QUAL-WORKS
QUAL-WORKS
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Overview
Qualitative research is becoming more widely used in public health. QUAL-WORKS equips researchers with vital skills in qualitative methods and data analysis through both workshops and individual mentored sessions tailored to their research projects.
Online
May and August
About QUAL-WORKS
QUAL-WORKS offers three types of training:
- Workshops (held in May and August)
- Individual mentored sessions
- Customized workshops (developed to meet the training needs of your organization)
Our trainings are designed for first-time learners, refresher training, or individual mentoring. Our workshops are suitable for those involved in research or research management. They are valuable for anyone directly involved in conducting qualitative research or those who train research staff, evaluate research contracts, or manage research. No previous knowledge of qualitative research is needed.
Typical participants include:
- Public health professionals
- University researchers
- Graduate students
- Research contractors
- Government agencies
- Non-government organizations.
QUAL-WORKS Faculty
QUAL-WORKS was developed in 2013 by Monique Hennink, PhD, professor of global health. She has authored five textbooks on qualitative research and has over 35 years of experience in the design, implementation, analysis, and publication of qualitative research.
Hennink teaches workshops worldwide in both developed and developing countries. Her research is also globally diverse, with many projects in resource-limited settings, and focuses on understanding the behavioral influences on public health issues.
Workshops
Qualitative Data Collection
Dates: July 28 – August 1, 2025, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. EST
This five-day online workshop provides a detailed understanding of the principles and skills needed for designing and conducting qualitative research.
This workshop helps participants develop skills in designing and evaluating qualitative research, covering common challenges such as:
- What principles guide qualitative research?
- How do I design a qualitative or mixed methods study?
- How do I use purposive recruitment and estimate a sample size?
- How do I use different methods of data collection?
- How do I develop rapport and gain depth in my interviews?
- How do I train a qualitative field team?
- How do I write the qualitative methods section of my article?
- How do I respond to journal reviewers?
- How can I evaluate a qualitative study?
This workshop does not cover qualitative data analysis; a separate workshop is offered on this topic.
Workshop modules follow the instructor’s best-selling textbook, Qualitative Research Methods (2020). Each module balances theoretical principles and practical tasks.
Modules include:
- Principles of Qualitative Research
- Qualitative and Mixed Method Study Designs
- Participant Recruitment and Sample Size Estimation
- Data Collection Methods (In-Depth Interviews, Focus Group Discussions, and Participant Observation)
- Training Field Teams
- Transcribing Data
- Writing Qualitative Methods
- Evaluating Quality
This is an online workshop with synchronous and asynchronous components.
Asynchronous material is provided on the Canvas platform. This includes videos, lectures, readings, exercises and supplementary resources. Participants are expected to review the relevant asynchronous material before joining the synchronous sessions each day.
Synchronous sessions will be conducted in real time via Zoom each day from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST). These sessions include all interactive components, such as skill-building activities, discussions, and group activities. Participants need to ensure their internet bandwidth is suitable for synchronous learning via Zoom. Instructions for accessing the course site on Canvas will be provided upon registration.
Interactive Learning
This workshop balances lecture-based learning with a range of interactive learning activities. Instructional lectures provide important principles and concepts, together with examples of applied field studies. Participatory sessions provide opportunities for skill development by applying concepts learnt in guided activities.
The workshop uses a range of interactive formats:
- Skills-based activities
- Small group discussion
- Quizzes
- Video material
- Research spotlights
Participants who attend all synchronous workshop sessions in full will receive an electronic certificate of participation.
$950.00
Participants have the following choices to pay registration fees.
Credit Card
Register through Eventbrite
Check
Complete your registration form and make your check (in U.S. dollars, drawn from a U.S. bank account) payable to Emory University. Send both check and registration form to:
Carla Bailey
Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University 1518 Clifton Road, NE Atlanta, GA 30322
All checks need to be received, and funds cleared, before the workshop start date.
Wire Transfer
Email qualworks@emory.edu your registration form and request a wire transfer form. All wired funds need to be received before the workshop start date.
Internal Transfer
Emory University faculty and staff may pay through internal fund transfer. Email your registration form and speed type to qualworks@emory.edu. All transferred funds need to be received before the workshop start date.
