Table 1

Organization of qualitative research and qualitative data collection teams

Phase of research	Roles for local research team	Roles for technical expert/qualitative research manager
1. Preparation for data collection	Identifying and gathering information on study sites and topic of interest Introducing study to leaders of study communities Attending training Practicing interviews Practicing use of transcription software	Situating the study and site within the context of existing literature Acquiring permission letters and introducing the study and research purpose to national-level gatekeepers Leading training on qualitative research including types of methods, interviewing techniques (probing etc.), management of qualitative data, research ethics, transcription software Overseeing and critiquing practice interviews Refining tools after pilot
2. Data collection	Conducting interviews, focus groups and observations Taking notes during data collection, audiotaping, uploading audio files routinely Memoing and sharing reflexive notes Conveying findings during routine debriefings Identifying new lines of inquiry Triangulating findings with fellow team members Rehearsing presentation of preliminary findings	Observing data collection (ensuring privacy, consent, troubleshooting logistical and scientific challenges) Collecting data (when language permits) Writing field notes Leading debriefing sessions (including taking notes during debriefings) Developing and refining theories via debriefing sessions Comparing findings with existing literature Guiding teams in terms of new lines of inquiry Conveying emerging findings to principal investigator(s) (PI) and broader research team Responding to PI and study team suggestions on how to refine or further explore lines of inquiry Uploading and organizing data files Developing slide deck of preliminary findings
3. Transcription and translation	Transcribing and translating audio files	Organizing data files—aligning audio files with cover sheets Assigning transcriptions Assigning translations Providing feedback on quality of transcripts and translations (with support of bilingual research assistants)
4. Analysis	Completing summary questionnaires on each interview Coding Memo writing	Designing summary questionnaires Designing coding framework Providing feedback on coding and memo writing Coding (when language permits)
5. Write-up	Writing up findings into a report	Writing report that responds to program/donor/ministry question Identifying findings that speak to broader debates in the literature Publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals