A Comparison of Qualitative Methods (Module 2)

Session Summary

This session will compare and contrast the aims, data collection preferences, analytic style, limitations and appropriate usage of four different qualitative methods - grounded theory, thematic analysis, interpretative phenomenological analysis and narrative analysis – in order to identify the types of research questions to which each method is best suited. The possibility of conducting by-person or case analyses using qualitative data will also be considered.

Indicative Feedback for this Session

I am now…sorry that I missed previous sessions. Qualitative [research] can appear very abstract. Tonight's session crystallised the differences between the four methods you addressed - and did it so well. Two hours incredibly well spent (Huddersfield).

A useful session [which] provided an introduction to qualitative analysis, especially for novice researchers confused by all the terminology - particularly the bits about methodology that we ‘glaze over’ when reading texts. This begins to make sense. I could do with more (Greenwich).

Thank you. This session has helped me rethink what I thought I knew but actually did not know. You have made these methods much clearer and I look forward to rehearing the session tomorrow…You make things clear and easier to understand, a real gift (Bath Spa).

Thank you, this session has been helpful. The level of detail is incredible - I especially found the sections on grounded theory and thematic analysis…helpful as it showed me where I have been going wrong in the past. It will take a few more attempts at listening to the session to let it all sink in though - mind blown from all the information (Staffordshire).

Thanks! This has have been one of the most useful sessions for me. I learned about these methods separately, some recent, and some a long time ago. So having one presentation summarize these four qualitative…methods was priceless. They now sit coherently in their place and I am so much more confident in approaching my future research, interviews, and data (City).