M., Gosling, L. (1995) Toolkits, Development Manual 5 - A Practical Guide
to Assessment, Monitoring, Review and Evaluation. Save the Children, London.
Chambers, R. (2008) Revolutions in Development Inquiry. Earthscan, London.
Chambers, R. (2007) Who counts? The quiet revolution of Participation and
Numbers. Working Paper 296. Institute of Development Studies, University of
Sussex, Brighton.
Chambers, R. (2007) Poverty Research: Methodologies, Mindsets and
Multidimensionality. Working Paper 293. Institute of Development Studies,
University of Sussex, Brighton.
Sanoff, H. (2000) Community Participation methods in Design and Planning. John
Wiley & Sons Inc, USA.
Wates, N. (2000) The community Planning Handbook. The Urban Design Group, The
Prince’s Foundation, South Bank University, London. Earthscan Publications Ltd,
London.
Chambers, R. Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA): Analysis of Experience.
Barahona, C., Levy, S. The Best of Both Worlds: Producing National Statistics using
Participatory Methods
Further Reading
Practical Action Publishing titles on Participation
This document – process guideline - was produced by Mansoor Ali of Practical
Action in consultation with Liz Bates, Katherine Pasteur, Hilary Warburton, &
Mick Howes, in 2010.
Practical Action
The Schumacher Centre
Bourton-on-Dunsmore
Rugby, Warwickshire, CV23 9QZ
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1926 634400
Fax: +44 (0)1926 634401
E-mail: inforserv@practicalaction.org.uk
Website: http://practicalaction.org/practicalanswers/
Practical Action is a development charity with a difference. We know the simplest ideas can have the
most profound, life-changing effect on poor people across the world. For over 40 years, we have been
working closely with some of the world’s poorest people - using simple technology to fight poverty and
transform their lives for the better. We currently work in 15 countries in Africa, South Asia and Latin
America.
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