The Research Development & Evaluation Center (RDEC), led by Director Dr. Reynante E. Autida, conducted a comprehensive two-day Training-Workshop on Qualitative Research on October 28-29, 2024. This event was made possible through the unwavering support and visionary leadership of Dr. Ma. Carla A. Ochotorena, University President, and Dr. Joel G. Fernando, Vice President for Research, Extension Services, and External Linkages. Their commitment to advancing research excellence played a pivotal role in the success of this training initiative.
Facilitated by Dr. Marvin A. Maulion, Head of the Research Project Development Unit (RPDU), and supported by RDEC staff, the workshop featured distinguished resource speaker Dr. Servando D. Halili Jr.. The sessions were held at the Audio-Visual Room of the College of Engineering, creating a collaborative and dynamic learning environment for all participants.
Dr. Halili, with over 15 years of experience in qualitative research spanning history, culture, and public health, holds a doctorate in Cultural Studies. He has received prestigious fellowships from the Fulbright Commission and the Foundation for the Advancement of International Medical Education and Research. His work has been widely presented and published, both nationally and internationally.
The Training-Workshop offered participants an in-depth exploration of qualitative research methodologies, emphasizing their importance in addressing complex issues within the social and human sciences. The intended outcome was the development of comprehensive qualitative research proposals. Faculty members from various colleges, including those from the External Studies Unit (ESU), attended and actively engaged in the event.
On the first day, Dr. Halili introduced participants to the philosophical underpinnings of qualitative research, focusing on key concepts such as ontology and epistemology. He highlighted the flexible, interpretive nature of qualitative research, often referred to as the “globe approach” due to its comprehensive exploration of topics and phenomena. He described qualitative research as an “umbrella” that encompasses evolving theories and ideas, enabling researchers to use both inductive and deductive methods to build and refine their theoretical frameworks. This perspective aligns with Clifford Geertz’s notion of “thick description,” which emphasizes capturing rich, contextualized data to gain deeper insights into human experiences and social realities.
In addition, Dr. Halili presented five core qualitative research approaches: Narrative Research, Phenomenology, Grounded Theory, Ethnography, and Case Study. Each methodology was thoroughly explained, with insights into how it offers unique perspectives—whether through personal narratives, the study of cultural groups, or the development of new theoretical frameworks.
The Training-Workshop also covered various data collection techniques, including one-on-one interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), participant observation, longitudinal studies, and case studies. Dr. Halili underscored the advantages of qualitative data collection, such as its ability to provide in-depth understanding, offer flexibility, yield contextual insights, engage participants, and capture multiple perspectives. These qualities are particularly valuable in research contexts that require detailed exploration and theory development.
On the second day, participants were given the opportunity to apply their newfound knowledge by developing their own qualitative research proposals. Working in teams according to their respective colleges, each group designed a qualitative study focused on a topic relevant to their field. These studies were then presented comprehensively, allowing participants to receive constructive feedback, discuss various approaches, and refine their outputs in real time.
Through Dr. Halili’s expert guidance and the hands-on research experiences offered throughout the Training-Workshop, participants acquired essential tools and theoretical insights, equipping them to effectively apply qualitative research methodologies in their respective disciplines and contribute meaningfully to advancing knowledge in the social and human sciences. (Izar U. Laput, RUPID)
