Public Seminar - Professor David Silverman lecture on ‘Mixed methods: Finding a place for qualitative research'

This hybrid event is hosted jointly by the Faculties of Business and Law, and Creative Industries Education and Social Justice, with support from Centre for Decent Work and Industry.

Abstract
There is increasing interest in collaborative research engaging different disciplines/sectors and methods. Are there some proven approaches in planning a large collaborative project involving both qualitative and quantitative research that ensure the qualitative contribution is optimized?

I begin by describing the appeal of mixed methods. Using examples from both academic journals and student research projects, I discuss studies that mix both qual and quant or just mix different qualitative methods.

I then outline the limitations of the suggestion that, by using mixed methods, we can reveal the ‘whole picture’ of some social phenomenon. I also draw attention to the naïve positivist assumptions behind much mixed methods research.

Most mixed methods research begins with quantitative data and then moves on to qualitative materials, usually open-ended interviews. I criticize the assumption that this allows us to ‘go deeper’ or more empathetically into social phenomena.

Quantitative research must define its variables at the outset in order to measure them reliably.

In my view, the beauty of qualitative research is that, mostly using naturalistic data, it allows us to understand how social phenomena are put together rather than to legislate their character at the outset.

I conclude by demonstrating a more fruitful division of labour between quant and qual research through which we can gain by mixing methods.

Bio
Prof David Silverman is an outstanding scholar specialising in qualitative research. David is Professor Emeritus in the Sociology Department at Goldsmiths College and Visiting Professor in the Business Schools of King's College, University of London, Leeds University and University of Technology, Sydney as well as Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Education QUT. He has authored 15 books and 45 journal articles on qualitative research, ethnography and conversation analysis.

He is the author of four bestselling Sage textbooks on qualitative research and has published monographs on his research on a large public sector organization, medical consultations HIV-test counselling and placement interviews in a shelter for homeless people. Prof Silverman has hosted workshops on qualitative research for PhD students in Australia since 2009 as well as in Europe, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Tanzania. He successfully supervised 30 PhD students, three of whom are now full Professors.

For those that wish to join online, the webinar URL will be posted closer to the time of which you will need to register separately.