Training course on Qualitative and Mixed-Methods Approaches in Social Protection Evaluation

Training Course on Qualitative and Mixed-Methods Approaches in Social Protection Evaluation

Introduction

Qualitative and Mixed-Methods Approaches in Social Protection (SP) Evaluation is an increasingly vital and sophisticated area of M&E, recognizing that a comprehensive understanding of program effectiveness goes beyond quantitative impact measurement. While quantitative methods tell us "what" happened, qualitative and mixed methods illuminate the "how" and "why," providing crucial insights into program processes, beneficiary experiences, contextual factors, and unintended consequences. This course delves into the rich tapestry of qualitative inquiry, and then explores how to strategically combine qualitative and quantitative data to generate a more holistic, nuanced, and actionable evidence base for social protection programs. It emphasizes that integrating diverse methodologies is key to building truly responsive, equitable, and effective social protection systems.

Training Course on Qualitative and Mixed-Methods Approaches in Social Protection Evaluation is meticulously designed to equip with the advanced theoretical insights and intensive practical tools necessary to excel in Qualitative and Mixed-Methods Approaches in Social Protection Evaluation. We will delve into the philosophical underpinnings of qualitative research, master the intricacies of various qualitative data collection techniques (e.g., in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, case studies), and explore cutting-edge approaches to qualitative data analysis and synthesis. A significant focus will be placed on understanding different mixed-methods designs, integrating findings, ensuring methodological rigor, and navigating the practical and ethical challenges of applying these approaches in diverse social protection contexts, including fragile and complex environments. By integrating industry best practices, analyzing real-world complex social protection case studies, and engaging in hands-on data collection and analysis exercises, attendees will develop the strategic acumen to confidently lead and implement robust qualitative and mixed-methods evaluations, fostering unparalleled depth of understanding, contextual relevance, and evidence-informed decision-making.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Analyze the fundamental concepts and philosophical underpinnings of qualitative research in social protection evaluation.
2. Comprehend the strategic importance and added value of qualitative data for understanding social protection programs.
3. Master the design and implementation of Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) for social protection evaluation.
4. Develop expertise in facilitating effective Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) for social protection evaluation.
5. Formulate strategies for conducting case studies and ethnographic observations in social protection contexts.
6. Understand the critical role of qualitative data analysis techniques (e.g., thematic analysis, content analysis).
7. Implement robust approaches to data quality, rigor, and trustworthiness in qualitative research.
8. Explore the various mixed-methods research designs and their application in social protection evaluation.
9. Apply methodologies for integrating quantitative and qualitative data at different stages of evaluation.
10. Understand and address ethical considerations specific to qualitative and mixed-methods research.
11. Develop preliminary skills in writing and disseminating qualitative and mixed-methods findings.
12. Design a comprehensive qualitative or mixed-methods evaluation plan for a social protection program.
13. Examine global best practices and lessons learned in qualitative and mixed-methods social protection evaluation. 

Target Audience

This course is essential for professionals seeking to deepen their understanding and application of qualitative and mixed-methods in social protection evaluation:

1. M&E Specialists & Evaluators: Seeking to enhance their qualitative and mixed-methods expertise.
2. Social Protection Program Managers: Needing deeper insights into program processes and impacts.
3. Researchers & Academics: Conducting comprehensive evaluations of social protection.
4. Government Officials: Involved in evidence-based policy formulation and review.
5. Development Practitioners: From NGOs and international organizations implementing social protection.
6. Civil Society Organizations: Engaged in advocacy and community-level monitoring.
7. Qualitative Researchers: Seeking to apply their skills to social protection.

Course Duration: 10 Days

Course Modules

Module 1: Foundations of Qualitative Research in SP Evaluation

• Define qualitative research and its unique contributions to M&E.
• Explore the philosophical underpinnings (e.g., constructivism, interpretivism).
• Understand the strengths of qualitative methods for "how" and "why" questions.
• Discuss the iterative and flexible nature of qualitative inquiry.
• Identify the added value of qualitative data in social protection.

Module 2: Designing Qualitative Research for SP Evaluation

• Formulate clear qualitative research questions for social protection.
• Develop a qualitative sampling strategy (e.g., purposive, snowball).
• Understand the concept of saturation in qualitative data collection.
• Design a qualitative research protocol and ethical considerations.
• Plan for fieldwork logistics and team composition.

