Basic Qualitative Research Methods

About Course

This self-paced course introduces the foundations of qualitative inquiry in social research. You will learn the principles of qualitative research design, methods for conducting interviews, approaches to thematic analysis, and how to ensure rigour and trustworthiness in your work.

Designed for students, early-career researchers, and practitioners, the course combines clear explanations with practical examples. On completion, you will be able to plan a small qualitative study, gather data ethically, and analyse it systematically.

By the end of this course you will be able to:
– Understand the philosophy and purpose of qualitative research
– Design a qualitative study with appropriate methods
– Conduct and record interviews effectively
– Apply thematic analysis to qualitative data
– Demonstrate rigour, reflexivity, and ethical awareness

This course is offered free of charge by IASRD as part of our commitment to accessible research education.

Course Content

Foundations of Qualitative Research
An introduction to what qualitative research is, how it differs from quantitative approaches, and the main research designs.

Designing a Qualitative Study
How to turn an idea into a workable study — writing research questions, choosing a sample, and meeting ethical requirements.

Collecting Qualitative Data
The main ways to gather qualitative data — interviews, focus groups, and observation — and how to choose between them.

Analysing Qualitative Data
How to make sense of qualitative data through thematic analysis, and how to ensure your findings are rigorous and trustworthy.

Basic Qualitative Research Methods

About Course

Course Content

Foundations of Qualitative Research
An introduction to what qualitative research is, how it differs from quantitative approaches, and the main research designs.

What is Qualitative Research?

Qualitative vs Quantitative Approaches

Common Qualitative Designs

Designing a Qualitative Study
How to turn an idea into a workable study — writing research questions, choosing a sample, and meeting ethical requirements.

Research Questions and Aims

Sampling in Qualitative Research

Research Ethics

Collecting Qualitative Data
The main ways to gather qualitative data — interviews, focus groups, and observation — and how to choose between them.

Interviews

Focus Groups and Observation

Analysing Qualitative Data
How to make sense of qualitative data through thematic analysis, and how to ensure your findings are rigorous and trustworthy.

Thematic Analysis

Rigour, Reflexivity and Trustworthiness

End-of-Course Assessment

About Course

Course Content

Foundations of Qualitative Research An introduction to what qualitative research is, how it differs from quantitative approaches, and the main research designs.

Designing a Qualitative Study How to turn an idea into a workable study — writing research questions, choosing a sample, and meeting ethical requirements.

Collecting Qualitative Data The main ways to gather qualitative data — interviews, focus groups, and observation — and how to choose between them.

Analysing Qualitative Data How to make sense of qualitative data through thematic analysis, and how to ensure your findings are rigorous and trustworthy.

Foundations of Qualitative Research
An introduction to what qualitative research is, how it differs from quantitative approaches, and the main research designs.

Designing a Qualitative Study
How to turn an idea into a workable study — writing research questions, choosing a sample, and meeting ethical requirements.

Collecting Qualitative Data
The main ways to gather qualitative data — interviews, focus groups, and observation — and how to choose between them.

Analysing Qualitative Data
How to make sense of qualitative data through thematic analysis, and how to ensure your findings are rigorous and trustworthy.