Contact: Gordana Bacic
The Australian Consortium for Social and Political Research Incorporated (ACSPRI) is a not-for-profit organisation, broadly aimed at the promotion and enhancement of social science research and methods in Australia.
Our consortium of institutional members, include universities, public sector research institutions and not-for-profits. We work to provide benefits and services to our members including: education and professional development in Social Science Research Methods and Research Technology courses.
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An Introduction to Mixed Method Research Design
24 - 25 July 2025
An Introduction to Mixed Method Research Design https://www.acspri.org.au/master-class-july-2025-mixed-methods-online https://dresa.org.au/events/an-introduction-to-mixed-method-research-design In this Master-class we will examine the key features of mixed methods research designs. We will explore the different types of mixed method design. Critically analyse the benefits and challenges associated with the design and implementation of each design type. Examine approaches to integrating qualitative and quantitative data effectively and and look at the write-up of mixed method studies. 2025-07-24 09:30:00 UTC 2025-07-25 16:00:00 UTC ACSPRI online, Australia online Australia ACSPRI info@acspri.org.au [] [] 12 workshop open_to_all Mixed Methodssocial data sciencesocial science methodsStatistical Methods -
NVivo Essentials: Online
23 - 25 July 2025
NVivo Essentials: Online https://www.acspri.org.au/workshop-july-2025-nvivo-essentials-online https://dresa.org.au/events/nvivo-essentials-online-bf8d0bef-67d6-458a-b64f-d996f7a64a0f NVivo is computer software package produced by QSR International that supports qualitative and mixed methods research. It has been designed for researchers working with very rich text-based and/or multimedia information, (including interviews, open-ended survey responses, picture/audio/video data, articles, social media and web content), where deep levels of analysis on small or large volumes of data are required. This workshop is aimed at providing researchers with essential skills in using NVivo software. Those choosing to enrol in this course will be working on or about to embark on a research project. The course assumes no prior skills with using NVivo, however will cater for all levels of participants, from novice to advanced users. 2025-07-23 09:30:00 UTC 2025-07-25 13:30:00 UTC ACSPRI online online ACSPRI info@acspri.org.au ph: +61 3 8376 6496 [] [] 12 workshop open_to_all Qualitative ResearchMixed MethodsText Analyticsmultimedia analysis NVivo -
Introduction to Large Language Models (LLMs) in the Social Sciences
7 - 9 July 2025
Introduction to Large Language Models (LLMs) in the Social Sciences https://www.acspri.org.au/online-winter-program-2025/introduction-large-language-models-llms-social-sciences-online-3-days https://dresa.org.au/events/introduction-to-large-language-models-llms-in-the-social-sciences Are you working with text and looking for new ways to tackle language-related tasks? Large Language Models (LLMs) might be just the tool you need! This master-class introduces LLMs in the context of social sciences, offering hands-on, practical experience - no coding expertise or advanced maths skills required. You'll explore the basics of Natural Language Processing (NLP) and LLMs, diving into real-world applications like text classification, topic modeling, and text generation. We’ll be using Python and Google Colab, but don’t worry if you have no prior programming experience—we’ve got you covered every step of the way. Our focus is on equipping you with practical skills that you can directly apply to your research. Need to analyze a large body of diverse literature, bulk social media discussions, interview responses, or news articles? Want to detect emerging trends, automate qualitative coding in interviews, or generate synthetic survey responses to test hypotheses? LLMs are revolutionizing how we understand and process text-based data in the social sciences—and this is just the beginning. Don’t miss out! 2025-07-07 09:30:00 UTC 2025-07-09 16:00:00 UTC ACSPRI online, Australia online Australia ACSPRI info@acspri.org.au [] [] 12 workshop open_to_all LLMs, Large Language Models, Natural Language Processing, NLPs, AI -
Fundamentals of Program Evaluation in Public Policy: Online
30 June - 2 July 2025
