Join us at Thinking Qualitatively for four days of lively online learning and connection! Learn from over 20 experts and build your skills and knowledge in qualitative research methods and practice, with a theme this year of research relationships.
You'll grow in your approach to qualitative methods with...
> Diverse Workshops: Choose from 10 topics with interactive, tailored instruction, including a built-in health-focused stream.
> Useful Skill-Builders: Choose from 5 topics to apply practical and technical skills with demonstrations.
> Informative Webinars: Refresh your perspective with 4 engaging webinars and complimentary access to a free public keynote.
> Connection and Networking: Drop in for casual mixers, including a film night!
> Recognition of Attendance: Earn your digital badge (certificate)!
Learn more and register below!
Thinking Qualitatively (TQ) is an annual event of the International Institute for Qualitative Methodology (IIQM) that aims to advance understanding of qualitative methods among graduate students, early career scholars, and community research practitioners all over the world. At TQ, you'll enhance your foundational qualitative research toolkit, engage with renowned experts in the field, and build a supportive network of like-minded researchers. Researchers and practitioners from any discipline, sector, or career stage are welcome.
Have questions? Check out our FAQs or get in touch at [email protected].
Why Thinking Qualitatively?
"Overall, the best atmosphere for new research discovery. Down-to-earth practical tips and mini-group work. Fantastic, humble people to meet. Come ready to learn."
— past TQ participant
Year after year, our participants describe TQ as...
- Great for all experience levels: An exciting lineup whether you're a graduate student, new to qualitative methods, or a seasoned researcher.
- Practical and applicable: Relevant, useful, and interactive sessions you can immediately apply to your work.
- Welcoming and engaging: Warm and enthusiastic facilitators who are interested in helping participants learn and improve.
- Conscientious: TQ is a not-for-profit event, and your registration fees go directly towards making it possible. We also strive to support equitable learning opportunities, offering scholarships and keeping ticket costs low compared to similar events.
In their words...
"There are interesting sessions that apply to all levels of experience and skill. The workshops are interactive, and presenters are friendly."
"It was very accessible, warm, encouraging, and paid attention to our human-ness. All the sessions were very relevant and useful."
"The keynotes and webinars were fantastic and timely for the work I'm doing."
"I LOVE these workshops and presentations. I found them particularly useful when I was a doctoral student. And, even as a faculty member, I learn new things."
"I really enjoyed the variety of speakers and facilitators with different specialties and expertise."
Schedule
TQ:2R offers several session types:
- Workshops (choose up to 4): Hands-on learning experience for participants, with a mix of presentation and interactive, experiential activities. Not recorded.
- Skill-builders (choose up to 2): Shorter hands-on skill-building sessions providing a specific tool or technique you can "take home" and use. Not recorded.
- Webinars (automatically included): Mini-course, mainly in presentation format with some discussion, Q&A, or quick exercises. Recorded and shared.
- Casual mixers (automatically included): Opportunities to interact with other TQ attendees in social events, including a film night. Not recorded.
To download the schedule overview, click here.
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Your registration covers up to 4 workshops and up to 2 skill-builders.
To make your choices:
- 1) Download the schedule at a glance here.
- 2) Pick your 4 workshops and 2 skill-builders.
- 3) Reserve your choices through the registration system.
- 4) Check your choices to avoid scheduling conflicts!
You are automatically registered in all webinars and other sessions.
NOTE: If you book the same workshop twice or select more than the maximum allowed for each session type, we will automatically remove any extra sessions. We recommend booking ASAP as sessions fill quickly.
Skill-Builder 1 - Cite Black Women: A Critical Praxis
Through the lens of the Cite Black Women movement, this skill-builder examines the politics of knowledge production and citation biases. Building awareness of the inequality in citation practices and its disproportionate impact on Black women, participants will learn practical steps in overcoming citational bias in research, writing, and beyond.
Webinar 1 - Co-designing for All: Fundamentals of Equity-Promoting Patient Engagement
In this session, participants will learn about ways to engage inclusively for co-design in qualitative research. We will cover topics related to equity-oriented approaches to patient engagement in research, co-designing sustainable and safer spaces that foster inclusion and trust, and building meaningful research relationships within health settings.
