Designing Qualitative Questions
The first step in qualitative design is creating questions that help people reflect on the deeper changes happening within them. You can’t just ask, “Tell me how you’re changing,” so we use a sequence technique.
Keys to Good Questions:
Outside → Inside Sequence: Move from outside-the-triangle (what people know, do, or feel) to inside-the-triangle(how they believe, become, or love). For each side of the triangle:
- Mental: What do you know/think? → How is this shaping your expectations or beliefs?
- Behavioural: What steps have you taken? → How are you growing in pursuing your goals?
- Emotional: What excites or worries you? → How has this deepened your commitment or love?
Question Structure:
- Outside questions often begin with “what” (facts/actions).
- Inside questions begin with “how” (deeper meaning).
- Include both positive and challenge questions (what’s working + what’s difficult).
- Add attribution clauses (e.g., “Since being part of this program…”) to tie answers to the intervention.
Examples:
Education Impact Statement:
- Mental: What opportunities have you become aware of since joining? → How has this shaped your view of your future?
- Behavioural: What steps have you taken toward education? → How are you growing in pursuing your dreams?
- Emotionally: What excites or worries you about your future? → How has this program deepened your commitment to education?
Church Leaders as Disciple Makers:
- Mental: What have you learned about discipling? → How has this shaped your identity in God’s work?
- Behavioural: What do you do weekly to disciple others? → How is this affecting your habits and life patterns?
- Emotional: What’s changed in your eagerness to serve? → How is your commitment to disciple-making staying firm?
Summary: Use what → how sequences, mix positive and challenge questions, and always include attribution. This approach helps people articulate transformation in beliefs, behaviour, and love—revealing the deeper qualitative impact of your program.