Qualitative Analysis: Range and Scope - Four Methods and Their Uses

This seminar offers a comprehensive introduction to qualitative analysis, beginning with its core fundamentals before examining four distinct methods and their practical applications.

By exploring these methods in parallel and drawing comparisons across them, participants will gain insight into their creative possibilities — including opportunities for hybridisation and adaptation to specific research projects.

Methods covered:

• Content analysis

• Grounded theory

• Ethnographic analysis

• Narrative semiotics

What you'll gain

By the end of this seminar, you will have a clear understanding of what qualitative analysis is and where it fits in the research landscape. You will be able to distinguish between four key methods — what each one is, how it works, and what kinds of questions and projects it is best suited to. Most importantly, you will leave with the confidence to assess your own research needs and make an informed choice about which method, or combination of methods, is right for your project.

About our Presenter

Rachel Wilson is Professor of Social Impact in the Management Group of the UTS Business School, and an internationally recognised expert in education. 

She has a long track record of diverse social science research looking at education, work, health, management, leadership, and broader human development. Rachel uses system, design, and management perspectives to examine and critique education systems, and she researches stakeholder perspectives on both study and work within educational systems. Her research has documented many educational trends, and evaluated assessment frameworks, system architecture,  and public policy. She has extensive expertise in research and evaluation for social impact; and is committed to driving social change through leadership in education.

Rachel has a strong passion for research training. She benefited from extensive research training for her own PhD and has maintained her enthusiasm for methodology throughout her career. She has taught research methods to HDR students for more than 25 years; and worked on a wide range of initiatives developing research methodological capacity across university communities.

Events in the 2026 Qualitative Data Analysis series 

• Thematic Analysis - Big Q and little q – Tuesday 24 February 2026, 12:00pm – 1:30pm 

• The art of interpretation – Tuesday 24 March 2026, 12:00pm – 1:30pm 

• Qualitative Analysis: Range and Scope - Tuesday 21 April 2026, 12:00pm - 1:30pm

• Post-qualitative analysis  – Tuesday 26 May 2026, 12:00pm – 1:30pm 

• Drop-in Qualitative Data Analysis Clinic 1 – Tuesday 23 June 2026, 12:00pm – 1:30pm 

• Drop-in Qualitative Data Analysis Clinic 2 – Tuesday 25 August 2026, 12:00pm – 1:30pm 

• Mixed Methods with Dr Stephanie White – Tuesday 20 October, 12:00pm – 1:30pm 

This is a UTS Aspire event. UTS Aspire is a program of pan-university research development opportunities led by the Research Capability and Development Team. 

Please note that AI transcription bots in attendance will be removed from the online session. As you have already registered for the session, you will receive a copy of the recording once it is published.