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 will be run over 3 days in 3 sessions per day:
9.30am - 11.00am - Session 1
11.30am - 1.00pm - session 2
2.00pm - 3.30pm - Session 3
Exercises and practice sessions will be provided.
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 via zoom.
You will need your own computer and wifi connection, and access to Zoom.
There are no prerequisites for this course
The instructor's bound, book length course notes will serve as the course text. These will be sent to you in advance.
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
The content helped build my knowledge base, but the way in which it was delivered with real examples from Carol's own experience also increased my enthusiasm for qualitative research and generated lots of ideas for my work
I found days two and three the most useful, mainly because I had previously covered off on the theory of qualitative research in a previous uni course. The practical focus on interviewing and focus groups, as well as data analysis and presentation, was extremely valuable.
I had reservations about an on line workshop before registering but I think this workshop was facilitated brilliantly on line. A good mix of didactic and practical.
The course was very practical and Carol was generous in sharing her experiences and views which added a lot of value. By far the most useful presentation of qualitative research I've experienced.
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
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 instructor's bound, book length course notes will serve as the course text.