Last month, three PhD researchers from the School of Sport and Exercise Science attended the Qualitative Methods in Sports, Exercise and Health PhD Course organised by the Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. The course, run by Dr Adam Evans (Associate Member of the Health Advancement Research Team [HART]), focused on “innovative approaches” in qualitative research and provided PhD researchers from across Europe with an opportunity to learn about the latest innovations in qualitative research in the field of sport, exercise, and health.
Across the week, a series of talks were delivered by leading qualitative researchers, along with activities that provided the PhD researchers with an opportunity to present their work and engage in one-to-one dialogue about their qualitative research with these speakers. Among the stellar line up this year was Dr Nikolas Dickerson of HART. Dr Dickerson’s talk focused on the use of internet memes in qualitative research, which was also a topic discussed at recent LSEP Research Club session.
The PhD researchers in attendance included both LSEP and HART researchers. Georgia Clay, who is in the second year of her PhD that focuses on physical activity and stroke rehabilitation, which is dual funded by the University of Copenhagen, described the experience as “an incredible opportunity to engage with experts and students who share a common interest in the development of qualitative research methodology. Being in-person made the whole experience, and the chance to receive feedback from people with such a wide range of knowledge was invaluable”. Likewise, Ollie Williamson, who is nearing the end of the second year of his PhD examining goal setting in sport, said, “this course was a privilege to attend. The range of approaches covered increased my knowledge, diversified my skill set, and enhanced my confidence to undertake qualitative research”. Having recently commenced her PhD exploring older adults’ experiences in Bingocize, Dona Hall remarked that, “this course was an amazing opportunity and really opened my eyes to alternative methods of qualitative research that I had never previously considered”. Our thanks are extended to Dr Evans and the speakers at the event for creating what sounded like a fantastic learning opportunity for PhD researchers.