Fundamentals of Program Evaluation in Public Policy: Online https://www.acspri.org.au/online-winter-program-2025/fundamentals-program-evaluation-public-policy-online-3-days https://dresa.org.au/events/fundamentals-of-program-evaluation-in-public-policy-online-9532ffb9-c2c5-4638-9072-5e5ef6ab97e7 The course is structured to progress participants through the key stages of an evaluation. Participants are exposed to key theories and approaches to evaluation, and then encouraged to consider the application of these approaches to their own work context. Participants will be guided through negotiation and planing an evaluation, through to final reporting and dissemination of findings. Examples from published studies and the facilitator's applied practice in evaluation will be drawn apon to illustrate and reinforce key concepts. 2025-06-30 10:00:00 UTC 2025-07-02 16:00:00 UTC ACSPRI Online, Australia Online Australia ACSPRI info@acspri.org.au ph: +61 3 8376 6496 [] [] 12 workshop open_to_all evaluationpublic policypublic programspolicy evaluation -
Advanced Statistical Analysis Using R: Online
30 June - 4 July 2025
Advanced Statistical Analysis Using R: Online https://www.acspri.org.au/online-winter-program-2025/advanced-statistical-analysis-using-r-online https://dresa.org.au/events/advanced-statistical-analysis-using-r-online-36f87c79-c103-44b5-983b-0bd80827397f The focus of this course is on learning advanced statistical methods using R. This course is intended for those who have basic knowledge and experience with R, and would like to further advance or develop their experiences with advanced statistical methods in R. The course would also be suitable for people familiar with these statistical methods in other packages, but with no prior experience using R. The first day of this course will focus on the R software environment, the remaining days of this workshop will focus on learning advanced statistical methods with R. We will spend an almost equal amount of time in PowerPoint sessions and computer exercises. During the PowerPoint sessions the focus will be on the statistical methods with minimal discussion of computer software. During the computer exercise time you will be using R to apply the statistical methods taught in the lectures. At the start of each session of computer exercises Mark will perform the first exercise in each set on his own computer demonstrating to the class the use of the software and the statistical results obtained. 2025-06-30 10:00:00 UTC 2025-07-04 17:00:00 UTC ACSPRI Online Online ACSPRI info@acspri.org.au [] [] 12 workshop open_to_all R statisticsStatistical MethodsStatisticsR statistical software -
Data Analysis Using Stata: Online
30 June - 4 July 2025
Data Analysis Using Stata: Online https://www.acspri.org.au/online-winter-program-2025/data-analysis-using-stata-online https://dresa.org.au/events/data-analysis-using-stata-online-c4f3212e-bf77-4458-a7d2-b265ffd5bf0e Stata is a comprehensive integrated package for data management, analysis and graphics. Stata has a comprehensive GUI interface. Sample datasets will be provided, but you are encouraged to bring some of your own data for analysis in Excel or ASCII format. Teaching and practice will be closed integrated. Private consultations will be allocated during the course as needed. The course is suitable for beginners to the Stata package and will be presented in a way that introduces survey research. It is also appropriate to those familiar with Stata as it extends the capabilities of more experienced researchers. 2025-06-30 10:00:00 UTC 2025-07-04 17:00:00 UTC ACSPRI Online, Australia Online Australia ACSPRI info@acspri.org.au ph: +61 3 8376 6496 [] [] 12 workshop open_to_all STATAapplied statisticsStatistical MethodsStatistics -
Introduction to Structural Equation Modelling: Online
30 June - 4 July 2025
Introduction to Structural Equation Modelling: Online https://www.acspri.org.au/online-winter-program-2025/introduction-structural-equation-modelling-online https://dresa.org.au/events/introduction-to-structural-equation-modelling-online This course is designed as an introductory course in the use of both AMOS and Mplus software packages to estimate structural equation models. