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Can Economics Become More Reflexive ? Exploring the Potential of Mixed-Methods

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  • Rao,Vijayendra

Abstract

This paper argues that Economics can learn from Cultural Anthropology and Qualitative Sociologyby drawing on a judicious mix of qualitative and quantitative methods to become more “reflexive.” It arguesthat reflexivity, which helps reduce the distance between researchers and the subjects of their research, has four keyelements: cognitive empathy, the analysis of narratives (potentially enhanced by machine learning), understandingprocess, and participation (involving respondents in research). The paper provides an impressionistic andnon-comprehensive review of mixed-methods relevant to development economics and discrimination to illustrate these points.

Suggested Citation

  • Rao,Vijayendra, 2022. "Can Economics Become More Reflexive ? Exploring the Potential of Mixed-Methods," Policy Research Working Paper Series 9918, The World Bank.
    • Handle: RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:9918
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Christopher Udry, 2003. "Fieldwork, Economic Theory, and Research on Institutions in Developing Countries," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 93(2), pages 107-111, May.
    2. Blattman, Christopher & Lessing, Benjamin & Tobon, Santiago & Duncan, Gustavo, 2021. "Gang rule: Understanding and Countering Criminal Governance," SocArXiv 5nyqs, Center for Open Science.
    3. Rao, Vijayendra & Ananthpur, Kripa & Malik, Kabir, 2017. "The Anatomy of Failure: An Ethnography of a Randomized Trial to Deepen Democracy in Rural India," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 99(C), pages 481-497.
    4. Jayachandran, Seema & Biradavolu, Monica & Cooper, Jan, 2021. "Using machine learning and qualitative interviews to design a five-question women's agency index," CEPR Discussion Papers 15961, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
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    Keywords

    Human Rights; Gender and Development; Financial Sector Policy; Social Cohesion; ICT Applications;
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