Introduction to qualitative research

This is a one day course designed to equip participants with a clear understanding of what qualitative research is. It will enable participants to make informed decisions about which types of research questions are best answered using qualitative approaches.

Course outline
Participants examine the key features of qualitative research, the different methods commonly employed within it, what it can be used for. We also cover how its findings can be understood and presented to a wider audience.

Participants will each receive a course resource folder.

Who is it aimed at?
This is an introductory course and you will find the course useful if:

• you are new to qualitative research, or about to embark on your first project
• you work in a different research discipline (such as quantitative research) and are planning to collaborate with qualitative researchers, or intend to use qualitative research findings
• you commission or manage qualitative research in central or local government, health or other applied policy sectors

Learning outcomes
By the end of the course participants will be able to:

• describe the key features of qualitative research
• provide a succinct definition of qualitative research and describe its key contributions and applications
• make informed decisions about which types of research questions are best answered using qualitative approaches
• contrast qualitative and quantitative approaches and understand when these are best used singly or in combination
• understand the advantages and disadvantages of different qualitative research methods
• recognise quality in the design, undertaking and reporting of qualitative research
• understand the issues relating to generalisation and making use of qualitative research evidence in a credible way
• justify the use of qualitative research to a wider audience