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

By the end of the workshop, participants will:

• 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

Karen Lumsden, PhD, is a qualitative trainer, consultant, and ICF qualified professional coach and mentor. She has over 20 years’ experience delivering qualitative methods courses and training to academics, PhD students, social researchers, and practitioners. She regularly delivers training courses for the Social Research Association, the European Consortium for Political Research, government departments, NHS Trusts, charities, police constabularies, and social and market research companies.

She also has extensive experience of the design and delivery of social research methods education and training for universities in the UK and internationally including, for example, the University of Auckland, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, King’s College London, Loughborough University, the University of Aberdeen, the University of Glasgow, Cardiff University, and University of Essex. She has held a number of academic posts including Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Aberdeen and Loughborough University, and Associate Professor in Criminology at the University of Leicester and the University of Nottingham.

Over the years, Karen has been involved in a number of funded research projects and evaluations in social sciences, policing and health, for a range of partners and clients. She regularly undertakes research, training, consultancy, and coaching/mentoring on qualitative research for PhD students, social researchers, and research teams. In particular, she has an established reputation for her work in policing studies and online harm. She has published on qualitative methods including the books Crafting Autoethnography (Routledge, 2023) and Reflexivity: Theory, Method, Practice (Routledge, 2019). She is on the Editorial Board of the journal Qualitative Research. For more info see www.qualitativetraining.com

Looking to book for six or more people from your organisation? Contact [email protected] to ask about our in-house courses.