Welcome & Keynote: Relational Methodologies in Indigenous Research
Join us as Dr. Shalene Jobin explores relationality not only as a methodology, but as an integral framework that informs how we engage with knowledge and communities. She will showcase how Indigenous research is inherently rooted in symbiotic relationships, where the researcher, community, and living environment all share responsibility for generating knowledge.
Workshop 4A - The Relationship Between Codes and Themes
In this thematic analysis workshop, participants explore coding as an optional precursor for categorical theme development with one data set, then analyze a second data set with phenomenological themes. Participants will learn the differences between codes, categories, patterns, and themes; explore transition processes across these kinds of analysis; and examine how AI/ChatGPT can supplement qualitative thematic analysis.
Workshop 7A - Beyond the Principles: Nuts & Bolts of Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR)
CBPR equitably engages community members in the research process, recognizing the unique strengths of both academic and community partners. Through discussion and activities, this workshop will equip you with the tools and techniques that fuel successful partnerships and can inform your community-partnered work.
Workshop 10 - Using thick data to study interactions online
This workshop offers an overview of the thick data approach for studying online phenomena and interactions, which relies on the density of collected/constructed data. It provides a conceptual framework for the thick data approach, concrete examples of strategies used in digital media research, and a hands-on activity in studying digital interactions.
Workshop 1A - The Heart of Qualitative Research: Living and Applying Relational Ethics
Relational ethics is at the heart of qualitative research, but what does this concept mean, and how does it come to life in practice? Through interactive, reflective, and collaborative activities, the workshop unpacks the key dimensions of relational ethics through a narrative lens on marginalized and vulnerable communities. Participants will learn to apply relational ethics across all phases of the research process.
Workshop 6 - Researching with and through narrative inquiry
Narrative inquiry starts from the assumption that storytelling is fundamental to meaningfully constructing our world. This session focuses on understanding the process of using textual and multimodal narratives for research purposes – we will take a participatory approach to collect, analyse, and write up.
Skill-Builder 2 - Using Quirkos to Explore Qualitative Relationships
The qualitative analysis software Quirkos takes a straightforward, visual approach to helping researchers code and manage small but rich qualitative data sets. Participants will receive an introduction and basic training in this simple tool, with a focus on structuring qualitative data to purposefully explore relationships between participants.
Webinar 2 - Integrating AI into the Qualitative Analysis World
This session maps the landscape of Generative-Al applications in qualitative data analysis (QDA), then focuses on how they can be used in methodologically appropriate ways. We will outline, demonstrate, and discuss methodological implications and the appropriateness of combining these tools with human interpretation at different stages of the analytic workflow.
Lightning Presentations - Session 1
Do you have an interesting methodological puzzle, insight, or issue to share? Apply to be a "lightning" presenter at Thinking Qualitatively 2025! Click here for more information.
Workshop 3A - Our Relationship to Writing: Publishing Qualitative Work
Our relationship to writing can be complex, frustrating, daunting, and stressful... So how can we tackle it? This workshop addresses questions on why we write, its role in our research process, and how best to write to get published and read. Using practical guidelines and hands-on experience, participants will learn tips and strategies geared towards structuring and editing various types of literature.
Workshop 1B - The Heart of Qualitative Research: Living and Applying Relational Ethics
Relational ethics is at the heart of qualitative research, but what does this concept mean, and how does it come to life in practice? Through interactive, reflective, and collaborative activities, the workshop unpacks the key dimensions of relational ethics through a narrative lens on marginalized and vulnerable communities. Participants will learn to apply relational ethics across all phases of the research process.
Workshop 7B - Beyond the Principles: Nuts & Bolts of Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR)
CBPR equitably engages community members in the research process, recognizing the unique strengths of both academic and community partners. Through discussion and activities, this workshop will equip you with the tools and techniques that fuel successful partnerships and can inform your community-partnered work.
