ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an outline of research methodologies and methods that may be used by social workers in the field. It draws on the body of literature that describes Rapid Appraisal—a technique used to access data quickly and to make a rapid assessment of a situation. Rapid Appraisal uses both quantitative and qualitative sources of data. The key to successful Rapid Appraisal is triangulation—the use of a number of methods and sources of data to develop an informed understanding of the situation and to enhance the validity of the emerging data. Focus groups are also a useful method for gaining information quickly from a variety of sources, and can be used to source information from people in temporary shelters or from workers and other personnel on the ground. Interviews are another way of collecting valuable information. Immediate post-disaster narratives provide significant understanding of the ways people experience and react to disaster/crisis.
