Quantitative tools include questionnaire surveys and spatial econometrics. The latter is an innovative tool which combines geographical and other quantitative variables. It allows for regional level analysis and cartographic outputs. Qualitative tools include open interviews, life histories and narratives, participant observation, review of internal documentation of microfinance institutions.

In the early stage of the research process, qualitative approaches allow to strengthen and better focus the quantitative survey questionnaire, thus improving the relevance and the reliability of collected data. During the analysis stage, going back to qualitative approaches help us interpret and clarify quantitative results that might appear counter-intuitive or ambiguous.