About Interactive Teaching
“The teaching and learning methods were the most valuable – they kept me engaged the entire time.” - Participant from the UK
“The teaching method was participatory; the activities support the presentations. They were the most interesting and impressive part and made me appreciate the difficulties I am likely to face in the field.” - Participant from Ghana
“The teaching style really helped my learning. I loved all the activities and roleplays, they helped to hone in on concepts and that really made them stick.” - Participant from Kenya
“The content and teaching methods were immensely helpful. The instructor’s use of diagrams to explain abstract concepts was very helpful. This will definitely inform my dissertation research. She also taught at a great pace.” - Participant from U.S.
About Workshop Content
“It was incredibly useful, with an excellent coverage of theoretical and practical issues from facilitators who have really been 'doing it'." - Non-governmental organization staff
“I have a lot of experience in qualitative research, but learning the concepts and theory was extremely useful.”
“Through the use of classroom teaching and helpful practical activities, the once confusing world of qualitative research has become accessible.” - Public health practitioner
“This workshop greatly improved my knowledge of qualitative research and helped me to appreciate the relevance to quantitative methods.” - Researcher in statistics
Qualitative Data Analysis
Dates: August 4 – August 8, 2025, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. EST
This five-day online workshop provides participants with an overview of approaches to analyzing qualitative data, an understanding of guiding principles for analysis, and the opportunity to develop key skills, including hands-on software sessions.
This workshop helps participants develop skills in analyzing qualitative data, covering common challenges such as:
- How do I know I have quality data?
- How do I select an analytic approach?
- What principles guide qualitative data analysis?
- What analytic tools can I use?
- How can I show rigor in analysis?
- How do I manage interpretation bias?
- When should I use analysis software?
- How do I synthesize data and report qualitative findings?
- How do I write the data analysis section of my article?
- How do I respond to journal reviewers?
Each workshop module balances theoretical principles and practical skills. Participants will learn data analysis software MAXQDA in guided activities.
Modules include:
- Approaches to Data Analysis
- Principles of Analysis
- Data Preparation
- Developing Codes and Coding Data
- Analytic Tools (Description, Comparison, Categorization)
- Data Synthesis and Presentation
- Evaluating Quality
- Using Analysis Software
This is an online workshop with synchronous and asynchronous components.
Asynchronous material is provided on the Canvas platform. This includes videos, lectures, readings, exercises and supplementary resources. Participants are expected to review the relevant asynchronous material before joining the synchronous sessions each day.
Synchronous sessions will be conducted in real time via Zoom each day from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST. These sessions include all interactive components, such as skill-building activities, discussions, and group activities. Participants need to ensure their internet bandwidth is suitable for synchronous learning via Zoom. Instructions for accessing the course site on Canvas will be provided upon registration.
Interactive Learning
This workshop balances lecture-based learning with a range of interactive learning activities. Instructional lectures provide important principles and concepts, together with examples of applied field studies. Participatory sessions provide opportunities for skill development by applying concepts learnt in guided activities.
The workshop uses a range of interactive formats:
- Skills-based activities
- Small group discussion
- Quizzes
- Video material
- Research spotlights
- Hands-on software sessions
Participants who attend all synchronous workshop sessions in full will receive an electronic certificate of participation.
$950.00
Participants have the following choices to pay registration fees.
Credit Card
Register through Eventbrite.
Check
Complete your registration form and make your check (in U.S. dollars, drawn from a U.S. bank account) payable to Emory University. Send both check and registration form to:
Carla Bailey
Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University 1518 Clifton Road, NE Atlanta, GA 30322
All checks need to be received, and funds cleared, before the workshop start date.
Wire Transfer
Email qualworks@emory.edu your registration form and request a wire transfer form. All wired funds need to be received before the workshop start date.
Internal Transfer
Emory University faculty and staff may pay through internal fund transfer. Email your registration form and speed type to qualworks@emory.edu. All transferred funds need to be received before the workshop start date.
About Interactive Teaching
“The workshop gives a nice mix of analytic concepts with practical strategies to apply them.”
“The activities provided a ‘real-world’ feel for using the techniques of data analysis, and I feel so much more prepared to do it on my own now.”
