This online course is run by the Researcher Academy as part of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Training Programme

Target Audience: Postgraduate research students and research staff in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences only

Course description: 

Qualitative observational studies are very different from the category of observational studies (non-experimental research designs) used in epidemiology, nor are they like the clinical observation of a patient. Qualitative Observational Studies involve the systematic, detailed observation of behaviour and talk: watching and recording what people do and say.  The qualitative researcher systematically watches people and events to find out about behaviours and interactions in natural settings. 

Qualitative Observation studies can help to overcome the discrepancy between what people say and what they actually do. Observational methods are particularly well suited to the study of the working of organisations and how the people within them perform their functions. It may also uncover behaviours or routines of which the participants themselves may be unaware. 

Aims: To give an overview of the different types of observational study

Objectives:

By the end of the session you will:

• Know the 4 different types of observational methods

• Be able to identify which type of observational method is appropriate in a given situation

• Know different ways of recording data from observations

• Understand the barriers and benefits of using qualitative observational methods in Health Services Research

• To have a brief understanding of how to analyse and present your data

Process: Short online webinar with tutor-led delivery and group discussions. No pre-session task. 

Course Accessibility

The following table shows a summary of what is needed to participate in the course. 

If you feel you will experience any difficulties participating, please let us know via the ‘special requirements’ tab, providing as much information as possible. The special requirements tab can be completed when you book your place. Alternatively, you can contact us directly at ra-training@nottingham.ac.uk.

Access MS Teams
Attend the course at the specified date and time
Use MS Teams chat box function
Engage with online materials
Watch and listen to the course tutor(s) and/or other attendees
Follow presentation slides during the course

Booking Conditions 

Our webinars/ online courses are very popular, especially in the current period and we are experiencing large volumes of people on our waiting lists.  

Please do let us know if you would like to cancel your place on this course so we can offer your place to another delegate. 

Please note, attendances for webinars/ online courses will still be recorded and corresponding training points, when shown as available, will be awarded.