We all know about surveys, focus groups, and qualitative interviews. These tried and true methods are foundational to the world of research, and have proven their worth through the decades. But have you ever wondered if there might be more to research, or feel that you need more tools in your methods toolbox?

This workshop takes participants on a methodological journey, exploring a wide range of less-conventional data collection and analysis methods. Participants will learn how everyday things – e.g., household garbage, restroom graffiti, plastic toys – can be used in research to produce novel and valuable insights.

In this inter-active workshop, participants will learn when, why and how to utilize more than two dozen lesser-known data collection and analysis methods. Social network analysis, geo-spatial techniques, along with several forms of observation methods, will be examined in both exploratory and confirmatory contexts. Participants will also learn when and how to employ a variety of cognitively-oriented methods, such as free-listing, pile-sorting and ethnographic decision modelling. Numerous projective techniques that are designed to evoke personal narratives and deep-rooted values – such as vignettes (qualitative and quantitative variations) - will be examined. Participants will additionally learn how to optimize traditional surveys and qualitative data collection methods by incorporating unique activities and types of questions into instruments and procedures.

The workshop is comprised of lectures, and multiple hands-on exercises. Examples are drawn from both domestic and international research contexts.

This course will count as 6.0 CSS short course credit hours.