Course Overview

Qualitative methods play a critical role in understanding how and why programs work. This course introduces a range of qualitative research methods and methodologies commonly used in program evaluation. Participants will start by grounding themselves in the foundations of qualitative inquiry and its relationship to evaluation. From there, they will explore how to develop strong evaluation questions, select and apply methods, and analyze and report qualitative data effectively.

Participants will build their understanding of how to apply observation, interviews, document analysis, case studies, action research, and ethnography in evaluation settings. Along the way, they will also strengthen their ability to connect theoretical foundations with practical application.

What You Will Learn

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Distinguish between research and evaluation, and understand how qualitative approaches support each
• Explain the role of qualitative methods in answering complex evaluation questions
• Apply key qualitative methods such as observation, interviews, document review, and open-ended survey questions
• Understand when and how to use qualitative methodologies such as case study, action research, and ethnography
• Analyze and interpret qualitative data to support reporting and decision-making

Course Format

This course includes three live, virtual sessions or 1.5 days in-person. Each module combines presentation, discussion, and applied exercises to help participants connect theory to practice. A certificate of completion is awarded to those who complete all three modules.

Module Breakdown

Module 1: Foundations

The first session introduces the philosophical foundations of qualitative inquiry and how these relate to evaluation practice. Participants will examine the relationships between axiology, ontology, epistemology, and methodology. They will also learn to differentiate between methods and methodologies and identify the types of questions qualitative data can answer in an evaluation context.

Module 2: Applying Qualitative Methods in Practice

This module focuses on practical applications of qualitative methods. Participants will learn how to craft evaluation questions, develop instruments, and collect and analyze data using observation, interviews, document analysis, and qualitative survey questions. They will also consider how these methods fit into real-world evaluations.

Module 3: Applying Qualitative Methodologies in Practice

In the final session, participants will explore how to apply qualitative methodologies such as case study, action research, and ethnography. The module covers instrument development, data analysis, and reporting strategies, with a focus on adapting methodologies to the unique needs of an evaluation project.

Who Should Attend

This course is ideal for:

• Researchers, analysts, and evaluators seeking to strengthen their qualitative practice
• Program managers and learning professionals who want to deepen their understanding of qualitative approaches
• Professionals who need to design or interpret qualitative components of mixed methods evaluations
• Anyone interested in how people’s experiences, perspectives, and stories shape evaluation insights

Prerequisites

No prior experience with qualitative research is required. All course materials will be provided.