A New Methodology for Development Economics

"An original and highly practical contribution to applied development economics, this book integrates service design with discrete choice experiments to strengthen the design and delivery of development interventions. Clear and methodologically rigorous, it explains key modelling choices for discrete choice data and positions the approach relative to RCT-based strategies. Valuable reading for researchers and practitioners alike."– Osman Ouattara, Reader in Development Economics, University of Manchester

“This is an excellent addition to the literature, and this fresh perspective has a good chance to reinvigorate critical debate and growth in both impact evaluation and development economics.” ­– Bereket Kebede, Professor of Development Economics, University of East Anglia

This book offers a new methodology for research on development economics, which combines qualitative and quantitative techniques. It aims to provide nuanced research results that recognize the complex nature of development challenges and solutions. Particular attention is given to service design, which can highlight development interventions, and discrete choice data. By comparing the new methodology with the existing methods, including randomized control trials, it’s strengths and limitations are outlined, alongside case studies illustrating its capabilities.

This book presents a new and integrated approach to economic research and development policy. It will be relevant to students, researchers, and practitioners interested in development economics and economic methodology.

Giovanni Alberto Tabacco is an economist, with a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of East Anglia. He has been a Visiting Fellow at the Leibniz Institute for East and Southeast European Studies, and he has held positions at Brunel University, Jaume I University, Copenhagen Business School, and Swansea University.