Chair

University Of Groningen
Emory University

Members

London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
University of Nairobi
Center for Research on Environment Health and Population Activities (CREHPA), Nepal

IUSSP Secretariat

International Union for the Scientific Study of Population (IUSSP)

Council Liaison

University of Cape Town
Termes de référence

There has been a significant increase in the use qualitative methods in population studies, particularly for understanding the social and cultural context of population issues. The integration of qualitative methods into population studies, a largely quantitative discipline, is extremely valuable yet it remains challenging. 

The purpose of this scientific panel is to highlight key and emerging issues for qualitative research in population studies and promote rigor of qualitative research within population studies. The Panel will use the research process as a framework for its activities by identifying specific areas that remain challenging for qualitative research within population studies. The Panel will then develop a variety of activities that advance scientific scholarship and contribute to capacity development, including by setting up discussion forums to exchange ideas on these specific issues. 

Specific focus will be placed on gaps in scientific capacity within the research process including: developing effective qualitative research proposals; longitudinal qualitative research and mixed methods research design; development of materials for capacity building; and the field application of qualitative methods. Attention will also be given to a range of cross-cutting issues that apply throughout the research process, such as: ethical challenges in qualitative research; quality of qualitative research; and exploring new technologies for qualitative research in population studies. 


Programme of activities

1.Survey of Students on Qualitative Research Training in Demography. 
Student conference, POPFEST, June 27-29 2011.


2.Literature Review on Qualitative Research in Population Studies. 


3.Panel Session at the 2013 IUSSP Conference in Busan, Korea. 


4.Resource Guide for Qualitative Research. 


5.Expert Sessions for Research Students at Population Conferences. 

  • One-to-one meetings with research students at POPFEST (2011, Groningen) and EPC (2012, Stockholm).  


6.Master-Classes on Mixed Methods Research. 

  • Side-meeting at EAPS June 2012 in Stockholm. 

 

7.Dialogue on Qualitative Analysis Software. 

 

8.Publishers Products on Qualitative Research Methods.