Description

On trying to be Q-Squared: Merging methods for a technical minded client

NILAKSHI DE SILVA

Senior Professional, Poverty Impact Monitoring Programme, Centre for Poverty Analysis, Colombo, Sri Lanka

NERANJANA GUNETILLEKE

Senior Professional, Poverty Impact Monitoring Programme, Centre for Poverty Analysis, Colombo, Sri Lanka

ABSTRACT

This paper provides a reflection on issues arising from using Q-squared methodology in monitoring involuntary resettlement under the Southern Transport Development Project in Sri Lanka. One of the main objectives of the monitoring exercise was to influence policy makers and the Q-squared monitoring methodology was developed to meet this objective. Monitoring was carried out using a multi-sample, multi-method framework, but the focus of this paper is on the household survey, which collected both quantitative and qualitative information in one tool. Using a mixed tool has raised many practical and conceptual issues, most of which were resolved by putting in more thought and time. The progress we have made with initially reluctant clients, some of whom have gone from flat out rejection to engaging with our findings, is to a large extent a result of the mixed method’s ability to provide a more complete picture. The validation of the methodology is its ability to show the generalisable picture as well as that of outliers. The recommendations resulting from the mixed method are more rounded, which in turn has lead to credibility and policy influence.

Keywords: Sri Lanka; resettlement; expressways; monitoring