Addressing Pain Points in Qualitative Research

Source: USAID | Year: 2024

Many evaluations and assessments involve a team of researchers conducting a series of key informant interviews, group interviews, and focus group discussions at one point in time over a three- to fourweek period of fieldwork. Yet such studies regularly produce several complaints from commissioners, evaluators, and implementers related to the accuracy and reliability of the findings and the subsequent usefulness of the study. This study lays out guidance on addressing seven pain points in qualitative evaluation work, including:

1. case and site selection for small-n studies;

2. selection of respondents;

3. social desirability bias;

4. qualitative data capture;

5. qualitative data analysis;

6. evidentiary support for statements; and

7. clarity of findings to facilitate use.

This guidance includes minimum standards to which all studies should adhere, good practices that studies should seek to implement when feasible, and guidance for study commissioners.

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