Event Details:

• Resource Person: Mr. R. Rajeshkannan, Senior Lecturer, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna.
• Date and Time: 20th September 2023, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Venue: 307 Lecture Hall
• Target Group: Philosophy Students from Fourth Year, Level III Semester II, Level III Semester I
• Organised by: Philosophical Society, Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna.

Introduction: On the 20th of September 2023, a Sharing Session on “Qualitative Data Analysis” was organized for Philosophy students from the fourth year, Level III Semester II, and Level III Semester I at the University of Jaffna. The session was conducted by Mr. R. Rajeshkannan, a seasoned Senior Lecturer from the Department of Sociology at the Faculty of Arts.

Session Overview: Mr. Rajeshkannan commenced the session by providing an overview of qualitative data analysis and its significance in social sciences and humanities research. He emphasized the importance of understanding the nuances and complexities of qualitative data, as it often deals with subjective and context-rich information.

Key Topics Covered: The sharing session covered several key topics, including:

• Introduction to Qualitative Data: Mr. Rajeshkannan explained the fundamental differences between qualitative and quantitative data. He highlighted that qualitative data involves non-numeric information that helps researchers understand human behavior, culture, and social phenomena.
• Data Collection Methods: The session delved into various methods of collecting qualitative data, such as interviews, focus groups, observations, and document analysis. Students gained insights into the appropriateness of different methods for specific research questions.
• Data Coding and Categorization: Mr. Rajeshkannan elucidated the process of coding and categorizing qualitative data. He stressed the importance of systematic and consistent coding to extract meaningful patterns and themes from raw data.
• Ethical Considerations: Ethics in qualitative research was a significant aspect of the session. Mr. Rajeshkannan discussed ethical considerations in data collection, participant consent, and the importance of maintaining confidentiality.
• Interpretation and Reporting: The session concluded with a discussion on how to interpret and report qualitative findings effectively. Mr. Rajeshkannan emphasized the need to relate findings back to the research objectives and context.

Interactive Learning: The session was highly interactive, with students actively engaging in discussions and asking questions throughout. Mr. Rajeshkannan encouraged students to share their experiences and challenges related to qualitative data analysis, creating a conducive learning environment.

Feedback and Conclusion:The sharing session on “Qualitative Data Analysis” received positive feedback from the participating students. They found the content relevant, practical, and beneficial for their studies. Mr. Rajeshkannan’s expertise and engaging teaching style were praised by the attendees. In conclusion, the event was a valuable addition to the academic journey of Philosophy students at the University of Jaffna. It provided them with essential insights into qualitative data analysis, a skill that will undoubtedly benefit their dissertation and project writing.