Call for Applications: Fieldwork in Challenging Contexts: Design, Methods and Representation
Qualitative research methods are increasingly recognized as powerful and instructive tools in the generation and unpacking of empirical data that helps expand the frontiers of knowledge. Even in this age of big data – often inferred as quantitative – qualitative research is indispensable in uncovering and understanding the construction, meaning and interpretation of the world around us. This utility is recognized in the increasing preference for mixed method approaches to research that combines the strengths of quantitative and qualitative methodologies in the pursuance of knowledge.
This workshop will help equip participants with the essential skills required in implementing qualitative fieldwork research methods. The theory and practice of qualitative research methods and strategies will be discussed and explained through the use of real-world examples and case studies from research work undertaken in Pakistan.
The workshop will revolve around four sessions that will provide a comprehensive and in-depth introduction to qualitative research. Session 1 will focus on qualitative research design to illustrate the design and implementation of appropriate qualitative research designs for different research themes and questions. The session will expand and refine participants’ understanding of research designs suited and attendant ethical considerations in different circumstances. Session 2 will pivot towards core qualitative research tools and methods. This illustrative and comparative session will introduce and evaluate different qualitative research approaches and tools employed by researchers. The Session will also help participants understand the strengths and weaknesses of different qualitative methods and tools.
Research in conflict and crisis-affected settings is one of the most formidable challenges facing researchers in fragile contexts. Session 3 will focus on the ethical and practical considerations facing qualitative researchers – particularly in conflict-affected settings. Themes and questions in this session will be illustrated through the deployment of examples from recent qualitative research studies undertaken by senior researchers in Pakistan. Session 4 of this workshop will be structured around the reading, interpretation and analysis of qualitative fieldwork data. The Session will introduce participants to extracting qualitative data from the field, and its most effective, ethical representation through writing. The Session will highlight frequent errors and weaknesses that beset researchers when analyzing and representing their findings through writing.
Qualitative research is an increasingly salient and integral part of a modern researcher’s toolkit. A thorough understanding of the core qualitative research methods, fieldwork considerations, and analytical/interpretive strategies will help ensure participants are able to acquire concrete skills for effective implementation of qualitative research techniques.
1 This workshop will be delivered by an experienced team of Resource Persons from the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) and the University of Peshawar. PRIO is the oldest, world-renowned and prestigious research organization working to develop and expand the state of knowledge in peace and conflict studies.
Resource Persons:
Kristian B. Harpviken, Director, Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO)
Kaja Borchgrevink, Researcher, Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) Shahida Aman, Assistant Professor, University of Peshawar.
Sami Raza, Assistant Professor, University of Peshawar.
Who Can Apply:
Graduate (MA, MPhil, PhD) students from Social Science and Humanities of the University of Peshawar.
Deadline:
Please send your application of interest (i.e., a brief essay of 500 words) by August 20, 2016, on the following email: samiraza@upesh.edu.pk ; shahida_aman@upesh.edu.pk