Designing Qualitative Research for Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)

In this 2.5-hour Designing Qualitative Research for Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) e-course, you will learn how to design and plan for a rigorous qualitative study or routine monitoring activity using the step-by-step guidance provided by the Qualitative Inquiry Planning Sheet (QuIPS). 

After completing this course, you will be able to:

• design a qualitative inquiry that aligns with your project’s existing knowledge and evidence gaps;
• identify the appropriate qualitative methodology and sampling for your research;
• develop a plan for data collection, management, and analysis;
• address research limitations, risks, and your ethical review; and
• create a plan for engaging key stakeholders in the design and dissemination of findings.

The course includes: 

Module 1: Pre-Design Work

• Identify evidence gaps based on source documents.
• Identify key people who can support, advise, and review your inquiry work.
• Identify key stakeholders who would benefit from the results of your qualitative inquiry.

Module 2: Defining the Purpose, Objectives, and Inquiry Questions

• Identify the purpose and objectives of your inquiry.
• Define the questions you hope to answer.
• Determine the type of data you will collect to answer these questions.

Module 3: Designing the Methodology

• Learn about a variety of qualitative inquiry methods.
• Identify which methods and tools are most appropriate for your qualitative inquiry.
• Learn how to choose a sampling strategy.

Module 4: Planning for Data Collection and Analysis

• Develop an implementation plan for data collection.
• Understand the process for qualitative data analysis and be able to articulate your data analysis plan.
• Understand the best way to share and use your qualitative findings.

Module 5: Anticipating Limitations and Risks and Ethical Review

• Document the constraints and ethical research protocol of your qualitative inquiry.

Developed by IDEAL in close partnership with the USAID Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), this course is based on the Qualitative Design Toolkit, which focuses its guidance on completing the QuIPS. To learn more about the e-course on the FSN website HERE or access the course directly on the Humanitarian Leadership Academy's Kaya platform HERE.