Workshop 8A - Critical Ethnography: Evolving Concepts and Practices in Contemporary Research
This interdisciplinary workshop guides participants through the latest conceptual developments and cutting-edge practices in critical ethnography, which examines the dynamics of dominance and resistance as they unfold in everyday cultural, social, and political practices. Participants will engage in a range of dynamic activities, including hands-on exercises.
Workshop 2 - Being With: Phenomenology and Relationality
Phenomenology of practice is a qualitative approach to inquiry that connects the philosophical concern of understanding life as lived with the orientation of practice. Based on their own research interests, participants will develop a phenomenological research question, practice writing lived experience descriptions, and consider methods for phenomenological reflective analysis.
Workshop 4B - The Relationship Between Codes and Themes
In this thematic analysis workshop, participants explore coding as an optional precursor for categorical theme development with one data set, then analyze a second data set with phenomenological themes. Participants will learn the differences between codes, categories, patterns, and themes; explore transition processes across these kinds of analysis; and examine how AI/ChatGPT can supplement qualitative thematic analysis.
Workshop 9 - Visual arts-based methods in research: Not just for kids
Qualitative visual arts-based methods are adopted for innovation, accessibility, and participation across all demographics in a variety of fields. In this hands-on workshop, participants will advance their understanding of visual data production, analysis, and interpretation. Participants of all levels of familiarity and experience with arts-based research methods are welcome.
Webinar 3 - Qualitative research in action: bridging theory, practice, and participation
This webinar explores tensions between theory and practice at key stages of the research process, including problem formulation, participant selection, data generation, and interpretation. Participants will gain tools to navigate the theory-practice divide, adopt participatory strategies, and ensure their research is context-sensitive and impactful.
Skill-Builder 3 - Visualizing Qualitative Research: Exploring and Using Experimental Visualization
Visually articulating multi-layered field experiences and heterogeneous data for a presentation or paper has its challenges. Using illustrated examples, this skill building session introduces the potential of visual practices, followed by an exercise in collaborative mind mapping customizable for participants’ own qualitative work.
Webinar 4 - Qualitatively oriented mixed methods: Designing for qualitative-quantitative integration
How can researchers design qualitatively oriented mixed methods studies where integration takes center stage? Join our interactive webinar to explore how prioritizing qualitative perspectives can deepen and enrich mixed methods research. We’ll kick off with a compelling overview of why integration is essential, followed by real-world examples.
"Snack & Show" - Film and Social
Join us for a film screening both online and in-person at the University of Alberta! Add the session to your schedule to RSVP as attending.
Workshop 8B - Critical Ethnography: Evolving Concepts and Practices in Contemporary Research
This interdisciplinary workshop guides participants through the latest conceptual developments and cutting-edge practices in critical ethnography, which examines the dynamics of dominance and resistance as they unfold in everyday cultural, social, and political practices. Participants will engage in a range of dynamic activities, including hands-on exercises.
Workshop 5 - Case studies: A research strategy to reconcile theory and context
This research focuses on the explanatory power of the case study as methodology. Participants will learn what contextualized explanations are, why context matters for theorizing, how your research projects could benefit from case studies as a research strategy, and how to better defend your own methodological choices.
Workshop 3B - Our Relationship to Writing: Publishing Qualitative Work
Our relationship to writing can be complex, frustrating, daunting, and stressful... So how can we tackle it? This workshop addresses questions on why we write, its role in our research process, and how best to write to get published and read. Using practical guidelines and hands-on experience, participants will learn tips and strategies geared towards structuring and editing various types of literature.
Lightning Presentations - Session 2
Do you have an interesting methodological puzzle, insight, or issue to share? Apply to be a "lightning" presenter at Thinking Qualitatively 2025! Click here for more information.
Skill-Builder 4 - Reflexive Memoing in Qualitative Work
Reflexivity involves researchers being honest about contemplating their own feelings, assumptions, biases, and experiences and allowing themselves the space to navigate those in relation to the research process. In this session, we will learn about reflexive memoing throughout the research process and how it can be interwoven into written output.
