Workshop 8
Qualitative research: Bringing forth community stories
Qualitative research is a process of inquiry that seeks in-depth understanding of the “what, why and how” of social phenomena within their natural setting. As such, qualitative researchers are interested in ascertaining the direct experiences of human beings; recognising that all humans are meaning-making agents in their everyday lives. The aim of this workshop is to explore the resonance between the principles of narrative practice, storying, and qualitative research as a means to bring forth the voices and stories of the communities in which we live and work.
This workshop emphasises an interactive and participatory approach. By the end, participants will have a foundation from which to commence their qualitative research journey.
Specifically participants will have:
An understanding of the principles of qualitative research
The beginnings of a research proposal including a formulated research question, identified recruitment and sampling techniques and chosen methods for data collection
A plan for implementing their research proposal in practice
In preparation for this workshop participants are requested to bring an identified topic/area which can be used to build the research proposal.
Facilitated by Shoba Nayar
Shoba Nayar is a New Zealand trained and registered occupational therapist. She completed her PhD in occupational science, in 2019, and has since held various roles in academic institutions in New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and India. Shoba currently works as an independent academic, offering consultation services to academic institutions and postgraduate students in the area of qualitative research. Shoba has authored numerous scholarly journal articles, reports, and book chapters; as well as co-editing the book Qualitative Research Methodologies for Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science. She has served on the editorial board and executive of the Journal of Occupational Science, and is currently the senior associate editor. Additionally, she is an active reviewer of qualitative manuscripts for international journals including Journal of International Migration and Integration, Journal of Advanced Nursing, International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation, and the Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy.