Dr Nicole Brown | One six-hour session | Spring: 10:00 - 16:00 Wednesday 25 March

This course accrues 2 training points.

The aim of this interactive workshop is to consider data analysis in qualitative research with a specific focus on how to treat and deal with data that is not textual, but comes out of the use of creative methods (drawings, paintings, pick-a-card, LEGO models, etc.). Using real data from research using creative methods for data collection we explore how analysis of "messy data" can be approached. 

We consider the principles and process of analysis within qualitative research in general when we discuss if analysis is ever an objective process and if there is a difference between analysing data from linear texts or visual/sensory data, such as that from building LEGO models, song lists, photographs, videos and the like. Delegates have opportunities to practise analysing visual data on its own, in connection with textual data employing the "Systematic Visuo-Textual Analysis" or by employing creative forms of expression.  

In line with the pedagogical principles of social constructivism the course is delivered as a mixture of interactive group tasks, discussions and lectures to enable active and experiential learning. This workshop can be taken on its own or following on from the workshop "Creative methods in qualitative data collection". 

Learning outcomes 

• Have critical awareness of advantages and risks when using creative methods in qualitative research 

• Be equipped to use creative methods for data analysis 

• Have a critical appreciation of existing approaches to and paradigms of data analysis, particularly linked to non-textual data 

• Feel permitted to "experiment" and "try" in qualitative research    

Topics 

• Theoretical underpinning to data analysis 

• Practical ideas for data analysis 

• Ethical issues and quality considerations to be accounted for when using creative methods 

• The role of the researcher in analysis   

Course tutor: 

Dr Nicole Brown is Associate Professor at the UCL Institute of Education and Director of Social Research & Practice and Education Ltd. Underpinned by her interpretation of human communication relying on the embodied, metaphorical understanding of the world, she regularly uses participatory and creative approaches to data collection and analysis. Nicole has taught research methods for over ten years, including at the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR), the Society for Research into Higher Education (SRHE), the Social Research Association (SRA), the National Centre for Research Methods (NCRM), Photovoice Worldwide and the British Medical Association (BMA). For Nicole's publications check her UCL Profile page.