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 two blocks of two sessions per day:
9.00am - 11.00am - Session 1
1.00pm - 3.00pm - Session 2
Exercises will be provided and individual consultations with Carol can be booked.
Due to the demand, ACSPRI will run a third Foundations of Qualitative Methodologies course online from July 15-17. You can enrol here: Foundations of Qualitative Methodologies, Data Collection and Analysis: July 15-17
This is an introductory course in Qualitative research - an approach widely used in education, health, social services, tourism, the built environment, marketing, economics and any area where the focus is exploration, investigation or evaluation of the actions, views and understandings of individuals and groups. These
explorations are undertaken using face-to-face interviews, observations and the examination of existing or collected textual and visual documentation.
The target audience for this course is those who would like to become more familiar with qualitative research techniques, from postgraduate university students and staff to researchers in government and private organisations.
Topics scheduled are:
Day 1
Session 1: Introductory session. Outline of the course and identification of participants’ research interests and expectations. Researcher's frames. Theoretical underpinnings from positivism through to performative research.
Session 2: Qualitative methodologies from Ethnography to Performative research. Issues of qualitative design: sampling; triangulation; validity, reliability and ethics will be covered.
Day 2
Session 3: Interviewing. Casual and formal techniques of face to face interviewing (access, rapport, recording, and question design).
Session 4: Focus group and observation techniques. Data management and preliminary data analysis. recursive
Day 3
Session 5: Thematic Analysis. Focus group practice and participant observation techniques.
Session 6: Computer management. Data display and criteria for assessment.
Exercises will be provided and individual consults with Carol can be booked.
This course will take place via zoom. You will need your own computer and wifi connection, and to download the Zoom software.
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. 2 nd editions 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 Sage International, California. A generic qualitative text for the health sector.
- Cresswell, J., and Poth, C. (2017) Qualitative Inquiry abd Research Design: Choosing among five approaches. Sage Publications Inc.
- Denzin, N. & Lincoln, Y. (2011) Handbook of Qualitative Research. Fourth edition. California: Sage. Suitable for advanced researchers.
- Minichiello., V. Aroni, R, & 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. (Summer 2020)
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. (Winter 2019)
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. (Summer 2019)
Fantastic mix of theory & practice. It really solidified the concept. (Summer 2019)
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. (Summer 2017)
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. (Spring 2016)
This course allowed me to get exposure & practice qualitative research skills. I particularly enjoyed the focus group scenario. (Summer 2016)
The instructor's bound, book length course notes will serve as the course text.