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Qualitative Research Methodology Course

About the Course

Qualitative research occupies a unique and indispensable place in research. Where quantitative methods measure and quantify, qualitative methods seek to describe, understand, and explain — capturing the richness, context, and depth that numbers alone cannot convey. It is the methodology of choice when the research question calls for insight into human behaviour, lived experience, social dynamics, or the meanings that people attach to events and circumstances.

Despite its value, many researchers approach qualitative research with hesitation, perceiving it as subjective, unstructured, or methodologically difficult to defend. These perceptions are largely unfounded. Rigorous qualitative research follows systematic procedures for data collection, analysis, and interpretation. When conducted well, it produces findings that are credible, transferable, and deeply informative.

Whether used independently or as part of a mixed-methods design, qualitative research adds a dimension of understanding that strengthens both the depth and the credibility of the overall research endeavour. This course demystifies qualitative research. It equips participants with the conceptual foundation, practical skills and ethical awareness needed to design and conduct rigorous qualitative studies.

Course Objectives

Qualitative research demands a particular set of skills. The objectives of this course are to equip participants with the following knowledge and skills.

  • Foundations of qualitative research: Participants will develop a clear understanding of the qualitative research paradigm, including its assumptions, strengths and applications. They will address common concerns about validity and credibility in qualitative research, and understand qualitative inquiry as an iterative and fluid process.
  • Qualitative data collection methods: Participants will learn major qualitative data collection approaches, including in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, participant observation and participatory methods. They will learn data collection tools appropriate to their research context and understand how triangulation and mixed-methods approaches can strengthen their research design.
  • Ethics in qualitative research: Participants will learn about the issues of power, privilege, and positionality in the research relationship. They will examine the ethical principles governing qualitative research, including some comparison with quantitative research ethics.
  • Qualitative data analysis and reporting: Participants will develop practical skills in qualitative data analysis, including coding, thematic analysis, and communicating qualitative findings clearly, accurately, and in a manner appropriate to their audience.

Course Outcomes

Qualitative research is only as credible as the rigour with which it is designed and conducted. After completing this course, participants will be able to independently design and conduct qualitative studies. Participants will leave with a solid conceptual foundation in qualitative methodology and the practical skills to collect, analyse, and report qualitative data systematically. They will also learn to apply artificial intelligence tools to support key stages of the qualitative research process.

Course Content

Day 1: Foundations of Qualitative Research and Data Collection Methods
  • Understand the qualitative research paradigm, address common assumptions and misconceptions, and identify when and why qualitative methods are the appropriate choice for a research question
  • Discuss the major qualitative data collection approaches, including in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, participant observation, and participatory methods, appropriate to a given research context
  • Learn the ethical principles governing qualitative research and the peculiarities of ethical principles in qualitative studies
  • Navigate the requirements of informed consent and ethical clearance in qualitative research design
  • Learn systematic approaches to qualitative data analysis. Learn coding and thematic analysis of qualitative data and develop the skills to transform raw data into coherent, well-structured findings
  • Learn to produce written reports that communicate qualitative findings clearly and accurately
Week 1: Foundations of Qualitative Research and Data Collection Methods
  • Understand the qualitative research paradigm, address common assumptions and misconceptions, and identify when and why qualitative methods are the appropriate choice for a research question
  • Discuss the major qualitative data collection approaches, including in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, participant observation, and participatory methods, appropriate to a given research context
  • Learn the ethical principles governing qualitative research and the peculiarities of ethical principles in qualitative studies
  • Navigate the requirements of informed consent and ethical clearance in qualitative research design
  • Learn systematic approaches to qualitative data analysis. Learn coding and thematic analysis of qualitative data and develop the skills to transform raw data into coherent, well-structured findings
  • Learn to produce written reports that communicate qualitative findings clearly and accurately

Who Should Attend

  • Researchers
  • Postgraduate students (Master's and Doctoral)
  • Programme evaluators and M&E professionals
  • Public health and medical researchers
  • Social scientists
  • Epidemiologists
  • Government and institutional researchers
  • Programme managers
  • NGO and development sector professionals

Price Includes

In-Person:

  • Course attendance
  • Full refreshments:
    • Lunch
    • Welcome tea (tea and pastries)
    • Two tea breaks (tea and pastries)
  • Course lecture notes and training manual
  • Complimentary parking
  • Certificate of attendance

Virtual:

  • Access to interactive webinars
  • Videos for every interactive webinar session
  • All pre-reading materials
  • E-Certificate of attendance

Course Details

In-Person
  • 3 days
  • R9,500
Virtual
  • 3 weeks
  • R8,000
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For more details about our services contact:

Dimakatso Mofokeng
info@cesar-africa.com
+27 11 403 1411

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