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Skill Swap Series #3: Doing Qualitative Research: Interviews, Fieldwork and Ethics

When

Jun 09, 2026 from 02:00 to 04:00 (Europe/Berlin / UTC200)

Where

GCSC Room 109

Contact Name

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This workshop provides an introduction to qualitative research methods in the social sciences and humanities, covering both the practical and theoretical aspects. Drawing on feminist critical epistemology (Harding 1987) and engaged anthropology (Kirsch 2018), it begins with the premise that all research is inherently political and social. Designed for researchers at different stages of their careers, the workshop covers three interconnected areas of enquiry.

First, we explore semi-structured interviewing, addressing questions such as how to design flexible interview guides, establish connections with interlocutors and analyse the resulting material (Kvale & Brinkmann 2009). Secondly, we turn to strategies for ethnographic fieldwork, exploring how researchers enter and navigate social settings, as well as the demands of positionality (Haraway 1988; Clifford & Marcus 1986) and political commitment (Kirsch 2018) on our practice. The third part addresses research ethics as an ongoing methodological concern, including issues of informed consent, confidentiality and power relations between researchers and participants. It also covers the ethical challenges that arise in the field, particularly in problematic social and political settings (Wiles 2012).

 // Marina Iaroslavtseva

Please register here on Stud.IP for this course!

 

The Skill-Swap Workshop Series is a student initiative hosted by the GCSC. Inspired by the constant interdisciplinary exchange between doctoral candidates at the centre, the workshop series offers an official outlet for a peer-led knowledge transfer. Workshops are designed by candidates (FB03, FB04, FB05) and postdocs at the GCSC/GKK to swap research skills and expand teaching experience. This is an experimental initiative and a work in constant progress; if you have ideas, questions, feedback, or want to get involved as a facilitator, feel free to reach out: reqqa.salem-qubailat@gcsc.uni-giessen.de.