An Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods

Course overview

The course will give an overview and introduction to qualitative research methods, including individual interviews, focus group discussions, observation, ethical issues, content and thematic analysis, NVivo and rigour in qualitative research. The course will also highlight the different theoretical approaches to data collection and analysis, including the Grounded Theory Approach, Ethnography and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.

The Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods’ Summer School is offered by the Qualitative Health Research Centre (QUAHRC) at King’s College London.

This four-day course aims to provide students with an understanding of the purpose and appropriate use of qualitative research methods. The course is intended to be both practical and accessible and aims to equip students with the skills to undertake their own qualitative research. Course tutors will provide examples from their own work to illustrate the application of qualitative research in the mental health field. Different theoretical approaches to data collection and analysis will be explored, including the Grounded Theory approach and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Methods to be described will include individual interviews, focus group discussions, observation and content and thematic analysis.

By the end of the summer school, students should be able to: (1) Understand the epistemological assumptions of qualitative research and key principles and practices of different theoretical perspectives, including Grounded Theory and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. (2) Understand the purpose and application of qualitative methods of data collection including interviews, focus groups and participant observation. (3) Appreciate ethical issues surrounding the use of qualitative methods in health research. (4) Understand and apply common skills and procedures that exist across qualitative methods of data analysis. (5) Critically appraise qualitative research and understand how to install rigour in the research process.