This is an introductory course designed for the individual with limited or no previous experience with qualitative techniques of data collection and analysis.
This course is designed as an introductory applied course in Qualitative research, an approach widely used in education, health, social services, tourism, the built environment, marketing, economics, art and anywhere the focus is on exploration, investigation or evaluation of the actions, views and understandings of individuals and groups. These explorations are undertaken using face-to-face interviews, focus group interviews, observations, or the examination of existing or gathered documentation.
The target audience for this course is those who would like to become more familiar with qualitative research decisions and techniques, from postgraduate university students and staff, to researchers in government and private organisations.
Topics scheduled are:
Day 1
Introductory session.
- Outline of the course and identification of participants’ research interests and expectations.
- Framing and issues of qualitative design: sampling; triangulation; validity, reliability and ethics will also be covered, also
- Paradigms - the theoretical underpinnings from positivism through to post post modernism and performative research which researchers must choose amongst.
Day 2
Types of qualitative methodologies from Ethnography to Practice-led Approaches
- Methods of Data collection: Interviewing - casual and formal techniques of face-to-face interviewing (access, rapport, recording and question design).
- Data Storage: transcribing interviews and preliminary data analysis.
- A workshop on face-to-face interviewing will be undertaken and the techniques of group interviews - Nominal, Delphi and Focus group, as well as participant observation will be explored.
Day 3
- Thematic Data Analysis.
- Data display
- Theoretical interpretation of results
- criteria for assessment of qualitative research and computer management
This course will take place in a classroom. No equipment is required. You are welcome to bring your own laptop or tablet.
There are no prerequisites for this course
The instructor's bound, book length course notes will serve as the course text.
Suggested, but not required course readings:
- Grbich, C., (2013) Qualitative Data Analysis: An introduction. London: Sage Publications. Covers a variety of analytic styles.
- Grbich, C., (2004) New Approaches in Social Research. London: Sage Publications. Focus: Postmodernism and post structuralism
- Grbich, C. (1999). Qualitative Research in Health: an introduction. Sydney: Allen and Unwin and Sage International, California. A generic qualitative text with examples from the health sector.
- Denzin, N. & Lincoln, Y. (2017) Handbook of Qualitative Research. Fifth edition. California: Sage. Suitable for advanced researchers.
- Minichiello, V. Aroni, R. Timewell, E. & Hays, T (2008) In-Depth Interviewing: Principles, techniques, analysis. 3rd edition. Melbourne: Longmans
Q: Do I have to have had any qualitative or quantative research experience to do this course?
A: No, this is an introductory course and no prior knowledge is required
Q: Has the name of this course changed?
A: This course was previously a 5 day course known as Foundations of Qualitative methodologies, Data collection and Analysis
Very useful on gaining knowledge on techniques and how to gather data. Very relevant to my research.
The lecturer’s knowledge of the subject matter was impressive and her stories/experiences helped contextulise our understanding of the matter. There are a lot of resources provided which is very helpful.
A good introduction to a method of research I know little about. A guide as to what I need to learn about and source to explore. Encouraging, informative, stimulating.
Fantastic mix of theory & practice. It really solidified the concept.
Course targeted my needs. I wanted practical information & strategies, insight into problems/problem solving (Winter 2017)
Great balance of presentation, discussions, small group work and hands-on activities. Lots of practical examples. I loved hearing about the instructor’s (Carol)’s own long & varied experience.
The data collection and analysis focusing on interviews and observation was highly relevant to my research. I'm currently running my PhD proposal and found the very helpful for study design development.
This course allowed me to get exposure & practice qualitative research skills. I particularly enjoyed the focus group scenario.
The instructor's bound, book length course notes will serve as the course text.