Introduction to Qualitative Methods: half-day workshop

Qualitative methods, an Introduction: Discourse Analysis; Interviews; Focus Groups

• Discourse analysis 9:30-10:30
• Tea break 10:30-11:00
• Interviews 11:00-12:00
• Comfort break 12:00-12:15
• Focus Groups 12:15-1:15

Discourse analysis: Sylvie Lomer CfAP

This session will offer a brief introduction to the concept of discourse, and two of the most frequently used approaches: Foucauldian discourse analysis, and Critical Discourse Analysis. It will introduce examples of how discourse analysis is used in a range of social science contexts, and offer the opportunity for participants to discuss how they might draw on different approaches for their own research.

Objectives:

• Understand the concept and applications of discourse
• Understand different approaches
• Apply concepts and approaches to own research

Interviews: Nikki Woods CfAP

This session will explore the different kinds of interviews and understand the skills are used in interviewing. It will touch upon the various theoretical bases of interview research. Additionally, it will offer the opportunity for participants to discuss, share and explore interview techniques.

Objectives:

• Understand the different types of interviews
• Understand the theoretical bases of interviews
• Explore and share interview techniques

Focus Groups: Kim Sheffield CfAP

This session will explore what focus groups are, how they differ from one to one interviews and understand what skills and considerations are important when facilitating focus groups. It will introduce examples of how and when focus groups are used and offer the opportunity for participants to discuss when they might use focus groups in their own research.

Objectives:

• Understand what a focus group is
• Understand how they might differ from other interviewing techniques
• Discuss techniques around facilitating groups

This workshop is open to any student currently registered on a research degree programme at the University of Northampton. Further information is available from Simone Apel (simone.apel@northampton.ac.uk; 01604 893418).