Skill-Builder 5 - Using Dedoose to Enhance Collaborative Qualitative Data Analysis
Join scholars from the Institute for Mixed Methods Research (IMMR), who will introduce and demonstrate Dedoose, a qualitative analysis software tool. Participants will learn how to create a collaborative project, upload data, and begin coding. All session attendees will receive a free month's subscription so they can follow along.
Informal Gathering - "Pebbles for Our Pockets"
Join us for an informal social and debrief from the event, where we share the "pebbles" of knowledge that we picked up and put in our "pockets" along the way. Attendees will be entered into a draw to win a free year's subscription to Quirkos!
Facilitators
Alies Maybee
Independent Patient Partner, Patient Advisors Network
Alies Maybee, a patient partner since 2011, advocates for health system change and patient/public engagement aligned through research, service delivery, and policy. She co-initiated EMPaCT and co-founded the Patient Advisors Network.
Dr. Ambreen Sayani
Physician & Social Scientist, Improving Cancer Care Equity (ICCE) Lab, Women’s College Research Institute
Dr. Ambreen Sayani is a physician, social scientist, health equity expert, and co-initiator of EMPaCT. Her work promotes equitable cancer prevention, early detection, and high-quality care access through patient engagement and policy.
Dr. Carolina Guzmán-Valenzuela
Serra Hunter Fellow, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Dr. Carolina Guzmán-Valenzuela’s work spans global higher education, knowledge production inequalities, public/private divides in higher education, and qualitative methods. She collaborates across Europe, USA, South Africa, and Latin America.
Cheryl Poth, PhD
Professor, Faculty of Education, University of Alberta
Dr. Cheryl Poth teaches and supervises graduate students in mixed methods, program evaluation, qualitative research, classroom assessment, and health sciences education. She is the associate editor of the Journal of Mixed Methods Research.
Dr. Christen A. Smith
Associate Professor, Yale University
Dr. Christen A. Smith is founder of the Cite Black Women Collective. What started as a campaign in 2017 has since grown internationally across several media platforms. She is author, co-author, and editor of several books.
Dr. Christina Silver
Co-founder, Qualitative Data Analysis Services, Associate Professor, University of Surrey
Christina Silver is a global leader in teaching methodologically-grounded use of qualitative software (Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis), and is co-developer of the Five-Level QDA method.
Dr. Daniel Turner
Director, Quirkos
After 10 years in qualitative health academia, Daniel Turner left to create Quirkos and design accessible and affordable software for qualitative analysis. He leads Quirkos development and runs training on software, qualitative approaches, and participatory analysis.
Dr. Farrah Jacquez
Professor & Assistant VP of Research, Department of Psychology, University of Cincinnati
Dr. Farrah Jacquez focuses on community-partnered approaches to health equity, participatory research scholarship, and broadening participation in science. She is co-founder and co-editor of the Journal of Participatory Research Methods.
Gillian Lemermeyer, PhD, RN
Assistant Professor, Faculty of Nursing;, Co-Director, iiQM, University of Alberta
Dr. Gillian Lemermeyer employs phenomenological research to explore questions situated in the embodied encounters between healthcare practitioners and the people in their care. She focuses on themes of relational ethics, embodied knowing, and the ethics of artificial intelligence.
Dr. Guillaume Latzko-Toth
Professor, Communication and Media Studies, Laval University
Dr. Guillaume Latzko-Toth is co-director of the Laboratory for Communication and the Digital. His research and publications have examined user contributions to digital innovations and methodological and ethical issues in digital research contexts.
Dr. Hannah Calvert
Senior Researcher & Academic Instructor , Institute for Mixed Methods Research
Drs. Sara Grummert, Michelle Salmona, and Hannah Calvert are the interdisciplinary leadership team of The Institute for Mixed Methods Research (IMMR), which supports and advances the quality, practice, and application of qualitative and mixed methods research across the social sciences.
Dr. Katie Mah
Postdoctoral Fellow , School of Occupational Therapy, Western University
Dr. Katie Mah is an occupational therapist, critical qualitative health researcher, and Postdoctoral Fellow. Employing critical qualitative and arts-based methods, Katie’s work explores how concussion "recovery" is discursively understood by young people.
