Taking Deliberative Research Online

Overview

Deliberative research is emerging as a critical method for exploring public attitudes particularly on social and policy problems that are contested, complex or uncertain.  This live online course explores the principles, benefits and limitations of deliberative approaches to social research and in particular the challenges and opportunities of delivering these online. It is suitable for those with existing experience of the theory and practice of qualitative research and aimed at those who have responsibility for designing as well as overseeing the delivery of research projects.  It covers a combination of theory and practical examples to consider both doing deliberative research and being a deliberative researcher. It does not focus on the analysis of deliberative data.

Delivered across two half days, the course:

• Provides participants with an overview of the theoretical principles of deliberation and how these are more recently being used in answering social research questions
• Explores the uses, benefits and limitations of these methods in both on and offline contexts
• Explains the difference between deliberative methods and others forms of qualitative research including when deliberation can add most value.
• Covers how to design, conduct and facilitate a synchronous online deliberative workshop using video technology
• Offers specific guidance on the role of the moderator in events including strategies for participation
• Invites participants to engage with the competencies and ethics of being a deliberative researcher.

This course will be useful to you if:

• You want to expand the range of participative qualitative methods you use for research
• You want to learn more about the use of online approaches to social research
• You have used deliberative research approaches in face to face studies and want to consider how to bring it online
• You have experience of delivering public engagement events and want to understand more about how this can be applied in a research context

By the end of the module participants will be able to:

• Differentiate between deliberative research and other analogous methods (e.g. focus groups) and understand when it is appropriate to use deliberative approaches
• Design and conduct an online deliberative workshop
• Understand the role and key skills required of moderators
• Identify the ethical considerations and frameworks useful to deliberative research

Cost

The fee per teaching day is £30 per day for students / £60 per day for staff working for academic institutions, Research Councils and other recognised research institutions, registered charity organisations and the public sector / £100 per day for all other participants. Please visit the NCRM for more information.