Aims of WorkshopQualitative research methods are becomingmore widely used across a variety of disciplinesin the social sciences. There has also been arenewed focus on the integration of qualitativeand quantitative methods in addressing researchquestions.

This workshop aims to give participants adetailed understanding of qualitative methods,their theoretical foundations and theirapplication to a range of research projects,particularly health research. The workshopsessions are structured so that participants gainexperience in both theoretical and practicalaspects of qualitative research.The workshop hasa particular focus on the conduct of qualitativemethods in developing country contexts.

Modules The workshop is comprised of the followingmodules:• Qualitative Concepts & Techniques• Ethical Issues• Participant Recruitment • Data and Data Management• In-Depth Interviews• Focus Group Discussions• Observation Techniques• Qualitative Data Analysis• Computer Assisted Data Analysis• Reporting Qualitative Findings• Assessing Quality• Integrating Qualitative with Quantitative

Research

Duration The workshop is available as a one-week course.Alternatively workshop modules can be selectedto construct a tailor-made workshop of shorterduration or focussed around specific areas (eg:focus group discussion or data analysis) to suitthe needs of various target audiences. Please feelfree to discuss your requirements with theworkshop presenters.

Target AudienceThe workshop is aimed at a wide variety ofparticipants, including post-graduate researchstudents, researchers, health service providers,NGO professionals, Government Ministry staff,or other professionals wishing to use qualitativemethods in their research or seeking to gain afurther understanding of the practical applicationof particular methods.

Workshop Practical: India

Training Workshop onQualitative Research Methods.

Fact Sheet 32 Reproductive Health Research Funded by DFID

Universityof Groningen

Presentation MethodsParticipatory teaching approaches are usedduring the workshop. Each module will typicallyconsist of a formal teaching session and practicalactivities, such as; group discussion, class-roompractical sessions and group presentations. Inaddition there are several field-based practicalsessions during the workshop which enableparticipants to apply the skills acquired in theclassroom to field situations. Participants will alsoreceive a folder of documentation, whichincludes lecture material, reading lists, copies ofrelevant articles and a related text for reference.

Field Practical: Malawi

PresentersThe workshop is a joint initiative between theUniversity of Groningen (Netherlands) and theUniversity of Southampton (UK). The coursepresenters are:

Dr. Inge HutterPopulation Research CentreFaculty of Spatial SciencesUniversity of GroningenNetherlandsi.hutter@frw.rug.nl

Dr. Monique HenninkOpportunities & Choices ProgrammeDivision of Social StatisticsUniversity of SouthamptonUnited Kingdommon@socsci.soton.ac.uk

Dr. Inge Hutter is associate professor at thePopulation Research Centre, University ofGroningen, and coordinator of the researchprogramme on reproductive health, HERA, ofPRC Groningen and NIDI Den Haag. She hasextensive experience in combining quantitativesmall-scale surveys with qualitative methods,especially in research on social-cultural aspects ofreproductive health in rural South India. Inaddition, she has experience in research foraction, such as translating research into healthinterventions.

Dr. Monique Hennink is a senior research fellowat the University of Southampton, working on aprogramme of research on reproductive healthin developing countries. She has extensiveexperience in the design and application ofqualitative methodologies. She has published onmethodological aspects of qualitative research aswell as substantive research using qualitativemethods, and has particular experience in usingqualitative methods in developing countrysettings

VenueThe workshops are typically held at in-countryinstitutions (eg: Universities, Ministry of Health). Ifyou would like to host a workshop in yourinstitution, please discuss your requirements withthe course presenters. Alternatively, researchstudents can attend the annual 5-Day trainingworkshop held at the University of Groningen,Netherlands. This workshop is held inSeptember or October each year; please consultthe website for further information:www.socstats.soton.ac.uk/choices

For further information contact the course presenters or Rosemary LawrenceProgramme Secretary, Opportunities and Choices Programme, Division of Social Statistics,School of Social Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK.Tel: +44 (0)23 8059 5763 Fax: +44 (0)23 8059 3846 E-mail: rl@socsci.soton.ac.uk

Fact Sheet 32 Reproductive Health Research Funded by DFID