Collecting qualitative data: Interviews and focus groups ONLINE
Research Skills
Monday, 04 December 2023, 9.30am to 5pm
Apply for this courseThis course is aimed at anyone planning to collect qualitative data using interviews or focus groups.
COURSE AIM
This course will equally suit people new to qualitative research, and those who wish to develop additional skills in data collection. Through a dynamic combination of lectures, practical exercises, and group discussion learners will gain knowledge of the core principles for running interviews and focus groups.
COURSE CONTENT
- We will consider the differences (and similarities) between interviews and focus groups, and in which context each may be used.
- We will focus on the crucial role of question design in qualitative data collection; including generating awareness of the effect of certain question designs, including ‘leading questions’ and ‘compound questions’.
- We will review and critique existing topic guides for qualitative interviews and focus groups.
- Throughout the session we will consider the active role of the researcher in co-creating data with participants (rather than as a passive observer), and introduce the concept of ‘reflexivity’ to provide practical methods to manage this.
- We will also consider the practicalities of running effective focus groups and interviews, including necessary equipment, and procedures, drawing in the concept of ‘fair dealing’.
- Participants will have opportunity to practice designing their own interview (or focus group) questions, and to pilot these during the course.
Please note, this course does not cover issues around participant recruitment or sample size, which are available in “Primary qualitative research made simple”.
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS
Maximum 16
HOW IT WILL WORK
For the interactive session, you will be sent the link in the automated communication along with joining instructions. To join the session, you can click on the link 15 minutes before the session. Once the tutor has started the session they will tell you what to do.
ATTENDANCE CERTIFICATE ON SURVEY COMPLETION
It is now a requirement that you complete the three short questions in the survey you receive after attending the course. Once you have submitted the survey, you will be sent an email with a link to your attendance certificate. This is to ensure we receive the feedback we need to evaluate and improve our courses. Survey results are downloaded and stored anonymously.
PLEASE NOTE
Where there is no cost in the shopping trolley, no deposit is required. However, two or more non-attendances or late cancellations without good reason will be logged and may mean you cannot attend any further MSD training that term. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for further information.