Hurtado, E.

This manual is divided into six chapters and appendixes: 1) describes the evolution of RAP - the modification of traditional anthropological techniques to fit a time constraint of 4 - 8 weeks. 2) outlines the anthropological methods of formal interviews, informal interviews, conversation, observation, participant observation and focus groups. Types of information records are outlined. 3) details how to conduct a focus group and record information. 4) gives guidance on the selection training and supervision of field workers.

Key characteristics of rapid anthropological procedures (RAP), its uses, and its relationship with participatory research are discussed. RAP is defined as a set of anthropological information collection techniques that provides researchers, social scientists and health workers with guidelines for assessing local conditions and needs, understanding attitudes of the community. RAP usually employs: limited participant observation, direct observation, informal conversation, ethnographic interviewing of key informants and survey interviewing.