Applying qualitative techniques in multidisciplinary research

Front row, second from left: Dr Mohammad Falahat, Dr Sia, Datin Dr Ng, Prof Tong, Dr Irene Tan and Dr Yong with the participants after the forum

The Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research (IPSR), and Centre for Sustainable Development and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSDCSR) organised a public forum at UTAR Sungai Long Campus on 4 September 2019.

Present at the forum were CSDCSR Chairperson Dr Mohammad Falahat Nejadmahani, Faculty of Accountancy and Management Dean Dr Sia Bee Chuan, Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research Director Assoc Prof Dr Yong Thian Khok, UTAR students and staff as well as members of the public.

Speaking at the forum were Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Department of Family Medicine Primary care Physician Prof Dr Tong Seng Fah, BERJAYA University College Centre for Teaching and Learning Head Assoc Prof Dr Irene Tan moderated by Datin Dr Ng Soo Boon.

The forum aimed to discuss the potentials of Qualitative Research in different disciplines and featured topics on Qualitative Methodology as a whole–How Qualitative Research can be used in an impactful way in various disciplines; Data collection: Its flexibility and critical issues; Analytical Pluralism: What Qualitative Research can offer; and Issues and challenges of Qualitative Research in multidisciplinary settings.

Dr Yong delivering his welcome remark

Assoc Prof Dr Yong said, “Not many of us are familiar with the qualitative research, and this would be a great opportunity for us to explore multidisciplinary research. This forum would enlighten us and benefit UTAR colleagues to know better about multidisciplinary research. We hope to have future collaboration with the Qualitative Research Association of Malaysia (QRAM) in conducting workshop and training as well as research that brings a greater impact to the society,” as he welcomed the participants and distinguished guests.

Seated on sofa, from left: Dr Yong, Dr Irene, Prof Tong and Datin Dr Ng during the forum

Prof Tong in his presentation titled “Qualitative techniques and its power to conduct multidisciplinary research” spoke about analytical pluralism, what qualitative research can offer, spectrum of analysis, analysis from different disciplines, qualitative methodology and ways of interpreting data. He said, “The aim is to discuss the potentials of qualitative research in different disciplines. Analysis pluralism is about interpreting what we see and we have come to a common understanding of interpretation because we are socially connected in many ways such as culture or values.” He added, “QRAM aims to create a platform to encourage the exchange of ideas, discuss the challenges and explore something new to create quality and impactful research.”

Dr Irene spoke about the definition of qualitative research, types of qualitative research, data collection techniques, types of data and data collection cycle. She said, “The primary data is very important in qualitative research and they are gathered directly from the participants or organisations through interviews, fieldwork, unpublished documents and other ways. The secondary data are published information such as books, newspaper and journal articles.”

Datin Dr Ng said, “Quantitative research cannot help with policy-making because it only tells the percentage which gives an indication but at the same time we need to dig deeper, thus we need qualitative research. Qualitative research and quantitative research co-exist as they do not compete with each other.”

Participants during Q&A

Prof Dr Tong is currently a professor in family medicine and has been actively teaching undergraduate and post-graduate students on the speciality of family medicine since 2004. He also teaches research methodology of qualitative and quantitative research. He has conducted several workshops on various topic of qualitative research such as thematic analysis, using computer for qualitative analysis and data collection. He is now the president of QRAM.

Assoc Prof Dr Irene Tan leads the professional development programmes for academic staff and is responsible for developing and implementing university-wide academic programmes for new and current Berjaya University College students. Her professional interests include research in teaching and learning, internationalising higher education, comparative education, college student development and leadership issues. Professionally, she is committed to the development of the understanding and implementation of qualitative methodology as a former President, committee member and current Vice President of QRAM.

Datin Dr Ng is currently QRAM’s treasurer, Malaysian Association of Professional Early Childhood Educators President and sits in the education committee of Malaysia Institute of Chemistry. Previously, she retired from the Ministry of Education in June 2019 with her last position as the Deputy Director of Curriculum Development Division. She oversees the formulation of curriculum policies and the development of curriculum from preschool to upper secondary school. She has vast experience in curriculum development, STEM education and early childhood care and education. She was also involved with UNESCO, UNICEF, ARNEC and SEAMEO.

 

Clockwise: Dr Yong (left) presenting token of appreciation to Datin Dr Ng, Prof Tong and Dr Irene