Rapid Assessment Process: An Introduction

Rapid Assessment Process (RAP) has gone under many names but invariably uses the techniques of fieldwork and ethnography in a telescoped manner to provide solid, field-based research findings for use by policymakers and program planners. It uses an emic perspective, a team of researchers, triangulation of research findings, and iterative process to produce high-quality research in a fraction of the time taken by traditional ethnography. Long used for third world projects, RAP is now being used to inform policy in many different settings. This volume is the first introduction to this group of methods, explaining to researchers and to students how to do RAP research well. The author, an international development professional who has been doing RAP studies for over two decades, clearly outlines the process, promise and pitfalls of RAP in this brief volume. Included are many examples of successful RAP studies and clear guidance to readers on how to embark on their own RAP research.

Author Biography: James Beebe is Professor in the Doctoral Program in Leadership at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. He has a Ph.D. in International Development Education, an M.A. in Anthropology, and an M.A. in Food Research (Int'ernational Agricultural Development). As a practitioner/scholar in qualitative research methodology, Beebe has worked for the U.S. Agency for International Development in long-term assignments in the Sudan, Philippines, Liberia and South Africa, and short-term assignments in nine other countries. He does teaching, research and consulting on the relationship between leadership and technology.