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) is used widely by researchers in a diverse array of fields to find and test complex relationships amongst observed variables that measure latent (unobserved) variables and amongst the latent variables themselves. SEM subsumes other analytical techniques (such as factor analysis, regression analysis and path analysis) into one omnibus approach to modeling relationships amongst observed and latent variables. This course is designed as an introductory SEM course aimed at introducing participants to the basic concept of SEM and to a range of structural equation models using AMOS and/or Mplus software to estimate the model parameters. Detailed notes with worked examples and references will be provided as a basis for both the lecture and hands-on computing aspect of the course. The target audience for this course is post graduate students, academic staff and other researchers needing to learn the basic concept of SEM and how to run structural equation models using either the AMOS and/or Mplus software. 2025-06-30 10:00:00 UTC 2025-07-04 16:00:00 UTC ACSPRI Online, Australia Online Australia ACSPRI info@acspri.org.au ph: +61 3 8376 6496 [] [] 12 workshop open_to_all Structural equation modellingStatistical Methodsapplied statisticsquantitative -
Introduction to Social Network Research and Analysis: Online
7 - 11 July 2025
Introduction to Social Network Research and Analysis: Online https://www.acspri.org.au/online-winter-program-2025/introduction-social-network-research-and-analysis-online https://dresa.org.au/events/introduction-to-social-network-research-and-analysis-online-8c800bd9-ff92-43c9-bf9d-0beea0275d8b This course covers data collection and research design, visualisation and basic analytic methods used in social network research. Designed for mixed methods and qualitative researchers, the course builds from the basic, pioneering methodologies of Social Network Analysis (SNA): survey-based egonet SNA and sociometric, "whole network' SNA, and their extensions, to network sensitive ethnographies, community networks, web-based network surveys and research on social media activities. The course reviews the possibilities for working with rich network data from interview or online sources and the unique perspectives that qualitative and social research traditions bring to these tasks. The course explores ways to best manage and explore different kinds of network data in Excel, uses UCINET and NetDraw to produce network diagrams and descriptive statistics. We review other appropriate software related to participants' needs. The course serves as a transition to the associated ACSPRI courses Network Analysis in Social, Business and Political Research and Big Data Analysis for Social Scientists. Network research designs covered in this course are: * Surveys using ego-centric network (egonet) methods * Network-sensitive ethnographies * Sociometric (‘round robin’) ‘whole network’ studies and small group research * Associational/ Affiliation (‘2-mode’) networks (including ethological studies) * Cognitive mapping and socio-cognitive mapping (SCM) For each methodology we consider the best ways to code and manage raw data, the most efficient formats for importing such data into visualisation and analysis software and appropriate measures and statistics for reporting findings. We also discuss the process of relating validated findings to broader research questions (‘meta-inference’), extrapolating them to other settings and associated questions of research design. 2025-07-07 09:30:00 UTC 2025-07-11 16:00:00 UTC ACSPRI Online Online ACSPRI info@acspri.org.au [] [] 12 workshop open_to_all social network researchSocial network analysisMixed MethodsQualitative ResearchQualitative methodssocial media data -
Introduction to Computer-assisted Qualitative Data Analysis using Nvivo: Online
7 - 11 July 2025
Introduction to Computer-assisted Qualitative Data Analysis using Nvivo: Online https://www.acspri.org.au/online-winter-program-2025/introduction-computer-assisted-qualitative-data-analysis-using-nvivo-onli https://dresa.org.au/events/introduction-to-computer-assisted-qualitative-data-analysis-using-nvivo-online-d8e1bd96-2adf-49f6-a4aa-16b853677804 In this 5 day course, participants will learn how to analyse qualitative data using NVivo. The course takes a holistic view of the analysis of qualitative data using computer assisted techniques. We will examine not only the mechanics of driving the NVivo software package, but also how to plan for the collection of data; preparation of data for analysis; as well as the analysis of the data. You will also be introduced to advanced analysis tools, including those for theory building, validation and presentation of findings. Participants will explore applications of the software to your own research projects. Sample data will be provided but you should bring your own data sets, if you have them, and/or copies of articles and research reports relevant to your field of study. 2025-07-07 09:30:00 UTC 2025-07-11 16:30:00 UTC ACSPRI online, Australia online Australia ACSPRI info@acspri.org.au +61 3 8376 6496 [] researchersPhD studentsHDR students 12 workshop open_to_all Qualitative Researchqualitative interviewingQualitative methodsQualitative PhDIntroductory NVivo -