Dr. Linda Liebenberg
Editor-in-Chief, International Journal of Qualitative Methods
Dr. Linda Liebenberg conducts research in youth mental health and well-being, and is invested in impactful knowledge mobilization for diverse knowledge users. She has worked with numerous international organizations, including WHO and Save the Children.
Lisa M. Vaughn, PhD
Professor, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital & University of Cincinnati
Dr. Lisa Vaugh has over 20 years’ experience using community-based participation and patient-family engagement in research to promote the wellbeing of vulnerable families, youth, and immigrants. She is co-editor of the Journal of Participatory Research Methods.
Dr. Michelle Salmona
President, Institute for Mixed Methods Research
Drs. Sara Grummert, Michelle Salmona, and Hannah Calvert are the interdisciplinary leadership team of The Institute for Mixed Methods Research (IMMR), which supports and advances the quality, practice, and application of qualitative and mixed methods research across the social sciences.
Dr. Rebecca Piekkari
Chair of International Business, Aalto University School of Business, Finland
Dr. Rebecca Piekkari has co-edited two volumes on qualitative research and case study methodology, and has written about fieldwork that crosses language boundaries. She is the Director of the Aalto Center for Qualitative Management Research.
Dr. Sara E. Grummet
Academic Director, Institute for Mixed Methods Research
Drs. Sara Grummert, Michelle Salmona, and Hannah Calvert are the interdisciplinary leadership team of The Institute for Mixed Methods Research (IMMR), which supports and advances the quality, practice, and application of qualitative and mixed methods research across the social sciences.
Dr. Shalene Jobin
Tier II Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Governance, University of Alberta
Dr. Shalene Jobin is a member of Red Pheasant Cree First Nation (Treaty Six). Involved in numerous community-centred research initiatives, Shalene is current Project Director of the Critical Approaches to Indigenous Relationality partnership grant.
Dr. Simmee Chung
Associate Professor, Concordia University
Dr. Simmee Chung has over 20 years of experience in narrative inquiry research, seeking to amplify the voices of marginalized populations. She is the Program Chair-Elect for the American Educational Research Association’s Narrative Research Special Interest Group.
Dr. Tahiya Mahbub
Research Scientist, ECDEC, Global TIES for Children
Dr. Tahiya Mahbub explores responses to inclusive cultures, policies, and practices in educational settings. She is a specialist in qualitative, participatory action, and arts-based research methods, focusing on how researchers can become active agents in their studies.
Pricing
- $175 for graduate students
- $275 for community practitioners, postdocs, and contract instructors
- $550 for full-time academics, government, and private sector
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We are committed to accessibility and have worked to keep registration costs reasonable compared to similar learning opportunities. TQ is a not-for-profit event, and your registration fees go directly towards making it possible. Thank you for your support!
Please note that all costs are listed in Canadian dollars (CAD). Payment is by credit card only.
FAQs
Have a question that isn't answered here? Get in touch with us at [email protected]!
What is Thinking Qualitatively?
Thinking Qualitatively (TQ) is an annual event that aims to advance understanding of qualitative methods among graduate students, academics, and community research practitioners all over the world. We refer to TQ as a "learning and knowledge exchange event" - a blend between a course, conference, and workshop series that offers a focused sprint for enhancing your qualitative methods!
TQ was established over 22 years ago by the International Institute for Qualitative Methodology as a series with keynotes, panels, interdisciplinary methodological workshops, and software training sessions. We carry on this legacy, seeking to bring diverse scholarly voices into conversation, prioritize participants from equity-deserving groups, and equip the next generation of qualitative researchers with transformative tools to support social change.
Who is Thinking Qualitatively for?
TQ is geared toward graduate students, early career scholars, community practitioners, and any other thinkers interested in broadening their understanding of qualitative methods. Participants can be from any discipline or sector. You're completely welcome whether you're familiar with qualitative methods or are just starting to use them.