“The group work was very valuable in solidifying the concepts and strategies presented in lectures and gave me a great deal of appreciation for the skills of qualitative data analysis.”
“It has taught me a lot about the ‘behind the scenes’ work that goes into qualitative data analysis, which I had no idea about before.”
About Course Content
“This course was useful in teaching the rigorous and systematic approach to qualitative data analysis.”
“This is a really great entry point into the complex world of qualitative data analysis. I commend the instructor for being able to present such a complex topic in an easily comprehensible way.”
“Dr. Hennink made the concepts and process of analysis much more real and practical for me. I actually understand how to do data analysis now, before it was a huge, intimidating, abstract thing.”
“This course really taught me the process of qualitative data analysis, because of the clear presentations and teaching methods of the instructor.”
Customized Workshops
Request a workshop tailored to the training needs of your organization. Custom workshops can be tailored to selected modules, duration, and level. Select from an existing format or customize your own modules.
Workshops can be designed for participants new to qualitative research or those seeking to improve skills. They vary from one-day intensives to two-week courses and are held online.
Workshop instructors are experienced qualitative researchers and use interactive learning formats to foster skill development.
Custom workshops are suitable for public health organizations, research groups or organizations, non-governmental organizations, or research corporations. Custom workshops are subject to a minimum number of participants.
To discuss your organization's training needs, contact Monique Hennink, PhD (mhennin@emory.edu).
Select from the following modules to build a custom workshop. Modules vary in length.
Data Collection Modules
- Principles of Qualitative Research
- Qualitative and Mixed Methods Study Designs
- Participant Recruitment
- Sample Size Estimation
- In-Depth Interviews
- Focus Group Discussions
- Participant Observation
- Training Field Teams
- Transcribing Audio Recordings
- Writing Qualitative Methods
- Evaluating Quality
Data Analysis Modules
- Principles of Qualitative Data Analysis
- Analytic Approaches
- Data Preparation
- Developing Codes & Coding Data
- Analytic Tools (Description, Comparison, Categorizing)
- Data Synthesis and Presentation
- Using Analysis Software
- Evaluating Quality
Mentored Sessions
Mentored Data Collection
Date: August 7, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. EST
We offer a three-hour mentored session on qualitative data collection to anyone who has completed the corresponding QUAL-WORKS workshop. Participants bring their own qualitative research proposal, project, or manuscript and receive expert guidance on aspects of qualitative research design specific to the project.
This online session is conducted via Zoom from either 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. or 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST. It enables participants to apply the skills gained during the workshop to their own study while receiving expert mentoring specific to the project’s needs.
This session is most suitable for those currently working on a project or proposal using qualitative or mixed methods and need further guidance. This session is subject to a minimum number of participants. We tailor the session to the expressed needs of participants.
Prior to the session, we will identify core areas of desired assistance.
Proposal Writing
- Writing the research methods
- Justifying qualitative research
- Sample size estimates
- Reflecting rigor in writing
Qualitative Research Design
- Developing a study design
- Mixed methods designs
- Selecting appropriate methods
- Participant recruitment strategies
Qualitative Data Collection
- Designing instruments
- Using data collection methods
- Fieldwork planning
- Training a field team
- Conducting international work
Writing Qualitative Research
- Writing a journal article
- Responding to reviewer comments
$400.00
Participants have the following choices to pay registration fees.
Credit Card
Register through Eventbrite.
Check
Complete your registration form and make your check (in U.S. dollars, drawn from a U.S. bank account) payable to Emory University. Send both check and registration form to:
Carla Bailey
Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University 1518 Clifton Road, NE Atlanta, GA 30322
All checks need to be received, and funds cleared, before the workshop start date.
Wire Transfer
Email qualworks@emory.edu your registration form and request a wire transfer form. All wired funds need to be received before the workshop start date.
Internal Transfer
Emory University faculty and staff may pay through internal fund transfer. Email your registration form and speed type to qualworks@emory.edu. All transferred funds need to be received before the workshop start date.
“I really appreciated being able to talk through my project ideas and get some one-on-one help figuring out the objectives and methods. More than anything, I wanted to feel confident that my project is on solid methodological ground.”