Multi-level Analysis using Mplus: Online
7 - 11 July 2025
Multi-level Analysis using Mplus: Online https://www.acspri.org.au/online-winter-program-2025/multi-level-analysis-using-mplus-online https://dresa.org.au/events/multi-level-analysis-using-mplus-online-5bc9823f-3205-4e0a-81ac-8bcdce6a1012 This course is designed as an introduction to the concepts and techniques required to analyse data that is multi-level in nature. (That is, data that is derived from subjects who are nested within groups or data that involves repeated measures that are nested within subjects) In conventional regression analysis it is assumed that subjects are randomly selected and, therefore, all the variance in your dependent variables is due solely to variation amongst individuals. However, in most studies, subjects are clustered within a group and multiple groups are sampled. For example, in an education study, we may have students clustered within multiple classes; in a human resourcing study, we may have employees clustered within multiple work units or teams. In such sampling, although some of the variance in your dependent variables will be due to variation amongst individuals, some the variance in your dependent variables will also be due to variation amongst the groups themselves. In such cases, multilevel analysis (MLA) should be employed to account for the different levels of variation. Repeated measure designs should also be analysed using multilevel analysis because the repeated observations are nested within subjects. For example, in a marketing study, we may have repeated measures of consumers’ attitudes to a brand over the life of a marketing campaign; in an epidemiology study, we may have repeated measures of a health outcome over the life of a drug treatment regime. In such studies, although some of the variance in your dependent variables will be due to variation across the various time occasions, some the variance in your dependent variables will also be due to variation amongst individuals themselves. Again, in such cases, multilevel analysis (MLA) should be employed to account for the different levels of variation. 2025-07-07 10:00:00 UTC 2025-07-11 16:00:00 UTC ACSPRI Online, Australia Online Australia ACSPRI info@acspri.org.au +61 3 8376 6496 [] [] 12 workshop open_to_all multilevel modellingSEMStatistical MethodsStatistics -
Applied Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA)
30 June - 4 July 2025
Applied Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) https://www.acspri.org.au/online-winter-program-2025/applied-qualitative-comparative-analysis-qca-online https://dresa.org.au/events/applied-qualitative-comparative-analysis-qca Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) provides a bridge between case-oriented and variable-oriented research methods. It is rapidly making inroads in the social sciences. This course is designed for participants who have experience in qualitative or quantitative research and who are interested in applying qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) in their current or future studies. We will go through the 10 steps of a full QCA project: 1. Explaining the theoretical motivations for choosing QCA for your project 2. Selection of outcomes and conditions 3. Explaining the limitations that come with the number of conditions chosen 4. Calibration of data 5. Develop a raw data matrix 6. Analysis of necessary conditions 7. Analysis of sufficient conditions: truth table 8. Analysis of sufficient conditions: choice of solution term 9. Presentation of results 10. Testing robustness and interpretation of results 2025-06-30 14:00:00 UTC 2025-07-04 20:00:00 UTC ACSPRI online, Australia online Australia ACSPRI info@acspri.org.au [] researchersPhD studentsHDR students 12 workshop open_to_all social data scienceStatistical MethodsQCAQualitative methodsQualitative Comparative Analysisresearch design -
Fundamentals of Statistics: Online
30 June - 4 July 2025
