This is a mid-level qualitative course for those interested in using qualitative methods to answer post-graduate research, applied research and evaluation questions. It aims to build on existing introductory knowledge regarding qualitative approaches (such as interviewing, participant observation, case study, use of the visual medium, document analysis etc.) and then to add some new techniques such as The Nominal Group Technique, Delphi Technique, Ideawriting and Search Conferences and Therefore, those attending should have either attended an ACSPRI Introductory course on Qualitative Methods or have some experience of undertaking qualitative research.
The emphasis of the course is hands-on practice, where the theory taught is then applied.
Overview
Monday am
The session will start with some revision of qualitative elements and how they apply to research and evaluation. Then an exercise will be carried out associated with the value of group work in qualitative approaches (to contrast with one-to one interviewing and participant observation taught in the Introductory qualitative courses).
Looking for a Range of Opinion and Ideas
Monday pm - Building on Focus Group Knowledge
While students should already be aware of the structure and rudiments of Focus Group theory, this session aims to go into more depth about
a) how to construct Focus Group questions (there will be practice on this)
b) the role of the moderator
c) whether Focus Groups can be considered rigorous or not.
Tuesday am - Building on the Use of the Visual
a) In the Introductory course ACSPRI students are introduced to photographs as a source of data and undertake a Photolanguage exercise. This will be repeated with another set of photographs before going much more into the theory behind the technique.
b) Another qualitative technique is to use video to collect data. Suggestions about what needs to be considered in order to carry out such research will be discussed.
Tuesday pm - Building on Document Analysis
This session will extend basic knowledge about the use of documents in research and evaluation:
a) Many evaluations now ask for a ‘literature synthesis’ to precede or be integrated into a report. Similarly, a literature review is usually required for a Post Graduate Degree. Tips will be given on how to tackle these tasks.
b) A new qualitative technique coming to the fore is the use of drawings as data. This will be discussed and an associated exercise carried out.
Looking for Consensus Among Groups
The next three sessions deal with how to gain consensus among groups, using less commonly known qualitative techniques. They add to the qualitative techniques covered in introductory courses (and are shown on the diagram of qualitative approaches provided that week) as well as moving towards mixed methods.
Wednesday am - Delphi and Nominal Group Technique (NGT) Sessions
The Delphi and Nominal Group Techniques will be explained and there will be a practice NGT session
Wednesday pm - Ideawriting (and World Café)
Ideawriting will be explained and a practice session carried out.
Thursday am - Search Conferences
The theory of Search Conferences will be covered before presenting various case studies and a recorded interview with an SC organiser.
Analysis and Writing
Thursday pm - Building on Analysis: Coding
In some introductory courses a general introduction to analysis is undertaken where the emphasis was on data display. This time there will be a concentration on coding. A set of data will be provided to work on.
Friday - Writing
Time will be spent looking at various aspects of writing qualitative reports and theses.
Rosalyn Hurworth [BA, PG CertEd, Med, PG DipSoc (in Survey and Research Methods), PhD] is the Director of the Centre for Program Evaluation at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education, University of Melbourne, and has carried out over 150 major national, state and local evaluations, particularly in the education, community and health sectors. She has particular expertise in qualitative approaches to research and evaluation and teaches these to Master of Evaluation and Master of Education students. She is a past president of the Qualitative Research Association and the Editor of the ‘Evaluation Journal of Australasia’.Ros has published widely on Qualitative Methods and is the author of ‘Teaching Qualitative Research’ (Sense Publishers, 2008).
There is no set text but a book of readings will be provided containing material that pertains to each session.