Discover the Power of Qualitative Research
CenterStat Launches Four New Applied Workshops
In a world overflowing with data, it’s easy to assume that numbers tell the whole story. But while quantitative data can show what is happening, it rarely explains why. That’s where qualitative research comes in—offering the rich, nuanced insights needed to truly understand human behavior, decision-making, and the social and cultural contexts that shape them.
Qualitative research goes beyond surface-level observations to uncover motivations, beliefs, and lived experiences. Through interviews, focus groups, observations, and textual analysis, it gives researchers the tools to see the world from the perspective of the people living in it. These methods have the power to transform the way we design programs, implement policies, and improve services across fields like healthcare, education, business, and community development.
And now, CenterStat is making it easier than ever to master these skills with the launch of the Applied Qualitative Research (AQR) workshop series—a comprehensive, four-part training program designed for both new and experienced researchers.
Why Qualitative Research Matters More Than Ever
In applied research and the social sciences, understanding the “human side” of the data is essential. Qualitative research provides:
- Deeper motivations – Find out the reasons behind actions, attitudes, and behaviors.
- Context-rich insights – Understand how cultural norms, social structures, and personal experiences influence outcomes.
- Flexibility – Adapt your research as new themes and discoveries emerge.
- Participant-centered perspectives – Amplify the voices of underrepresented or marginalized communities.
- Stronger quantitative studies – Use qualitative methods to clarify constructs, refine survey questions, and build better measurement tools.
For example, in healthcare, interviews with patients can reveal emotional responses to treatment or cultural barriers to care—details that can lead to more effective and equitable interventions. In organizational research, focus groups might uncover hidden resistance to change or shed light on team dynamics that numbers alone could never explain.
A Flexible, Practical Approach to Learning
CenterStat’s Applied Qualitative Research series is designed with real-world application in mind. Whether you work in academia, policy, healthcare, nonprofit organizations, or private industry, you’ll walk away with skills you can put to work immediately.
Each workshop combines clear, research-based instruction with practical exercises, templates, and tools. You can take the full series for a complete learning experience or choose the individual sessions that best fit your needs.
The Four Workshops in the AQR Series
1. Applied Qualitative Research: Foundations (Free Introductory Session)
Your starting point for mastering qualitative research. This session introduces you to the core principles of qualitative inquiry, including how it fits within a pragmatist framework. You’ll learn to identify the right research questions, select appropriate study populations, and define units of observation. The highlight is The Nine Elements of a Good Research Question, a practical tool that ensures your research starts on the right track.
2. In-Depth Interviews (IDIs)
Learn to conduct powerful, one-on-one conversations that uncover authentic insights. This workshop covers:
- When and why to use IDIs
- Sampling and recruitment strategies
- Interview guide development
- The art of inductive probing to elicit deeper responses
- Practical tips for in-person and remote interviews
Participants will also observe and critique a demonstration interview, and receive ready-to-use tools such as transcription protocols and data management templates.
3. Focus Groups (FGs)
Harness the dynamic energy of group conversation to explore shared and differing perspectives. You’ll learn:
- How to recruit participants and determine sample sizes
- Best practices for developing an FG discussion guide
- Strategies for moderating discussions and managing group dynamics
- How to work effectively with co-facilitators and assistants
- Special considerations for running digital focus groups
The session includes a demonstration FG and practical templates to simplify documentation and transcription.
4. Thematic Analysis
Transform your raw qualitative data into clear, actionable findings. This hands-on workshop takes you step-by-step through:
- Coding and identifying themes
- Building a codebook and linking themes into a conceptual model
- Using qualitative data analysis (QDA) software
- Writing results for academic and applied audiences
The focus is on producing research that is both rigorous and ready to make an impact.
Why Choose CenterStat for Qualitative Training?
- Expert Instructors – Learn from leaders in statistical and qualitative research education with years of hands-on experience.
- Practical Tools – Every session includes ready-to-use templates, protocols, and guides.
- Flexible Learning – Take the workshops in sequence or choose the ones that meet your current needs.
- Designed for All Levels – From beginners to seasoned researchers, every participant gains actionable skills.
- Real-World Relevance – Training is tailored for applied research, not just theory.
Make Your Research Count
In an era where data is everywhere, the ability to truly understand people—beyond the numbers—is a competitive advantage. The skills you develop through the Applied Qualitative Research series can help you design more effective studies, communicate your findings with greater impact, and ultimately create change that matters.
Whether you are launching your first qualitative study or seeking to expand your analytical toolkit, this series will give you the confidence, clarity, and capability to succeed.
Ready to get started? See upcoming sessions and register today at CenterStat.org.