Fundamentals of Statistics: Online https://www.acspri.org.au/online-winter-program-2025/fundamentals-statistics-online https://dresa.org.au/events/fundamentals-of-statistics-online-ea886ceb-d7a7-40d7-83de-ac957608d600 In this course you will obtain a solid foundation in basic statistical concepts and procedures to progress with some confidence into more advanced topics. This is an introductory unit in statistical methods with the emphasis on statistical techniques applicable to the social sciences, although these introductory techniques are also appropriate to the health sciences. Our approach to learning will be largely non-mathematical, concentrating on concepts rather than mathematical theory. Participants familiar with the use of a statistical software package, but lacking statistical training should also start with this course. The course will be using the free and open-source software jamovi. there will be an opportunity to use IBM SPSS Statistics as an alternative. Instructions will be provided for both packages and students can choose either jamovi or IBM SPSS Statistics. 2025-06-30 10:00:00 UTC 2025-07-04 13:00:00 UTC ACSPRI online online ACSPRI info@acspri.org.au ph: +61 3 8376 6496 [] [] 12 workshop open_to_all StatisticsFundamentals of StatisticsJamovi SPSSStatistical Methodsapplied statistics -
Foundations of Qualitative Methodologies, Data Collection and Analysis: Online
30 June - 2 July 2025
Foundations of Qualitative Methodologies, Data Collection and Analysis: Online https://www.acspri.org.au/online-winter-program-2025/foundations-qualitative-methodologies-data-collection-and-analysis-online https://dresa.org.au/events/foundations-of-qualitative-methodologies-data-collection-and-analysis-online-47cd28ea-1b7a-4675-bd21-5c4d9721af8c This is an introductory course which deals with the major decisions qualitative researchers needs to make initially: -research design and ethics -qualitative paradigms and methodology/ies The emphasis on the 2nd and 3rd days is on practical experience. The gaining of practice-based skills with regard to conducting both face-to-face and focus group interviews in person and online, and in gaining experience in analysing and displaying qualitative data. The target audience for this course is those who would like to become more familiar with qualitative research decisions and techniques, from postgraduate university students and staff, to researchers in government and private organisations. 2025-06-30 09:30:00 UTC 2025-07-02 15:30:00 UTC ACSPRI Online, Australia Online Australia ACSPRI info@acspri.org.au [] [] 12 workshop open_to_all Qualitative ResearchQualitative methodsIntroductoryqualitative interviewingEthicsHREC; Research ethicsData Analysis -
Introduction to Qualitative Research: Online
7 - 11 July 2025
Introduction to Qualitative Research: Online https://www.acspri.org.au/online-winter-program-2025/introduction-qualitative-research-online https://dresa.org.au/events/introduction-to-qualitative-research-online-21bf6d1a-89f2-41ad-8fb9-4f4b927aadf5 In this course you will learn about the foundational elements of qualitative research and how they are interrelated. We will unpack the key components of qualitative research design, including the stances and theories that underpin qualitative methodologies, as well as techniques of data collection and analysis. We pay particular attention to what’s involved in ethically employing popular methods such as interviewing and observation. We also address the practical and ethical considerations of online methods, given the growing uptake of remote research during the coronavirus pandemic. The course combines short lectures covering foundational issues with practical workshops that give you a chance to practice qualitative techniques first-hand. The target audience for this course is those who would like to become more familiar with qualitative research techniques, from postgraduate university students and staff, to researchers in government and private organisations. 2025-07-07 10:00:00 UTC 2025-07-11 16:00:00 UTC ACSPRI online online ACSPRI info@acspri.org.au [] [] 12 workshop open_to_all Qualitative ResearchQualitative methodsIntroductoryqualitative data -
Applied Longitudinal Data Analysis: Online
7 - 11 July 2025
Applied Longitudinal Data Analysis: Online https://www.acspri.org.au/online-winter-program-2025/applied-longitudinal-data-analysis-online https://dresa.org.au/events/applied-longitudinal-data-analysis-online-cdcf26ac-d3cd-44c9-a4b1-6e263ef07d24 Longitudinal Data Analysis is a very popular statistical method in a range of fields including medicine, natural resource management, business and economics. As well as allowing a researcher to elicit the changes in a subject (person, business, etc) over time, longitudinal data is also exceedingly powerful as it allows the within-subject and between-subject variance to be estimated independently (generally allowing the parameters in the statistical model to be estimated with a much tighter