Rapid Appraisal Methods

Book excerpt: "Rapid appraisal is a less structured data collection method aimed at supplying needed information in a timely and cost-effective manner. This volume outlines five rapid data collection methods - key informant interviews, focus group discussions, group ... See More + interviews, structured observation, and informal surveys. Each of these methods has been used by exponents of rapid appraisal. Case studies are used to illustrate the use of these methods in development settings especially in evaluation of development projects and programs. The authors show that rapid appraisals can be a complement to standard social research methods which are not often used to meet the pressing information needs of decision-makers in development."--World Bank.