methodrural women's studies with qualitative research

the application of qualitative and participatory research methods in rural development studies shows similarities in findings with quantitative methods, as well as possibilities of more depth data analysis. this article is based on research carried out with rural appraisal method and participatory technique. the objective is to gather information on four major issues in women’s studies. the research is conducted in garmsar region in the time period of 1999 and 2000. based on research findings rural women’s activities is extensive, their knowledge on environmental conditions and degradation factors is good but their participation in group decision making in rural society is low. therefore with qualitative research methods we can have information on: (1) rural women’s knowledge of their environment, (2) their activities, (3) their participation in the process of decision making and (4) their needs, problems and priorities.