accuracy than traditional models). This course provides an overview of Longitudinal Data Analysis. As well as the statistical theory, an overview of the many applications and capabilities of LDA is given. The course is not particularly mathematical, but instead places emphasis on the fundamental concepts of LDA and how it is used by applied researchers. The workshop will focus on linear mixed effects models, however we will also go through generalized linear mixed effects models and any new material a participant will need to understand in order to successfully use generalized LME’s. There will be exercises using both types of models. The computer exercises for this workshop will be conducted in Stata. Stata has been chosen as it provides both basic and advanced functionality for conducting longitudinal data analyses. A full set of exercises and solutions in Stata will be provided in this workshop, where they include the Stata syntax required to perform each individual exercise. In addition the workshop presenter will demonstrate how to use Stata for the first exercise in each session prior to workshop participants individually working though the exercises for that session. While this workshop is primarily designed for participants using Stata, an alternative set of exercises can be provided for participants who would like to use R instead. 2025-07-07 10:00:00 UTC 2025-07-11 17:00:00 UTC ACSPRI Online, Australia Online Australia ACSPRI info@acspri.org.au ph: +61 3 8376 6496 [] [] 12 workshop open_to_all longitudinal dataStatistical Methodsmixed effectsquantitative -
Qualitative Research: Design, Analysis and Representation: Online
7 - 11 July 2025
Qualitative Research: Design, Analysis and Representation: Online https://www.acspri.org.au/online-winter-program-2025/qualitative-research-design-analysis-and-representation-online https://dresa.org.au/events/qualitative-research-design-analysis-and-representation-online-b019d2a5-65c6-4578-9e27-b27896484b3f The focus of this course is on issues of design and positioning, analysis and representation of qualitative research. This course only provides a generic overview of data collection methods, as it is assumed that participants will have experience with methods. Many of the examples will make reference to research in business, psychology and health. The target audience for this course are researchers, practitioners and academics who have conducted at least one qualitative study, and are familiar with the process and context of qualitative research. 2025-07-07 10:00:00 UTC 2025-07-11 16:00:00 UTC ACSPRI Online, Australia Online Australia ACSPRI info@acspri.org.au ph: +61 3 8376 6496 [] [] 12 workshop open_to_all Qualitative ResearchQualitative methodsqualitative data -
Applied Statistical Procedures: Online
7 - 11 July 2025
Applied Statistical Procedures: Online https://www.acspri.org.au/online-winter-program-2025/applied-statistical-procedures-online https://dresa.org.au/events/applied-statistical-procedures-online-6f147764-b98f-4969-bf10-5c12ee47a698 This course will help you choose from a range of statistical procedures to analyse your data. What makes this course unique is that it is suitable for those with no prior knowledge of statistical software. You will learn how to: Familiarize yourself with basic statistical concepts: Before diving into more complex statistical procedures, it's important to have a solid understanding of basic statistical concepts such as mean, median, mode, standard deviation, correlation, and regression. We will make sure you are comfortable with these concepts before moving on to more advanced techniques. Practice with real-world examples: We use real-world examples of statistical procedures in action. This will help you understand how these procedures are used in practice and how to interpret their results. Use software to run statistical procedures: The course may be taken with Jamovi, a free statistical package, or SPSS. Collaborate with others: Collaborating with others who are also learning statistical procedures can be a great way to learn and reinforce your understanding of the material. You can work together to solve problems and discuss different approaches to analysing data. Remember that learning statistical procedures takes time and practice, so don't get discouraged if you don't understand everything right away. 2025-07-07 10:00:00 UTC 2025-07-11 16:00:00 UTC ACSPRI Online, Australia Online Australia ACSPRI info@acspri.org.au ph: +61 3 8376 6496 [] [] workshop open_to_all StatisticsStatistical Methodsapplied statistics SPSSJamovi