Module 3: Key Informant Interviews (KIIs)

• Master the art of conducting effective Key Informant Interviews (KIIs).
• Learn to develop comprehensive interview guides.
• Practice active listening and probing techniques.
• Understand ethical considerations for KIIs.
• Conduct mock interviews and receive feedback.

Module 4: Focus Group Discussions (FGDs)

• Develop expertise in facilitating dynamic Focus Group Discussions (FGDs).
• Learn to design effective FGD discussion guides.
• Practice group facilitation skills and managing group dynamics.
• Understand ethical considerations for FGDs, including confidentiality.
• Conduct mock FGDs and analyze group interactions.

Module 5: Case Studies and Observational Methods

• Formulate strategies for conducting in-depth case studies.
• Learn systematic observation techniques in social protection settings.
• Understand the role of field notes and reflective journaling.
• Explore the use of visual methods (e.g., Photo-voice) in evaluation.
• Discuss ethical considerations for observational research.

Module 6: Qualitative Data Analysis Techniques

• Understand the iterative process of qualitative data analysis.
• Master thematic analysis for identifying patterns and themes.
• Learn content analysis for systematic categorization of text.
• Explore coding techniques and software (e.g., NVivo, ATLAS.ti basics).
• Practice coding and developing analytical memos.

Module 7: Ensuring Rigor and Trustworthiness in Qualitative Research

• Implement robust approaches to ensure the quality of qualitative data.
• Understand concepts of trustworthiness: credibility, transferability, dependability, confirmability.
• Learn techniques for enhancing rigor: triangulation, member checking, peer debriefing.
• Discuss the role of audit trails and reflexivity.
• Address common pitfalls in qualitative research design and analysis.

Module 8: Introduction to Mixed-Methods Research Designs

• Explore the rationale for combining quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Understand different mixed-methods designs: convergent parallel, explanatory sequential, exploratory sequential.
• Discuss the concept of integration in mixed methods (when and how to mix).
• Identify the strengths and challenges of mixed-methods approaches.
• Analyze case studies of mixed-methods evaluations in social protection.

Module 9: Integrating Quantitative and Qualitative Data

• Apply methodologies for integrating data at different stages of evaluation.
• Learn techniques for data transformation (quantitizing qualitative data, qualitizing quantitative data).
• Discuss joint displays and matrices for integrated analysis.
• Explore narrative integration and weaving findings.
• Practice interpreting integrated findings for holistic insights.

Module 10: Ethical Considerations in Mixed-Methods Research

• Understand the compounded ethical considerations in mixed methods.
• Address issues of informed consent across multiple data types.
• Ensure privacy and confidentiality when linking diverse data.
• Discuss power dynamics and researcher positionality.
• Develop strategies for ethical review and oversight.

Module 11: Data Management for Mixed Methods

• Learn strategies for organizing and managing diverse data types.
• Explore methods for linking quantitative and qualitative datasets.
• Understand data security and storage protocols for mixed data.
• Discuss the role of a mixed-methods data management plan.
• Practice managing a mixed-methods dataset.

Module 12: Reporting and Disseminating Mixed-Methods Findings

• Develop skills in writing comprehensive mixed-methods reports.
• Learn to present integrated findings clearly and compellingly.
• Utilize innovative data visualization techniques for mixed data.
• Discuss strategies for communicating nuanced insights to policymakers.
• Explore different dissemination channels for maximizing impact.

 

Training Methodology

• Interactive Workshops: Facilitated discussions, group exercises, and problem-solving activities.
• Case Studies: Real-world examples to illustrate successful community-based surveillance practices.
• Role-Playing and Simulations: Practice engaging communities in surveillance activities.
• Expert Presentations: Insights from experienced public health professionals and community leaders.
• Group Projects: Collaborative development of community surveillance plans.
• Action Planning: Development of personalized action plans for implementing community-based surveillance.
• Digital Tools and Resources: Utilization of online platforms for collaboration and learning.
• Peer-to-Peer Learning: Sharing experiences and insights on community engagement.
• Post-Training Support: Access to online forums, mentorship, and continued learning resources.

 

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@datastatresearch.org or call +254724527104

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

• Participants must be conversant in English.
• Upon completion of training, participants will receive an Authorized Training Certificate.
• The course duration is flexible and can be modified to fit any number of days.
• Course fee includes facilitation, training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch, and a Certificate upon successful completion.
• One-year post-training support, consultation, and coaching provided after the course.
• Payment should be made at least a week before the training commencement to DATASTAT CONSULTANCY LTD account, as indicated in the invoice, to enable better preparation.