Foundations of Qualitative Research

This one-day foundation course provides participants with an introduction to the key principles and benefits of qualitative research. This includes the main methods and techniques employed in qualitative studies such as interviews, focus groups and observations. It outlines how to design an effective qualitative research question, how to design research instruments, how to sample and recruit participants, data analysis, and related ethical considerations. It also considers how to assess a qualitative research project’s quality and rigour.

Qualitative research seeks to understand people’s lived experiences and to answer questions about meaning and perspective, including from the standpoint of the participants themselves. It is particularly effective in obtaining culturally specific information about the values, views, behaviours, and contexts of particular groups. This foundational course provides an introduction to qualitative research tools and techniques which help us to answer these questions. It will equip participants with the knowledge, skills and confidence required to begin their own qualitative investigations.

The course is delivered online via Zoom. It includes a combination of presentations, discussions and practical activities. It is designed to equip participants to confidently implement their own qualitative design in research projects in a range of contexts.

Looking to book for four or more people from your organisation? Contact training@the-sra.org.uk to ask about our in-house courses.