This book is about the Rapid Assessment Process (RAP). The author defines RAP as:ôintensive, team based qualitative inquiry using triangulation, iterative data analysis and additional data collection to quickly develop a preliminary understanding of a situation from the insiders perspectiveö
The primary goal of the book is to encourage new users to experiment with RAP. Two additional goals are firstly helping current users of RAP to do a better job and secondly instilling confidence in the results of RAP among the decision-makers who are its potential clients. The book is organised around the two basic concepts of RAP: (a) data collection using triangulation; (b) analysis using an iterative process where initial analysis is followed by several cycles of additional data collection and more analysis.
The book is structured as follows:| Chapter 1 discusses two examples of RAP, explores situations where RAP may be appropriate and provides an overview of the relationship of specific research techniques to the basic concepts of RAP| Chapter 2 deals with data collection| Chapter 3 deals with iterative analysis and additional data collection| Chapter 4 explores the special role of teamwork in RAP| Chapter 5 examines issues relating to the trustworthiness of RAP| Chapter 6 focuses on specific suggestions for making RAP more successful| Chapter 7 examines the relationship of the RAP team to the sponsoring organisation and discusses the issue of bogus empowerment| Chapter 8 provides the context for relating RAP to other rapid methods