The University of the Cordilleras hosted a one-day intensive training titled “Amplifying Research Capability: Qualitative Analysis” on November 14, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at CL 1, UC Legarda Campus. The event, attended by 24 participants including Mr. Gilbert Bernardino from the College of Nursing, aimed to enhance the qualitative research skills of attendees, with renowned speakers Dr. Jose Maria Pangilinan and Dr. Thelma Palaoag leading the sessions.
Dr. Jose Maria Pangilinan opened the training with an insightful lecture on the fundamentals of qualitative research. He emphasized the critical role qualitative methods play in exploring complex human experiences and social phenomena, highlighting the interpretive nature of this research approach. Dr. Pangilinan guided participants through essential concepts such as the significance of context in understanding participants’ perspectives and the role of reflexivity in maintaining research rigor.
He further elaborated on foundational methodologies, including phenomenology, ethnography, and grounded theory, illustrating their practical applications with compelling examples. His session underscored the potential of qualitative research to generate nuanced data that inform both practice and policy across disciplines.
In the afternoon session, Dr. Thelma Palaoag delved into the transformative potential of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) tools to elevate academic research writing. Dr. Palaoag demonstrated how AI could streamline the writing process by offering advanced features like real-time grammar and style enhancements, automated citation generation, and data-driven insights for constructing compelling arguments.
According to Dr. Palaoag, incorporating AI tools allows researchers to concentrate on critical analysis and innovation while ensuring their work adheres to high professional standards. She emphasized that the adoption of AI technology not only boosts efficiency but also improves the quality and accessibility of academic manuscripts.
The training concluded with an engaging open forum, where participants had the opportunity to discuss their insights and challenges in qualitative research. The speakers’ combined expertise provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of qualitative methodologies and innovative tools to advance their research capabilities.
