Using Interdisciplinary Approaches and Mix Methods

The PSIA approach advocates the integrated use of both quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative methods have limitations in evaluating the poverty-reducing impact of development programs and policies. Many of the challenges that the poor face cannot be meaningfully understood without direct, qualitative reference to the context in which the poor live. Integrating qualitative and quantitative approaches in impact analysis can yield insights that neither approach would generate on its own.

Analytical robustness on social and poverty impacts of policy reforms is achieved through triangulation of methods, analytical focus and sources of information. Economic, social and sectoral perspectives on PSIA contribute greatly to making the analysis more robust. Interdisciplinary teams often apply a mixed method approach to impact analysis.

For more information, please refer to the following material:

• Integrating Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches in Program Evaluation, from "Evaluating the Poverty and Distributional Impact of Economic Policies (Techniques and Tools)" (1.4mb PDF)
• Mixed Method Case Studies

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