FAQs

We have found workshops with small groups to be an effective way to help students learn qualitative research methods. A group situation means you can learn from other people's questions and ideas. However, in a small group, there is still time to ask questions and discuss and develop each participants' ideas. 

Each of our workshops is designed with a similar structure:

• we present a brief overview of the key elements of a topic

• we provide pre-developed examples that we discuss together, offering a low-stakes opportunity for critique and development

• you have an opportunity to ask questions relevant to your research

We need at least 4 people to run a workshop. We take a maximum of 8 people, so everyone has time to contribute. If the minimum isn't met 48 hours before the workshop, we will contact you to refund your reservation or rebook you onto our next workshop.

We can offer refunds, or you can rebook onto another workshop instead if you can't make it. To request a refund, we request that you let us know at least 48 hours in advance.

We offer our workshops on a regular basis, so look out for future dates, or contact us via our emails or contact page in case we get a cancellation. If you can't wait, and need some individual support, please drop us a line on our contact us page.

There are some great groups and resources out there! 

• We highly recommend postgraduate IPA researchers join the IPA online discussion forum and review the IPA resources page  hosted by Birkbeck, University of London (the home of IPA). There are regional IPA groups: find your regional contact here. 

• Additionally, if you need thematic analysis resources,  Virginia Braun and Victoria Clarke have a great TA website. 

• For grounded theory, check out Grounded Theory Online. 

• If you'd like your work proofread, we highly recommend Post-Graduate Proof-Reader. Johanna Spiers offers a wonderful service and is a great IPA advocate. 

• We'll also give you a list of recommended peer-reviewed papers at the conclusion of our workshops. 

There's no easy answer to this question, but here are a few suggestions:

• First, and most importantly, discuss your concerns with your research supervisor.

• Make sure the workshop is a good fit with your research stage (the workshops are laid out in the order in which they might be useful).

• We recommend you have done some relevant reading around that topic since the workshops include practical elements. It's useful that you have some ideas to discuss.

• Read the workshop description and topics covered.

• Think about what you need most at the moment.

It's your responsibility to take advice, consider all the information and make an informed decision yourself about the suitability and timing of the workshop you choose to attend and how that relates to your research needs at that time.

We do not record workshops. Our experience suggests that the most value with workshops like these is attending, participating and interacting. Since the workshops have a practical focus, we will 'produce' relevant outputs during the session, whether that's a refined research question, examples of interview questions or co-developed analytic work.

If you would like a 1:1, please complete the contact form and we will put you in touch with a colleague who offers this service.