The art of interpretation

Many qualitative researchers don’t just want to look for patterns in data, or report what people say and do. They want to interpret the data, explore new meanings beyond those immediately on the surface. How do we do this? How can we feel confident our interpretations are justifiable and defensible? Is there one ‘right’ interpretation, and if not, how do we deal with that? 

In this instalment of the 2026 Qualitative Data Analysis series, Prof Nick Hopwood will lead this workshop where we will look at some data and interpret it together. We will explore how our personal and professional histories can shape our interpretations, and also how looking beyond specific datapoints is crucial in drawing meanings in qualitative analysis. 

Learning Outcomes: 

• Understand interpretation of data as an intersection between data and the person interpreting it 

• Gain lived experience of interpreting data in a collective setting 

• Understand why looking beyond specific datapoints is crucial. 

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 

• 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.