Understanding Qualitative Research Methods
13th January 2016
Julia Bailey and Fiona Stevenson
 
This session introduces students to philosophical debates around qualitative research so that students understand the basis upon which qualitative methodology is selected as a research approach.  Qualitative and quantitative approaches will be discussed and compared.  Part of the session involves critiquing a published paper of a qualitative study, which enables students to reflect on a completed study to consider not only on the methodological approach and selection of methods, but also practical aspects such as sampling, what counts as data, the position of the researcher, data analysis, and application of findings. 
 
Learning Objectives
To understand some of the philosophical debates that inform qualitative research
To be able to describe the principles of qualitative research design
To know when qualitative research designs are appropriate
To have an overview of the dilemmas and debates associated with qualitative research design 
 
Qualitative Interviewing - Theory and Practice
27th January 2016
Deborah Haworth
 
This session will focus on qualitative research interviewing techniques and developing topic guides. Structured, semi-structured and in-depth interview methods and their application will be explored (using real world examples), however, the emphasis will be on semi-structured interview techniques. The importance of different communication styles and researcher reflexivity as well as practical issues such as sampling and structuring questions will be demonstrated and discussed. Throughout the day students will be encouraged to think of an area of research around which they will structure and produce a topic guide for use in a practical session on the day. As far as possible the day is tailored towards the research people are planning/ doing at the time of the course.
 
Learning Objectives
By the end of the session the participants will be able to:
Describe and distinguish between structured, semi-structured and 'in-depth' interviewing
Formulate and construct a topic guide
Apply and evaluate some key interviewing skills
 
Focus groups in qualitative research – theory and practice 
10th February 2016
Kalpa Kharicha
 
This session introduces students to a key qualitative research method - focus groups. We will consider the different stages of the research process that focus groups can be used, the types of research questions that lend themselves to this approach and develop a topic guide for focus groups. Practicalities of sampling, convening and conducting focus groups will be discussed, including issues to consider when researching sensitive topics. Communication and group facilitation skills will be highlighted and practiced. Throughout the day students will be encouraged to think of an area of research around which they will structure and produce a topic guide for use in a practical session on the day.
 
Learning Objectives:
•    Explain when and how to use focus groups
•    To design a topic guide for a focus group study
•    To organise and facilitate a focus group
 
Qualitative data analysis
24th February 2016
Fiona Stevenson and Nathan Davies
 
This session focuses on qualitative data analysis. It involves discussion of a range of ways of conducting analysis and the rationales for different approaches. The importance of decisions about transcription are stressed and participants are encouraged to critically reflect on the ways in which decisions throughout the research affect the type and extent of analysis possible. The place of data management software in qualitative analysis is considered, although participants are not taught how to use packages, rather the advantages and disadvantages are discussed. Participants conduct a thematic analysis on a piece of data, with discussion to reflect on the task to aid people in considering the best approach for their own work.
As far as possible, the day is tailored towards the research people are planning or doing at the time of the course. This session does not provide training in the use of Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis packages
 
 
Learning objectives
By the end of this session participants will be able to:
 
·       Distinguish between different types of qualitative data analysis
·       Recognise the importance of decisions relating to transcribing, reflexivity, field notes, double coding and data management
·       Consider various approaches to analysis
·       Understand the principles and practicalities of conducting a basic thematic analysis
·       Evaluate the benefits of Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis for their projects
 
Designing a Qualitative Study
9th March 2016
Julia Bailey
 
In this session, participants will plan their own qualitative study designs.  The session is very interactive, with students in small groups with experienced tutors, and plenty of one-to-one discussion and advice on qualitative study design.  The morning is spent planning studies, and in the afternoon students will present their study design proposals to tutors and other students, and discuss research issues arising from students' proposed studies.
 
Learning Objectives:
To write clear research question/s
To understand the principles of (and debates about) quality in qualitative research
To plan a qualitative research study, specifying the details of how a study will be carried out
Present (on flip charts) a summary of your study design
Discuss the rationale for chosen study designs
 
Assessment for students taking the course as an MSc or MA module - Assessed presentations-30% of module marks (5 credits), and submission of a protocol for an original qualitative project-70% of marks (10 credits).
 
Writing Qualitative Research
16th March 2016
Nikki Newhouse and Julia Bailey
 
In this session, we will discuss how to write up qualitative research (e.g. a research paper), including how to describe qualitative research for an academic/medical audience.  The session will address what constitutes good writing, and give students practice in conveying their ideas clearly in writing.  We will come up with some suggested solutions to barriers and blocks to writing.  Students will develop their own plans for their own research writing.
 
Learning Objectives
By the end of this session participants will be able to:
Understand debates and dilemmas in how to describe qualitative research for a (medical) academic audience
Practise conveying ideas clearly on paper
Identify barriers and blocks to writing
Have an outline plan for their own writing
 
 
 
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/pcph/postgrad/qualitative-research-method
 
Please contact Fiona Giles [log in to unmask]  for further information and to register
 
Please contact Julia Bailey or Fiona Stevenson to discuss the course content
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