The approach to follow is determined by whether or not there have been any previous studies on the social impact of the development projects in question.

If the are no previous studies on the subject, I suggest that you make use of such qualitative data collection procedures as interviews and focus group discussions to gather data for your study,  as this will allow the subjects affected by the projects to express their lived experiences in their own way and in a detailed manner.

Alternatively, you can use the exploratory sequential mixed methods design and use qualitative instruments like interviews and focus group discussions to explore the problem in the first phase of the study. You then use the findings from the qualitative strand to develop a research hypothesis/identify variables to test quantitatively in the second phase of the study.

On the other hand, if there are previous studies on the subject, you can use the findings to develop quantitative data collection instruments and use the survey design to conduct the study.

Seems a challenging task. I doubt you'll find a ready-made method for this task, you will have to design something to fit your evaluation needs and available resources.

Anders Norén and I have written about evaluation of Peace support that may be relevant. Also see Pattos work on Utilization Focused Evaluation.

https://www.foi.se/en/our-services/fois-reports--publications/summary.html?reportNo=FOI-R--4275--SE

https://www.amazon.com/Utilization-Focused-Evaluation-Michael-Quinn-Patton/dp/141295861X

Dear Lysia and Frelin,

Thanks for both answers. Let me learn more on this before finalizing my methodology.

You are welcome. I wish you all the best in your project.

What is the most effective research design to study social impacts of mega development projects?

Merely based on the above question - it sounds like suggesting a qualitative research.  Reason being the information in the question is rather inductive i.e. social impacts are open ended - meaning the researcher might not know to which direction the research might lead him or her.

If certain aspect of social impacts have be hypothesized e.g. emigration of workforce, increase job opportunity for the locals etc. to be impacted by the  mega development projects (deductive approach), then the study can be conducted as a quantitative research.

Alternatively, mixed method research can be conducted e.g. sequential explanatory / exploratory designs etc. depending on your research problem, research objective(s) and research question(s).

Many thanks, Han Ping Fung- Yes it seems the mixed method might work for my study. Lets see whether any other views coming here

What is the most effective research design to study social impacts of mega development projects?

Dear Mr. Pannilage Upal,

The previous colleagues have revealed the good alternatives for designing the study, although the selection may depend on you following to the study itself.  Yes, I agree. A mixed method seems the good choice for the research, in regard with its complement, completeness, development, expansion, confirmation, compensation, and diversity points. However, scholars have also to consider the implementation, in regard to availability of their research resources. It is in regard to ensure the research performance.

My suggestion is to clarify the research program points at the first stage (e.g., the background, problem, purpose, objective, and question) and then design the study following the points. I think, it will be more easy rather than focus on the design firstly. However, many exploratory studies may use the rotary stage, I think, the scholars may have clear within their research programs.

May help,

Dear Sabiyakto,

Many thanks for your contribution

best

Interesting Project, good luck first and foremost.

If you combine qualitative and quantitative approaches you could obtain a much more detailed and comprehensive picture.

Immediate ideas are qualitative interviews with locals and from the quantitative side impact analysis (GDP/capita, migration, etc.). Ecological impact is another issue that could be explored from both sides actually.

Again, good luck.

Roland

Roland Barberich,

Thanks for your answer

This may be of assistance in the context of globalization & quantity/quality statistics.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://www3.weforum.org/docs/HCR2016_Main_Report.pdf&ved=0ahUKEwj5kJDP-sjRAhWKwVQKHTRbAPYQFgg2MAI&usg=AFQjCNGmuBgy6VDjq1FcxGnFbR4sT8rySA&sig2=2NSJHHQ2uctuCRdmqMI6zg

Sri Lanka has a sensitive geographical location, if any higher-power wants to use it as a deterrence: (A)- Location of being Between India and China; therefore it could be used as a base for any friendly, or hostile enactment. (B)- Being on the way of the trans-pacific's main traffic route, on an  essential open-sea (Indian Ocean). (C)- The new grouping, and the depth of the political relations between India, Russia, China & Iran, could be an another variable and indicator of an intense geopolitical or Geo-economic condition for a small state such as Sri Lanka (developmental, foreign-incentives, foreign policy-leadership).

Dear Both  Benz and  Parker,

Thanks for your interesting contribution towards this question