Casting the Net Wide and Deep: Lessons Learned in a Mixed-Methods Study of Poverty Dynamics in Rural Bangladesh

In this paper we reflect on lessons learned in developing a mixed-methods approach to the study of poverty dynamics in a three phase qual-quant-qual study of poverty dynamics in rural Bangladesh. We argue that a sequential but integrated approach has a number of advantages over single-method approaches or non-integrated studies. In particular, mixed-methods research strengthens our ability to make more reliable causal inferences, both in individual life trajectories, and in collective trends. We also examine how integrating qualitative and quantitative methods raises important issues for poverty dynamics research, including the way that concepts are developed and deployed, how field research is designed and conducted, how causation is identified, and how findings are analysed and presented. [Working Paper No. 155]