Overview

This online workshop critically examines how we evaluate the quality of qualitative research, with an emphasis on moving beyond positivist or inappropriate criteria. Participants will reflect on transparency, rigour, richness and other quality criteria. They will also reflect on method-specific quality considerations in evaluating qualitative research using Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA) and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).

While the importance of quality appraisal in qualitative research is widely acknowledged and discussed, this course is unique in its distinction between and attention to specific quality appraisal techniques suited to different qualitative methodologies. Researchers, reviewers and anyone conducting or engaging with qualitative work would benefit from this course in order to understand how to appraise qualitative research not just in general, but in accordance with the specific method used. This course will help participants know how to identify and contribute high quality qualitative research from a range of approaches which is of critical importance for improving the qualitative evidence base and its impact.

Who this course is for

This is an advanced course limited to participants with some prior knowledge of qualitative methods and generic quality criteria, as the course will focus on method-specific quality criteria.

It is open to participants from all disciplines/professions working in any area of qualitative health research.

Course content

Participants will be introduced to the relevant context and current debates in quality appraisal of qualitative research before a comparative overview of method-specific quality markers is presented and explored. Following this participant will engage in a group-based evaluation activity to practice applying what they have learned to a series of vignettes. Participants will reflect on their learnings and the implications for their own teaching/supervision/practice throughout. 

Teaching and structure

You'll be required to completed 3 hours of online preparatory work followed by a 3 hour online interactive workshop.

Certificates

A certificate of completion will be available upon request

Learning outcomes

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Explain generic and method-specific quality markers in qualitative research and the distinction between these.
• Apply method-specific evaluation criteria to assess studies using Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA) and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).
• Have experience of reflecting on good qualitative research design.

Course team

Dr Elida Cena

Senior Lecturer (Education) - Queen’s University Belfast

Dr Simon Goodman

Associate Professor - De Montfort University Leicester

Course information last modified: 26 Jan 2026, 13:17