Similar to mental health practitioners, qualitative researchers are interested in ascertaining the direct experiences of human beings; recognising that all humans are meaning-making agents in their everyday lives. The aim of this qualitative research workshop series is to explore the skills, knowledge, and resources required to use qualitative research as a means to bring forth the voices and stories of the communities in which we live and work.
Qualitative research requires rigour to ensure it is done well; however, it doesn’t need to be a daunting endeavour. In fact, when done well, it should be enjoyable! This series emphasises an interactive and participatory approach. By the end, participants will have a foundation from which to commence or further their qualitative research journey with their field of practice. Specifically, participants will have:
An understanding of the principles of qualitative research
A developed research proposal outlining the steps required to get their research off the ground
An understanding of the necessary requirements for publishing your work
Session | Date (Saturday) | Time (3hrs) | Topic |
1 | 8 Nov | 10am to 1pm | Why Qualitative Research and Introduction to Different Qualitative Methodologies |
2 | 15 Nov | Positionality and Ethics as a Researcher | |
3 | 22 Nov | Critiquing Literature | |
4 | 6 Dec | Developing the Research/Interview Questions | |
5 | 27 Dec or 3 Jan | Drop-in Session – Q&A | |
6 | 10 Jan | Conducting Individual Interviews/Focus Groups | |
7 | 17 Jan | Doing Thematic Analysis | |
8 | 24 Jan | Writing-up Qualitative Research |
Facilitator of the Series
Dr. Shoba Nayar, PhD.
Fee
25,000 inc GST for entire package
3,500 inc GST per session
Delivery
The content of the 3 hours would be a mix of PPT teaching in which general questions will be asked to engage participants, and breakout rooms which activities that participants can engage in to support their learning of the PPT content. Participants will also be given readings to guide their learning.
To REGISTER:
WhatsApp 8106864001 to register or write to us at pause.perspective@gmail.com and we will help you register.
Session 1: Why Qualitative Research and Introduction to Different Qualitative Methodologies
This workshop offers mental health practitioners a practical introduction to the value of qualitative research in understanding complex human experiences. We will explore how qualitative methods can deepen insight into client perspectives, therapeutic relationships, and clinical processes. The session will cover key methodologies—including phenomenology, grounded theory, ethnography, and narrative analysis—highlighting their relevance to real-world mental health settings; as well as core language used in qualitative research, such as ontology, epistemology and axiology. As the first of the series, this workshop will provide a starting point for thinking about the approach you want to take with respect to researching your area of interest.
Session 2: Positionality and Ethics as a Researcher
Being asked ‘what do you do?’ is a question we are all familiar with. Less common is the exploration of why we have chosen to do what we do. Why have we chosen to be a therapist or a researcher? Why do we work with a particular community? Why is it acceptable for us to write or talk about a certain topic? Whether we are working with people in a therapeutic or research context, who we are has a profound impact on the nature of the work including our role in, shaping of, and the impact on the therapeutic relationship or research outcome. In this workshop we will explore the concepts of reflexivity and positionality and why integrating these concepts is essential for demonstrating quality in our work—both as practitioners and researchers.
Session 3: Critiquing Literature
We are always consuming literature—whether it be research articles, non-fiction books, or blogs on websites—to inform our practice. How do we determine whether what we are reading is best practice, ethical practice, or unbiased? In this workshop we learn how to critically evaluate research literature to determine whether or how the findings can be applied to practice. You will learn how to assess the quality, relevance, and credibility of both quantitative and qualitative studies, with a focus on identifying strengths, limitations, and potential biases, in order to make informed judgments about evidence and its applicability to diverse client populations. Guided exercises and discussion will help you build confidence in engaging with scholarly work and using it to support ethical, evidence-informed practice.
Session 4: Developing the Research/Interview Questions
Building on the first two sessions, this workshop is designed to help you gain essential skills to develop clear, focused, and impactful questions that are tailored to your research interests and align with your chosen methodological approach. Whether aiming to enhance evidence-based practice, pursue publication, or contribute to program development, this hands-on session will foster critical thinking needed to develop the question that gets to the heart of the situation. We will also explore the difference between a research question and interview questions, and how they can be developed to inform one another.
Session 5: Drop-in Session – Q&A
This workshop is an opportunity to bring any questions that are lingering for you from the first 4 sessions. Questions may be more general; for example differentiating between the different methodological approaches, or they may be more specific to the development of your research proposal; for example, does your research question capture your intent. Even if you do not have a question, listening to what others are raising may stimulate your own ideas and support your learning.
Session 6: Conducting Individual Interviews/Focus Groups
In this workshop, we will learn how to effectively conduct individual interviews and focus groups for qualitative research. The session will cover key skills such as crafting open-ended questions, building rapport, managing group dynamics, and navigating ethical considerations. You will explore when to use each method, how to create a comfortable and inclusive environment, and techniques for gathering rich, meaningful data. Through interactive activities and real-world examples, you will have the opportunity to practice these methods to explore client experiences, evaluate programs, or inform clinical practice and service development. We will also consider other forms of data collection that can be used to support interviews and focus groups.
Session 7: Thematic Analysis
The approach to analysis will differ based on the methodological approach. In this workshop the focus will be on reflexive thematic analysis—a flexible and accessible method for analysing qualitative data. It is a foundational form of analysis that can be used with most data. You will learn how to identify patterns, develop codes, and generate meaningful themes from interview transcripts, focus group data, or written narratives. The workshop will guide you through each step of the analytic process, with time to engage in hands-on practice. This session is ideal both for those new to qualitative research or as a refresher for those who wish to deepen their analytic skills.
Session 8: Writing-up Qualitative Research
Publishing is a great way to disseminate information and let the world know about the work that we’re doing; however, there are some things to consider beyond just getting words on paper. In this workshop we will explore what is required turn qualitative research findings into clear, compelling manuscripts ready for publication. You will learn how to structure a qualitative paper, present themes effectively, integrate participant quotes, and discuss findings in relation to existing literature. The session will also cover common publication challenges, journal selection, responding to reviewer feedback, and what to do about ethics or IRB approval.