You should have some foundational knowledge of research methods broadly and an interest in expanding your knowledge and skills.
Where is Thinking Qualitatively?
Thinking Qualitatively is held completely online. After registering, participants are emailed access to the learning hub, where their schedule and any event resources are hosted. After registration closes, you will receive calendar invites to the sessions for which you are registered.
What is included in my registration?
Your registration package includes:
- Your choice of up to four interactive workshops
- Your choice of up to two skill-builder sessions
- Access to all four webinars, including recordings
- Casual drop-in mixers and sessions
- Recognition of attendance with a Digital Badge (certificate) if requirements are met
- Complimentary access to a free public keynote
Can I present at Thinking Qualitatively?
Do you have an interesting methodological puzzle, insight, or issue to share? Apply to be a "lightning" presenter at Thinking Qualitatively 2025! All TQ:2R registrants are invited to apply, but we will strive to give priority to student presenters.
Click here to apply.
Deadline for applications is May 1. Applicants will be notified of acceptance by May 12.
Can I participate if I don’t live in Canada?
Yes! All activities are virtual. Sessions are offered at three different times of day and are sometimes repeated to accommodate participants in different time zones as best we can. Please note that the event is delivered in English.
How much does it cost to attend?
We have worked to keep registration costs as reasonable as possible:
- $175 for graduate students
- $275 for community practitioners and early-career scholars (including post-docs and contract staff)
- $550 for full-time academics (professors), government, and private sector staff
Please note that all prices are listed in Canadian dollars (CAD). Payment is by credit card.
What scholarships and financial relief options are available?
TQ is able to offer a small number of scholarships for graduate students residing in low/middle-income countries (LMICs), equity-deserving groups, and community practitioners. To apply for a scholarship, fill out the application form for graduate students (here) or community practitioners (here).
We also offer the option to apply to give a "lightning presentation" (5 minute or less), which may be useful for those who need to do so for funding purposes. More information about the lightning presentations will be sent to attendees shortly.
What do you mean by research relationships?
We will consider the fundamental importance of relationality in qualitative inquiry, including relationships among researchers, participants, and communities; between human and non-human actors; and across theory and method. Possible topics or key phrases include decolonizing methods, Indigenous relationality, reflexivity, co-creation, community-based or participatory research, communities of practice, visual-text (or other multi-method) relationships, critical engagements with AI, working across qual/quant, and many more.
How can I find out what time the sessions are in my time zone?
During the registration process, session times are given in Mountain Time (MT), UTC-6. On our website and the participant learning hub, you can select your time zone in the upper right-hand header menu (desktop).
How do I join my sessions?
After registration closes on June 4, you will receive Zoom calendar invites to the sessions for which you are registered. Please ensure that you check your spam folder!
Are the sessions recorded?
Some sessions are recorded. The webinar sessions are recorded and recordings made available to attendees in the weeks following the event. Skill-builders, workshops, and social events are not recorded due to the nature of the sessions.
What are the Digital Badge (certificate) requirements?
To receive a digital badge recognizing attendance at TQ, participants must fully attend live:
- At least three workshops
- At least 1 skill-builder
- At least 1 webinar
About Thinking Qualitatively
Thinking Qualitatively (TQ) is an annual event that aims to advance understanding of qualitative methods among graduate students, early career scholars, and community research practitioners all over the world. Established over 21 years ago by the International Institute of Qualitative Methodology as a series with keynotes, panels, interdisciplinary methods workshops, and software training sessions, we continue to collaborate with partners worldwide to offer exceptional opportunities to the qualitative research community. We seek to bring diverse scholarly voices into conversation, prioritize participation for equity-deserving groups, and equip the next generation of researchers with transformative tools to support social change.
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This year's planning team includes Sara Dorow, Gillian Lemermeyer, Emily Friedrich, and Karen Sprague.
Sponsors
Our thanks for the returning support of Quirkos, a key partner in providing scholarships, and to the World Conference on Qualitative Research for their generous support.
Thinking Qualitatively is an annual event of the International Institute for Qualitatively Methodology (IIQM).
