Most behavioral science research today is strictly quantitative which often omit large amounts of information on context, meaning-making and processes leading to behavior. Further, many measures are constructed poorly, or in an ad-hoc manner, often developed in contexts other than the one in which the research is currently conducted in. This means for you as an organization, the data you are getting from quantitative scales alone may produce misleading insights. Qualitative and indigenous psychology approaches can help overcome such problems, providing a richer and deeper understanding of phenomena. This is done through the collection and analysis of non-numerical data such as interviews, open-ended data and naturalistic behavior. Qualitative and indigenous psychology approaches are a critical instrument for any applied behavioral scientist.

However, qualitative approaches are commonly haphazardly done, and applied practitioners often ask if “they’re doing it right”. This workshop provides a practical guide to qualitative and indigenous research with a focus on data analysis of interviews and open-ended survey data (and how to go beyond just counting themes). This workshop aims to give you a firm understanding of the principles, sampling, data analysis, data management, and theorizing about qualitative data. This workshop will feature applied exercises and will discuss common issues and practical tips in qualitative research.