Government Analysis Function > Protected: E-learning: inclusivity in qualitative research

Protected: E-learning: inclusivity in qualitative research

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Protected: Module 1: Research design

Protected: Module 2: Data collection

Protected: Module 3: Analysis

Protected: Module 4: Reporting

Protected: Further reading and additional resources

About this e-learning

Representing a diverse range of experiences from different groups is essential to delivering effective policy making. Changes to policy may affect different groups and individuals in different ways. So, embedding an attentiveness to these differences in the analysis conducted to support decisions, or in evaluation after a policy decision, is an important step towards ensuring equity of access, opportunity, and impact of policy decisions.

This course aims to build on the guidance and provide an interactive way to learn about inclusive qualitative research practices. The course will include real-life cases of research studies to put what you learn into context.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, you should:​

  • have a better understanding of how to design qualitative research in a way that ensures your research project reflects the range and diversity of views of all relevant groups, with particular attention to seldom heard groups
  • have an overview of the things to consider during the data collection stage of the research to ensure inclusivity and consideration to seldom heard groups
  • have an enhanced awareness of researcher bias in qualitative interpretation, and the importance of confidentiality and being transparent with selected analytical methods
  • be aware of the main factors to take into account when reporting your analysis, ensuring the diversity of the participants is reflected in the write up of the analysis and any conclusions made

The development of this course

This e-learning tool builds on the guide to inclusive social research practices that was published in 2022.

This work is also in response to the Government Social Research (GSR) strategy for 2021 to 2025, which focuses on the priority to create ‘a diverse and inclusive profession: representative of the society we serve through our values, profile and perspectives of our membership’. The report was the first professional guidance on inclusive social research practices produced by the GSR.

This course includes links to third-party content. Third-party content has not been developed or vetted by the Analysis Function, nor the cross-government GSR team that created this e-learning course. Neither team endorse or have a contract with these third parties. Links are provided for recommended further reading only; other sources are available.