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Paper short abstract

Obtaining high-quality qualitative research data presents unique challenges in the field of international development. Addressing these requires capacity-building initiatives that equip research assistants with the skills and motivation to fully deliver the value of qualitative research.

Paper long abstract

The importance of qualitative data for understanding complex topics and providing contextualised insights has led to increased funding and support for its use. However, in countries like Nigeria, the quality of qualitative data, namely transcripts, is often substandard. This compromises the ability to derive actionable insights and design effective solutions based on the research.

A key factor contributing to this challenge is the lack of skills, motivation, and agency among qualitative research assistants responsible for conducting interviews and group discussions. Many of these researchers lack formal training in qualitative research methodologies and are often recruited from quantitative research backgrounds without a clear understanding of the fundamental differences between the two approaches. Even when researchers understand these differences, such as the importance of effective question framing and probing, they often feel compelled to adhere strictly to the guide questions, as they believe this is the expectation of the client. This limits their ability to adapt dynamically to the flow of discussions and explore deeper insights during qualitative data collection.

To address this issue, I am offering targeted training programs that prioritise practical skill-building and critical thinking. Rather than relying on primarily lecture-based instruction, these programs emphasise hands-on practice with real-time feedback. The training also encourages researchers to engage critically with the research process, empowering them to design their own research questions and guides, carry out fieldwork they have designed, and analyse the data. This approach enhances their ability to conduct meaningful fieldwork and generate more reliable, insightful qualitative data.