Methodological Dilemma in Microfinance Research: Applicability of a Qualitative Case Study Design

Authors

Shahjahan Chowdhury, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, BangladeshFollow
Faisal Ahmmed, Shahjalal University of Science and technology, BangladeshFollow
Md. Ismail Hossain, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, BangladeshFollow

Abstract

This paper sheds light on the methodological dilemma in microfinance research and examines the feasibility of conducting a qualitative case study. Microfinance research is dominated by quantitative impact studies. However, the issues of process and implementation are critical to make an impact. The paper argues that a qualitative case study method can be used as a supplement or an alternative to quantitative methodology, because it is context-specific and naturally enquires research problem. The in-depth and in-detail inquiry make the findings more robust, and readers can understand the meaning holistically by reading stories and quotes. The case study can be used to prove microfinance impacts and to improve microfinance practices.

Keywords

Qualitative, Case Study, Microfinance, Methodology

Author Bio(s)

Mohammad Shahjahan Chowdhury, Ph.D., is Assistant Professor in the Department of Public Administration at Shahjalal University of Science & Technology, Sylhet 3114, Bangladesh. Please direct correspondence to shahjahansust.chowdhury@gmail.com.

Dr. Faisal Ahmmed is Professor in the Department of Social Work at Shahjalal University of Science & Technology, Sylhet 3114, Bangladesh. Please direct correspondence to dr.faisal_ahmmed@yahoo.com.

Dr. Md. Ismail Hossain is Professor in the Department of Social Work at Shahjalal University of Science & Technology, Sylhet 3114, Bangladesh. Please direct correspondence to ismailscw@yahoo.com.

Acknowledgements

I am indebted to all the reviewers and the editors of the Qualitative Report for their valuable comments and suggestions in developing the manuscript. I am indebted to Mizanur Rahman, Associate Professor, Department of English, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Bangladesh for his valuable contribution in editing the manuscript.

Publication Date

2-4-2020

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

DOI

10.46743/2160-3715/2020.3962

Recommended APA Citation

Chowdhury, S., Ahmmed, F., & Hossain, M. (2020). Methodological Dilemma in Microfinance Research: Applicability of a Qualitative Case Study Design. The Qualitative Report, 25(2), 271-290. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2020.3962