Case Studies of Good Statistical Practice

The SSC took up a suggestion by DFID to review a number of research projects with a view to producing case studies of good statistical practice. Eight case studies have been produced, intended as illustrative examples to help you in your research and development work. These can be viewed as PDF files via the links below:

1. Good practice in well-linked studies using several methodologies - based on a CPP project in the Philippines.
2. Good practice in survey design and analysis - based on a CPP project in India.
3. Good practice in on-farm studies - based on a joint NRSP/CPP project in Bolivia.
4. Good practice in researcher and farmer experimentation - based on an NRSP project in Zimbabwe.
5. Determining the effectiveness of a proposed sample size - based on work for DFID by a private sector research firm in Bangladesh.
6. Good practice in data management - based on a bilateral project in Malawi.
7. Good practice in the preparation of research protocols - based on (i) a Plant Sciences Research programme project in West Africa; (ii) an NRSP project in Nepal; and (iii) an NRSP project in Bangladesh.
8. Developing a sampling strategy for a nationwide survey in Malawi - based on a bilateral project in Malawi.

We hope these examples of "good practice" will help researchers on future projects, and be an antidote to the view that statisticians only say what was not possible or what was done poorly. We are very grateful to the DFID researchers and the private firm in Bangladesh who all agreed to our use of the materials without constraints.

Note: The material included in the case studies remains the sole responsibility of the SSC and does not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of DFID.

Last updated 30 September, 2005