Guidance Note on Qualitative Research in Education: Considerations for Best Practice

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Qualitative research plays a critical role in helping education systems move beyond understanding “what works” to examining how, why, and under what conditions interventions succeed or fail. In contexts where education challenges are complex, dynamic, and deeply shaped by social, cultural, and political realities, qualitative approaches provide the depth and contextual insight needed to inform more effective and responsive policy and practice. However, despite its value, qualitative research is often undervalued or inconsistently applied, leading to gaps in how evidence is generated, interpreted, and used.

This guidance note provides a comprehensive framework for designing, implementing, and assessing high-quality qualitative research in education. It emphasizes that research questions should drive methodological choices, and that qualitative approaches are essential for capturing lived experiences, meanings, and processes that cannot be reduced to quantitative measures alone.

Drawing on established methodologies and best practices, the note:

• Defines the purpose and unique contributions of qualitative research within education systems
• Outlines key processes for designing rigorous studies, from conceptual framing to data collection and analysis
• Describes a range of qualitative methodologies and methods, including interviews, observations, and participatory approaches
• Highlights the importance of transparency, reflexivity, and alignment between research questions, theory, and methods
• Sets out ethical considerations and criteria for ensuring credibility, reliability, and validity in qualitative work

The guidance underscores the central role of qualitative research in explaining context, uncovering mechanisms, and informing decision-making. It calls for stronger investment in high-quality qualitative research, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where understanding local realities is essential. Ultimately, the note advocates for more thoughtful, rigorous, and context-sensitive use of qualitative evidence to strengthen education systems and improve learning outcomes.

Suggested citation

DeJaeghere, J., Morrow, V., Richardson, D., Schowengerdt, B., Hinton, R., Muñoz Boudet, A. 2020. Guidance Note on Qualitative Research in Education: Considerations for Best Practice. London, England: United Kingdom. Department for International Development, prepared for Building Evidence in Education (BE²).