“The mentored session was incredibly valuable for refining my qualitative research project. The in-depth review and practical guidance helped clarify key aspects of my work. If you're working on a qualitative research project, I highly recommend attending a mentored session—it's a must for anyone serious about strengthening their methods skills.”
“The one-on-one mentored time was invaluable. Dr. Hennink helped us think through the research question which had been giving us a lot of anxiety. She helped us craft a more focused question that we could actually answer with our data and that represented what we truly wanted to know from the beginning.”
“It was a very helpful session. Despite very little orientation to our study, the instructors were able to provide a lot of valuable guidance in a short amount of time. This helped us revise our research question and plan out other parts of the proposal. Very beneficial and I could envision returning once I am further along.”
Mentored Data Analysis
Date: August 11, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. EST
We offer a three-hour mentored session on qualitative data analysis to anyone who has completed the corresponding QUAL-WORKS workshop. Participants will bring their own data, work on analytic tasks, and receive expert guidance on data analysis specific to their individual project.
This online session is conducted via Zoom from either 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. or 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST. It enables participants to apply the analytic skills gained during the workshop to their own data analysis while receiving expert mentoring specific to the project’s needs. This online session is most suitable for those currently working on a project and ready to plan data analysis or for those conducting analysis who need further guidance. This session is subject to a minimum number of participants.
We tailor the session to the expressed needs of participants.
Preparing Data for Analysis
- Preparing data
- Setting up software
- Organizing data in software
Selecting an Analytic Approach
- Selecting or combining analytic approaches
- Approaches for mixed methods analysis
Using Analytic Tools
- Developing an analysis plan
- Analytic reading of data
- Developing a codebook
- Coding strategies and team coding
- Analytic tools (description and comparison)
- Reviewing search output
- Hands-on tasks with software
Writing and Presenting Findings
- Synthesizing findings
- Presenting findings
- Writing a journal article
- Responding to reviewer comments
$400.00
Participants have the following choices to pay registration fees.
Credit Card
Register through Eventbrite.
Check
Complete your registration form and make your check (in U.S. dollars, drawn from a U.S. bank account) payable to Emory University. Send both check and registration form to:
Carla Bailey
Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University 1518 Clifton Road, NE Atlanta, GA 30322
All checks need to be received, and funds cleared, before the workshop start date.
Wire Transfer
Email qualworks@emory.edu your registration form and request a wire transfer form. All wired funds need to be received before the workshop start date.
Internal Transfer
Emory University faculty and staff may pay through internal fund transfer. Email your registration form and speed type to qualworks@emory.edu. All transferred funds need to be received before the workshop start date.
“I appreciated the one-on-one time to really think about which analytic strategies best apply to my specific project. Both instructors gave wonderful suggestions.”
“The tailored advice that was specific to my project was so valuable. I also enjoyed the opportunity to work with the instructors 1:1.”
“The workshop was very helpful before starting any qualitative research. It gave me the basics on analysis and more. But for me, this mentored time was the most valuable part of the entire workshop. It was the perfect place to delve deeper into qualitative analysis and ask more nuanced questions related to my study.”
“It was helpful having someone with expertise review my specific project and my data to suggest how I could improve my analysis and give solid strategies. Well worth it.”
“Having an outside person give a fresh perspective on our analysis so far was extremely useful. The one-on-one discussion was very helpful and reassuring.”
Cancellation and Refund Policy
If the workshop event is cancelled, participants will receive a full refund. If you would like to cancel your registration, notice of cancellation must be received in writing via email 14 days prior to the workshop start date, then the registration fee less a $65 administration charge will be refunded to you. No refund is available if you cancel your registration within 14 days of the workshop start date. For online workshops, no refund is given for participant's internet connectivity or bandwidth issues.
Registration for all courses will close the Friday prior to the workshop start date.
If a course is fully enrolled, we can add your name to a waitlist to be notified of cancellations where a seat becomes available. Please check the box on your registration form to be added to a waitlist or email qualworks@emory.edu with your request.
Contact
Join our Listserv to receive alerts about upcoming workshops on qualitative research. Email qualworks@emory.edu with "JOIN QUAL-WORKS LISTSERV” in the subject line.
Questions?
Carla Bailey, QUAL-WORKS Coordinator