Exercises for Chapter 7 Being creative

I am sharing exercises to accompany each chapter of Qualitative Research Methods for Everyone: An Essential Toolkit (Policy Press). https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/qualitative-research-methods-for-everyone

Here are the exercises for Chapter 7

Design. I strongly recommend designing and practicing some creative approaches. Write an email directive that is added to as you go along and meet someone via email longitudinally. Practice it with a friend. Write a directive on a sensitive topic, e/g. How do feel about immigration in the context of the refugee crisis?

Compare. For a bit of fun, working in small groups, design a creative or participatory exercise to use in a specific project. Present them to each other and take vote on which one is best.

Evaluate. Take five (imaginary or actual) creative approaches (such as art- work, walking, doing something together, a workshop, an email interview) and for each one write down what the advantages and disadvantages might be of using this technique for interpretive understanding of an issue. Consider philosophical, practical, and ethical issues.

Discuss the five inspirational ways of thinking about how to do research differently – creating, doing, mediating, combining, collaborating – and consider a project and a group that each one would be appropriate for.

Comment below. Please share any tips or insights in the comments.

You might also enjoy the book’s accompanying Podcast series: Qualitative Research Methods for Everyone, wherever you get your podcasts.