This course is designed for participants who have undertaken a qualitative study in their work or study and would like to build their theoretical knowledge and applied skill base in qualitative research.
The focus of this course is on issues of design and positioning, analysis and representation of qualitative research. This course only provides a generic overview of data collection methods, as it is assumed that you will have experience with methods. Many of the examples will make reference to research in business, psychology and health. Please note the course provides only an overview of data collection methods.
The target audience for this course are researchers, practitioners and academics who have conducted at least one qualitative study and are familiar with the process and context of qualitative research.
Day 1
Epistemological and Methodological foundations. The importance of epistemology and methodology in qualitative research. Identification of research, values, stance, and voice. Designing qualitative research – common frameworks (life history, ethnography)
Day 2
Design frameworks continued (Grounded Theory and Ethnography. An overview of methods and methods tips. Linking stance, design and methods.
Day 3
Case study and narrative research design frameworks will be presented. Making sense of qualitative data: How to make reasoned decisions about the appropriateness of analytic strategies Data management and analysis.
Day 4
Data Analysis and representation continued. Matrix displays, thematic analysis (grounded and theory driven), constant comparative method, phenomenological approaches.
Day 5
Issues in the representation of qualitative research. How to assess the quality of qualitative research Enhancing the validity and trustworthiness of qualitative research (including technical, reflexive and critical criteria and standards). Post structural forms of legitimation. Constructing effective arguments.
Dr Delwyn Goodrick is a psychologist who undertakes program evaluation and social research with a wide range of government and private sector clients. She is an experienced trainer having conducted a range of specialist workshops in research and program evaluation in Australia, Singapore, the US, UK, Canada and New Zealand. Most of Delwyn's work relates to health and education contexts. She maintains her own private consultancy practice and is currently working from New Zealand.
Participants will be expected to have experience with at least one qualitative research project or have undertaken an introductory level course in qualitative research methods. While some discussion of the technical elements of methods is presented during the course of the workshop, participants should have a basic familiarity with data collection methods such as interviews, observation and document analysis.
The instructor's bound, book length course notes will serve as the course text.
Other reading that may be useful:
- Bazeley, P. (2013). Qualitative data analysis: Practical Strategies. London: Sage
- Miles, M. Huberman, M., & Saldana, J. (2014). Qualitative data analysis: A methods sourcebook. (3rd ed). Los Angeles: Sage.
- Patton, MQ. (2015). Qualitative research and evaluation methods. 4th ed, Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage
This course will take place in a classroom. No equipment is needed.