Call for Applications - National Workshop on Qualitative Research in Social Sciences: Theory and Applications

• Centre for Research in Wellbeing and Happiness, FLAME University, Pune
• Indian Health Economics and Policy Association (IHEPA)

The workshop is a five-day intensive, classroom and field-based training programme that introduces participants to the concepts, design, and application of qualitative research methods in health, development, and social science research. The workshop combines classroom teaching with immersive field exposure to enable participants to conceptualise research problems, undertake qualitative data collection, analyse data systematically, and interpret findings. Through hands-on exercises, group tasks to understand interviews, in-depth interviews, fieldwork, and guided analysis using open-source software (QualCoder), participants will gain practical skills in conducting in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, observations, transcription, coding, and thematic analysis. The programme is designed to strengthen methodological competence and build confidence in applying qualitative approaches in independent research.

1. Foundations of Qualitative Research
   • Introduction to qualitative research
   • Difference between qualitative and quantitative approaches
   • Research questions suited for qualitative inquiry
   • Introduction to in-depth interviews
2. Qualitative Data Collection Methods
   • Interview techniques and interviewer skills
   • Role plays and mock interviews
   • Focus Group Discussions (FGDs)
   • Documentation and field preparation
3. Fieldwork and Data Preparation
   • Field-based observations
   • Writing field notes
   • Recording, transcription, and translation
   • Sampling strategies in qualitative research
4. Coding and Data Analysis
   • Introduction to qualitative data analysis
   • Types of coding (open, axial, thematic)
   • Hands-on practice with QualCoder software
   • Data organisation and interpretation
5. Theme Building and Reporting
   • Inductive and deductive coding
   • Theme development and synthesis
   • Ensuring rigour and validity
   • Presentation of findings and group feedback

Applications are invited from PhD Scholars (pursuing, awaiting award, or recently awarded), and from early-career researchers in the social sciences (Postdocs, Assistant Professors). Preference will be given to candidates not exceeding the age of 40 years. We will accept 20 participants from India.

Interested applicants must complete the Google Form using the link below (or QR code) by providing the requested academic and professional details along with a statement of interest (up to 300 words) explaining their motivation for participating in the workshop.

Selected candidates are required to pay a registration fee of ₹2,500/- (Rupees Twenty-Five Hundred only). A fee waiver may be considered for candidates on a need basis.

The workshop will be held at FLAME University campus in Pune, India. Round-trip travel reimbursements (up to Second AC railway fare) and shared accommodation (double-occupancy) will be provided.

For queries and further information, reach out to the workshop coordinator at
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CRBWH is an interdisciplinary research centre that promotes research and capacity building in wellbeing, happiness, public policy, and social development. The centre undertakes evidence-based research, training programmes, and collaborative initiatives to inform policy and practice.

More information on
https://www.flame.edu.in/research/centres/centre-for-research-in-wellbeing-and-happiness

The Indian Health Economics and Policy Association (IHEPA) is a registered professional society that provides a platform for researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and students interested in health economics and policy issues to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and engage in dialogue on key health sector challenges in India and globally. It hosts conferences, workshops, and events to promote learning, networking, and research dissemination across disciplines.

More information on
https://ihepa.org/