Centre
for Qualitative Inquiry
Thinking
Qualitative : Theory and practice of QRM
Research in general has been dominated by quantitative
methodology for many decades. It has overshadowed
alternative and complementary research approaches. Yet there
are questions that are neither possible nor appropriate to
address with a single methodology. What cultural assumptions
hinder or facilitate communication with members of the
community? What are the needs of the people from different
age groups and socio-economic strata? Which social and
cultural factors should be taken into account before
implementing all ambitious plans to improve health, health
care or any other development or education programme? These
are only some of the questions that confront the
professionals and planners. Research scholars are beginning
to realize that qualitative research methodology leads us to
explore underlying behaviours, attitudes, and perceptions
that determine a particular phenomenon; it helps us explain
social and programmatic barriers to informed choice or the
use of services; it sheds light on the success of particular
interventions; and it facilitates better understanding of
the policy, social and legal contexts in which people make
choices.
Why a short course on Qualitative Research Methodology?
There is yet to be a clear and systematic attempt to conduct
QRM training and qualitative research. The Centre for
Qualitative Inquiry (CQI) hopes to fill in this void by
providing a short course on theory and practice in
qualitative research methodology. This field-based course
will focus on participatory learning, covering both theory
and practical aspects of qualitative research methodology
with a focus on health related disciplines.
The different modules in the short course will address:
-
Theory
& introductory concepts of Qualitative Research
-
Qualitative
research tools & techniques
-
Ethnographic
interviews
o Focus group discussions
o Observation techniques
o PRA (participatory rapid appraisal)
-
Ethical
issues in qualitative research
-
Qualitative
data analysis
-
Computer
Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software
-
Reporting
qualitative findings
