ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the case-study projects in Bangladesh, together with an analysis of the criteria for their selection. It describes the methodological considerations and techniques, including the ways of data collection and sources of information. The methodological aspects of research set the stage for acting on theories and carrying out empirical investigation. Observation is claimed to be “basic to all scientific enquiries”. This method is “particularly appropriate when high degree of analytical content is required”. Development studies frequently seem to face a “methodological dilemma”; that is, how to effectively synthesize formal and informal methods, and quantitative and qualitative data. Mainly for the purpose of generating quantitative data, survey method with questionnaire and samples was used. Household appeared to be a suitable unit of data collection and analysis. Household members have wide social and economic linkages to pursue their survival strategies of production, consumption, use and access to resources.
