Masterclass: Trauma Informed Qualitative Research
Date:
14/10/2026
Organised by:
Qualitative Training
Presenter:
Dr Karen Lumsden
Level:
Entry (no or almost no prior knowledge)
Contact:
Dr Karen Lumsden
karen@qualitativetraining.com
Venue: Online
Overview
This masterclass introduces participants to the intersection of trauma and qualitative research. It explores the value of a trauma-informed approach and how we incorporate trauma-informed principles into our research. It is appropriate for social researchers, students and professionals seeking a deeper understanding of trauma-informed research methods and their practical implications.
The masterclass outlines the theoretical frameworks that underpin trauma-based research including categories and types of trauma, trauma responses, and how trauma can influence the research process (including the risks of vicarious trauma, re-traumatisation and participant distress). From study design considerations to data collection methods and analysis techniques, participants will gain insights into how trauma can affect research.
Interactive sessions, case studies, and group discussions provide opportunities for practical application of the principles explored, allowing participants to engage with real-world scenarios and ethical dilemmas encountered in research. We highlight the importance of cultural considerations and inclusivity in conducting trauma-based research, promoting a holistic and respectful approach to data collection and analysis.
By the end of the masterclass, participants will have a detailed understanding of trauma-informed research and how to incorporate these principles into their own qualitative work. They will be equipped with knowledge and tools to ethically and sensitively conduct research with trauma-affected populations.
Learning outcomes
· Have an understanding of the principles of trauma-informed research and practice;
· Be able to incorporate trauma-informed principles into their qualitative research (including i.e. study design, data collection, analysis);
· Understand the different categories and types of trauma;
· Understand different trauma responses;
· Be aware of the potential risks in research of: re-traumatisation, vicarious trauma, and participant distress;
· Be aware of the ethical challenges specific to trauma-informed research;
· Practical exercises, case studies, examples and discussions will enable participants to reflect on trauma in social research and begin to practice a trauma-informed approach.
What do we cover?
· Principles and theories of trauma-informed practice
· Categories and types of trauma
· Trauma responses
· Principles of trauma-informed response: safety, trust worthiness and transparency, peers support, voice and choice, collaboration and mutuality, empowerment, and cultural issues
· Potential risks: re-traumatisation, vicarious trauma, participant distress
· Research design considerations
· Case studies, examples and practical exercises on trauma-informed research
Who should attend?
This advanced course will be of value to researchers and students who have some experience in qualitative research and are looking to incorporate a trauma-informed approach into their research practice. It will be beneficial for researchers who wish to update their skills and knowledge in relation to research ethics. It is also designed to support those who need to know what to look for when commissioning good quality research. Participants come from diverse academic, social research and policy backgrounds and very diverse topic areas. Knowledge of social research and/or attendance on introductory methods course is advisable (particularly qualitative research courses).
Please note: this is an interactive live masterclass with presentations, group activities, discussions, and opportunities to ask questions. The masterclass takes place on Zoom.
What is included?
- 4 hours of live training on Zoom with Dr Karen Lumsden who has over 22 years experience in qualitative research and analysis, and in the design and delivery of qualitative research programmes, courses and workshops.
- Group discussions, practical coding exercise, and opportunities to ask the trainer questions.
- Access to resources including, for example: agenda, slides, resource list, and examples.
- Recording of the masterclass (accessible for 30 days).
- Certificate of attendance (for those attending the live training).
Trainer biography
Dr Karen Lumsden is an expert qualitative trainer, consultant, coach and mentor. She has held a number of academic posts, including most recently, Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Aberdeen, UK. She was previously Associate Professor in Criminology at the University of Leicester, Assistant Professor at the University of Nottingham, and Senior Lecturer in Sociology at Loughborough University.
She has over 22 years’ experience delivering qualitative methods courses and training to academics, PhD students, social researchers, and practitioners. During this time she has designed and delivered 100s of courses and workshops to 1000s of researchers. She has worked with universities including: Aberdeen, Glasgow, Essex, Kings College London, Royal Holloway, Kingston, Cardiff, York, and Bournemouth. She has delivered training for the University of Auckland, New Zealand, and the Chinese University of Hong Kong. She regularly delivers a range of qualitative methods courses via the Social Research Association, and delivers Focus Groups training for the European Consortium for Political Research. She has designed and delivered bespoke training for local authorities, government departments (including DWP), ONS, NHS, charities, police organisations, and social and market research organisations.
Karen has also written and edited a number of books and journal articles on qualitative methods including Crafting Autoethnography (Routledge, 2023) and Reflexivity: Theory, Method, Practice (2019). She was on the Editorial Boards of Sociology and Qualitative Research and Chair of the Editorial Board of Sociological Research Online.
She is founder of the Women in Qual Community: www.linkedin.com/women-in-qual
For more information visit: www.qualitativetraining.com
Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/karen-lumsden
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Bookings, invoicing, and ticket rates
Bookings for this course should be made via Eventbrite online ticketing.
If organisations require Invoice payment, this is billed at the professional researcher & organisational rate.
I also only accept invoice payment when supplier approval and payment terms are confirmed in writing prior to the training date. Email us with any queries about invoice payment: karen@qualitativetraining.com
Charities and small non-profits — get in touch, I hold a limited number of places at the student, PGR and unwaged rate which provides a discount on the organisatonal rate.
Booking for a large group of researchers, staff or students? - It might be more cost effective to organise in-house training for your team. Get in touch to discuss further.
Refund policy
There is a 14 day 'cooling off' period from the date of booking on this course (unless it is less than 7 days before the event date). The refund policy is 100% refund up to 7 days prior to the course date. Less than 7 days before the course date, the entire fee is payable.
If the course is fully booked and has a waiting list then transfer to another course or future course date might be possible, however this is at the discretion of the trainer. You can transfer your booking to another person within your organisation, at no additional cost.
Please note that Dr Karen Lumsden delivers a range of courses for other training providers in addition to these Qualitative Training courses. She takes no responsibility or liability for individuals booking on similar courses or training with other providers which may contain similar or the same course content. Refunds will not be given under these circumstances once the training has been partly/fully consumed.
Cost:
Discounted rate for students, independent researchers, and charities = £190.00 (VAT inclusive)
Full rate for professional researchers and organisations = £230.00 (VAT inclusive)
Note: proof of your status for the discounted rate may be requested.
Website and registration:
Region:
International
Keywords:
Frameworks for Research and Research Designs, Participatory Research, Action Research, Frameworks for Research and Research Designs (other), Data Collection, Qualitative Interviewing, Data Collection (other), Research Management and Impact, Confidentiality and Anonymity, Research Ethics, Research Management and Impact (other), trauma, trauma-informed, sensitive, sensitivities, distress, emotion, emotions, ethics, safeguarding, vulnerable, vulnerability, risk, harm, wellbeing, support, welfare, safety, empowerment, care, self-care
Related publications and presentations from our eprints archive:
Frameworks for Research and Research Designs
Participatory Research
Action Research
Frameworks for Research and Research Designs (other)
Data Collection
Qualitative Interviewing
Data Collection (other)
Research Management and Impact
Confidentiality and Anonymity
Research Ethics
Research Management and Impact (other)
