Introduction/Overview

Qualitative data analysis reveals patterns and themes from the large volume of data generated by qualitative research. It is useful for gaining detailed understanding of social phenomena and individual experiences, perceptions and behaviours. However, it is often seen as a mysterious and complex stage of the research process. There are also challenges in terms of how researchers conduct analysis and the steps that they need to follow.

This advanced course provides participants with the skills to conduct qualitative data analysis. While providing an overview of different analytical approaches, the focus in our activities will be on thematic analysis. It provides an introduction to qualitative data analysis. It explores ways of organising and analysing qualitative data, and the practicalities of doing so. Through a practical exercise where we analyse qualitative interview data provided by the trainer, participants will be able to gain experience of conducting their qualitative data analysis by focusing on thematic analysis.

By the end of the course, participants will have knowledge of various methods and theories of qualitative data analysis and how it differs from quantitative analysis. They will be able to choose an appropriate data analysis technique for different forms of qualitative data. They will also be able to conduct their own thematic analysis, code, and organise data for analysis.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the principles of qualitative data analysis.
• Have knowledge of the theories and methods of qualitative data analysis.
• A practical exercise in thematic analysis will enable participants to be able to organise data, code and categorise.
• Be able to conduct coding and analysis of an interview transcript.
• Be aware of the importance of rigour and the role of reliability and validity.
• Have an awareness of the importance of reflexivity in interpreting and analysing qualitative data.
• Understand the pros and cons of manual analysis.

Topics

• How qualitative data analysis differs from quantitative analysis
• The principles of qualitative analysis
• Methods and theories of qualitative data analysis, i.e. grounded theory, thematic analysis, framework analysis, narrative analysis
• Organising your data, i.e. conceptualising, coding and categorising
• Practical activity: conducting a thematic analysis
• Ensuring rigour and transparency in your analysis
• The role of reflexivity and ethics in analysis.

Who will benefit?

This advanced course will be of value to researchers who already have a basic understanding of qualitative research methods but who wish to delve into the method of qualitative data analysis in more depth. It provides a basic overview of the principles of qualitative analysis, and also more in-depth knowledge of how to conduct thematic analysis.

This course is suitable for those new to qualitative data analysis, but it is expected participants will have prior experience of qualitative research, or will have received at least introductory training in qualitative methods. Participants at the early, middle or final stages of a qualitative research project who need some help achieving rigorous and careful analysis will benefit. However, it is far better to think about qualitative analysis before you start a project if possible. The course is appropriate for those whose data are (or will be) in the form of transcripts, field notes, documents, images, internet pages, and/or audio or video recordings.

Course Tutor

Dr Karen Lumsden has over 15 years’ experience teaching qualitative research methods to social researchers, academics and doctoral students. This includes courses at universities such as: Aberdeen, Glasgow, Bristol, Cardiff, Kingston, and Loughborough. She has delivered training for the Social Research Association since 2018. Karen has also designed and delivered social research methods training for police constabularies and research consultancies.

Karen has authored a number of academic books and journal articles in the areas of sociology and criminology, and on qualitative research methods including on reflexivity, autoethnography, and digital qualitative methods. She is currently on the Editorial Board of Qualitative Research and was previously Chair of the Editorial Board of Sociological Research Online. Karen is currently Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Aberdeen. She has held a number of academic posts including Assistant Professor in Criminology at the University of Nottingham and Associate Professor at the University of Leicester.