A Workshop on Qualitative Research Methodology and Data Analysis Organized for Researchers at Policy Research Institute
March 26, 2025
Policy Research Institute, Narayanhiti
An interactive workshop on qualitative research methodology, titled ‘The Power of Stories: Advancing Policy Through Qualitative Research & Data Analysis’ was held at the Policy Research Institute in collaboration with Nepali Academics in America (NACA).
The workshop was facilitated by Dr. Arati Maleku, an Associate Professor at Ohio State University’s College of Social Work and Secretary of Nepali Academics in America. It aimed to explore how qualitative research uncovers rich, contextually grounded insights that can shape policy decisions and drive meaningful change.
During the introduction, participants shared their queries about qualitative research methodologies, primarily related to the influence of positionality, experience, and opinion of researchers and the validation of findings in qualitative research. Dr. Maleku began the session with the statement, “Qualitative data are data with soul; they go beyond numbers,” and explained the differences between qualitative and quantitative research based on objectives, logic, conceptualization, sampling method, nature of data, and role of researchers.
An insightful discussion happened on how qualitative methods contribute to policy research by capturing lived experience, strengthening advocacy, building narratives, and supporting participatory and community-driven approaches. The workshop covered several aspects of qualitative research under the following major headings:
- Overview of qualitative research methods
- Qualitative research approaches and methodologies
- Research ethics
- Qualitative data analysis
- Applying qualitative research to policy practice: case studies and examples
Dr. Maleku provided an overview of various qualitative approaches, viz. ethnographic research, grounded theory research, phenomenological research, action research, narrative research, and case study, explaining their implications in policy research. She also presented a framework for thematic analysis of qualitative data (open coding, axial coding, selective coding, and memo writing). She recommended methods like consensus mapping, creating policy narratives, and development of action-oriented policy briefs for systematically analyzing qualitative data obtained from Public Policy Dialogue organized by the Policy Research Institute.
Participants engaged in a coding exercise to develop hands-on skills in qualitative research methods, followed by an open discussion on the choice of appropriate research methods, the need for rigor in qualitative research, and the practical challenges faced by researchers.
PRI officials and research fellows attended the event. All the participants appreciated Dr. Maleku’s insightful presentation and the richly engaging exercise and interaction.
Participants:
Dr. Arati Maleku (Associate Professor, Ohio State University College of Social Work)
Prof. Dr. Lekhnath Sharma (Executive Chairperson)
Laxman Prasad Bhattarai (Office Manager)
Dr. Deepak Kumar Khadka (Senior Research Fellow)
Dr. Hari Sharma Neupane (Senior Research Fellow)
Dr. Khaga Nath Adhikari (Senior Research Fellow)
Dr. Kalpana Khanal (Senior Research Fellow)
Dr. Mohan Kumar Sharma (Senior Research Fellow)
Dr. Giri Raj Sharma (Research Fellow)
Dr. Niranjan Devkota (Research Fellow)
Dr. Hari Prakash Chand (Research Fellow)
Dr. Subash Adhikari (Research Fellow)
Dr. Jham Kumar Bishwakarma (Associate Research Fellow)
Dr. Maheshwar Giri (Associate Research Fellow)
Dr. Prabhat Raj Dahal (Associate Research Fellow)
Gopal Acharya (Associate Research Fellow)
Rija Manandhar (Analyst)
Sonia Bashyal (Analyst)
Bimal Chandra Sharma (Library Management Coordinator)
Krishna Prasad B.K. (Deputy Office Manager)
Sanju Kumari Sarabariya (Senior Assistant)
Keeran BK (Student, Kathmandu University School of Arts)
Ayushka K.C. (Intern)
Ashish Bhandari (Intern)
Kumari Alika (Intern)
Juna Shrestha (Intern)
Dhiraj Bhatta (Intern)
Balihang Limbu (Intern)
Bijay Koirala (Intern)
Snehi Rijal (Intern)
Satish Sapkota (Intern)