Course Information Sheet: Advanced Qualitative Data Analysis and Research Rigor

Course Overview:

The Advanced Qualitative Data Analysis and Research Rigor course is designed for researchers, academics, and professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of qualitative research methodologies and enhance the rigor of their qualitative studies. This comprehensive course provides a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills, with a special focus on cutting-edge software, such as COSTAQDA, to facilitate the coding, organizing, and testing of qualitative data.

Whether you’re a novice researcher or an experienced academic, this course will guide you through every phase of qualitative research—from designing research questions and collecting data, to applying rigorous analysis and ensuring trustworthiness in your findings.

What You Will Learn:

• Foundations of Qualitative Research: Gain an in-depth understanding of qualitative research methods, including phenomenology, case studies, and narrative research.

• Data Collection Techniques: Learn advanced data collection methods, such as in-depth interviews, focus groups, participant observation, and document analysis.

• Ensuring Rigor in Research: Master strategies to enhance credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability in qualitative studies.

• Content and Thematic Analysis: Conduct content analysis and thematic analysis to extract meaningful insights from qualitative data.

• Critical Appraisal of Research (CASP): Use the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool to evaluate the quality and rigor of qualitative studies.

• COSTAQDA Software Mastery: Learn how to effectively use COSTAQDA for coding, testing inter-coder reliability with Cohen’s Kappa, and critically appraising qualitative research.

• Ethics in Research: Understand and apply essential ethical principles, including informed consent, confidentiality, and participant protection, in line with the Belmont Principles and Nuremberg Code.

Course Benefits:

1. Comprehensive Skill Development:
   This course covers all aspects of qualitative research, from the foundational theories to advanced data analysis, providing you with a holistic understanding of how to conduct and appraise rigorous research.

2. Hands-On Practice with COSTAQDA:
   Get practical experience using the innovative COSTAQDA software for qualitative data analysis, coding, and research testing. You'll also learn how to integrate CASP into your research process for added rigor.

3. Enhanced Research Rigor:
   By the end of the course, you will be able to ensure the trustworthiness of your qualitative research using advanced techniques to enhance credibility, dependability, and confirmability.

4. Career Advancement:
   Whether you’re in academia, social sciences, or any field that relies on qualitative data, the skills acquired in this course will significantly enhance your research portfolio, making you a stronger candidate for research roles and academic advancement.

5. Ethical Research Practices:
   You will have the knowledge to uphold high ethical standards in research, ensuring your studies comply with international norms and guidelines, and are defensible under scrutiny.

6. Professional Research Project:
   As part of the course, you’ll complete a full qualitative research project, providing you with a tangible demonstration of your skills and a valuable addition to your research portfolio.

Course Fees:

• Course Fee: R10,000
• Duration: 8 Weeks
• Mode: Online (self-paced with weekly live sessions)

This course explores the fundamental principles and ethical considerations involved in conducting research across various disciplines. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of ethical guidelines, responsible conduct of research, and the importance of integrity in the research process. Through case studies, discussions, and practical exercises, students will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate ethical challenges in their research endeavors.

Please submit the following:

1. Certified ID Document
2. Certified Certificates
3. Completed CV in GCAR Format.  (Please see the template in the word document format below and make sure you follow it by starting with your Biographical Sketch. Please submit both in Word and PdF formats. Ensure to place your Face Picture in the CV as per attachment).
4. Two reference letters/statements  from professionals (either as former managers or academics involved in your personal development)

Course Objective: Development of Concepts and Constructs based on Introduction to Research:

1. Concepts development through etymological, denotational and contextual analysis.
2. Philosophical personal perspectives on concepts elucidation based on solid research of concepts.
3.  Development and understanding of the Language of Research
4. Research concepts and constructs to be examined as a language of Research:                           

 (a) Research, Philosophy, Ethics, Validity, Reliability, Data Analysis, Qualitative and Quantitative approaches, Literature Review, Research Designs, Population, Sample, Instruments, Results/Findings, Discussion, Conclusion, Recommendations, Sampling approaches, Research Limitations and Delimitations, Hypothesis, Assumptions, Proposal, Abstract (IMRaD), Problem Statement, Research authorities, Statistical Analysis, etc                                                                               

(b) Content-Range: Philosophy, Research, Organisation, Management, Leadership, Strategy, Team Building, Coaching, Marketing, Mentoring, Education, Staffing, Supervision, Motivation, Communication, Principles, Stakeholders, Systems Thinking, Entrepreneurship, Contracts, Assessments, Moderation, Curriculum, Thesis, Dissertation

 Exit Learning Outcomes

 At the end of this trimester the learner will be able:

1- Understand research-related concepts from the etymological, denotative, and contextual viewpoints

2- To explain the philosophical basis and perspectives born from those research concepts.

3- To justify the fact that research is a language used to investigate issues of concern and generate solutions for the betterment of human life.

4- Expertly research and explain at least ten of the commonly used research concepts and jargon and show how they fit in a research document.

5- To present a TEN page document on any content issue of interest and relate it to the concepts and constructs dealt with in Outcome 1.

Assessment Criteria

Assessment of Outcome One

a.    Define at least six research concepts (indicate etymology, denotational and connotational meaning).

b.    Demonstrate usage of those concepts in solving research problems

c.    Show how context can help to define a concept without the use of a dictionary

d.    Show the difference between etymology and denotation in concepts definition

Assessment of Outcome Two:

a.    Show how philosophy relates to any three research concepts you dealt with

b.    Identify philosophical gurus who researched any three of those research concepts and show their theoretical stand

c.    Use the meaning of those terms and concepts to evidence your bias and theoretical stand

 Assessment of Outcome Three:

a.    Show how research terms and concepts could be classified as language.  Justify your stand.

b.    Present three images to demonstrate your conceptual grasp of how language paints pictures to enhance understanding.

 Assessment of Outcome Four:

a.    Show how many chapters a research document has and what each chapter entails

b.    Use five defined concepts and show how and where you will use them in the research document.

 Assessment of Outcome Five:

a.    Present a TEN page document on any content issue of interest and relate it to the concepts and constructs dealt with in 1.