From Codes and Themes Development to Theory Generation: Unfolding the Logic of Qualitative Inquiry
Aims and topics
The scientific community in the social sciences increasingly acknowledges the essential role of qualitative research methodologies in producing rigorous and comprehensive research. Therefore, the AIP Organisational and Social Psychology divisions, building on the success and considerable interest generated by the courses introduced in the two previous editions of the AIP Summer School of Qualitative Methods, are committed to further expanding opportunities for researchers to develop expertise in qualitative methods.
This year’s Summer School will focus on unfolding the logic of qualitative inquiry, presenting two iconic methods of qualitative research strategies: 1) Thematic Analysis and 2) Grounded Theory.
A common thread across both courses will be the exploration of how methodological choices are shaped by different epistemological standpoints and how we can generate theory from data. Each session will feature hands-on practice and a highly interactive format, ensuring an engaging and applied learning experience. The courses are designed to accommodate participants with varying levels of experience, providing dedicated learning pathways for both beginners and intermediate/advanced researchers, ensuring an inclusive and tailored learning experience.
Instructor
Dr Tiziana C. Callari has nearly 15 years of international research experience, having worked across various academic institutions and research centres worldwide. Her experience includes roles at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA), Deakin University (Australia), Trinity College Dublin (Ireland), and in the UK at Coventry University, the University of Leeds, the Intelligent Automation Centre at Loughborough University, and the University of Birmingham. While maintaining international collaborations, she is now an Associate Professor at UKE – Kore University of Enna. Her recent work focuses on the intersection of sociology, ethics, and smart technologies (AI and collaborative robotics). Tiziana’s research methodology encompasses qualitative research strategies informed by different epistemological perspectives. Since 2023, she has been the course leader for the AIP Summer School of Qualitative Methods.
1. The ‘big’ family of Thematic Analysis methods (12 hours)
Dates: 16-17 June 2025
Entry level: Beginner (with no or little experience in qualitative research, and/or anyone interested in learning the methods of Thematic Analysis)
Duration: 2 days (6 hours per day)
Delivery format: online (via MS Teams)
Key methods: Thematic Analysis & Reflexive Thematic Analysis, with brief introduction to pattern-based approaches such as Template Analysis, Framework Analysis, Qualitative Content Analysis
Software: NVivo
Language: This course will be taught in Italian (International students willing to participate must have a good level of comprehension of Italian; key concepts can be highlighted in English upon request).
Thematic Analysis is one of the most widely used approaches to qualitative data analysis. However, its application and underlying logic vary depending on the epistemological standpoint adopted in a given study.
The course is structured over two days, each focusing on different epistemological traditions within Thematic Analysis:
Day 1 will cover Thematic Analysis approaches rooted in (post)positivist research, which prioritise structured coding processes and codebook reliability. Participants will also be introduced to additional pattern-based methods such as Template Analysis, Framework Analysis, and Qualitative Content Analysis.
Day 2 will introduce Braun and Clarke’s Reflexive Thematic Analysis, a method aligned with the Critical Realism paradigm, which places greater emphasis on reflexive, data-driven coding and theme development.
Both days will provide the theoretical and methodological foundations of these approaches, alongside practical exercises. This course will integrate the use of computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS), such as NVivo, to support the analytical process.
Suggested reading (pre-course): Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2021). Can I use TA? Should I use TA? Should I not use TA? Comparing reflexive thematic analysis and other pattern‐based qualitative analytic approaches. Counselling and psychotherapy research, 21(1), 37-47. doi:10.1002/capr.12360
| Timetable | Topic | Instructor |
| June 16th, 2025
9.30-13.00 14.00-16.30 |
Morning session:
Thematic Analysis (post-positivist epistemology) Afternoon session: Case studies, and application with CAQDAS |
Dr Tiziana C. Callari |
| June 17th, 2025
9.30-13.00 14.00-16.30 |
Morning session:
Reflexive Thematic Analysis Afternoon session: Case studies, and application with CAQDAS |
Dr Tiziana C. Callari |
2. Grounded Theory Method (12 hours).
Dates: 23-24 June 2025
Entry level: Intermediate-Advanced (for participants with experience in qualitative research)
Duration: 2 days (6 hours per day)
Delivery format: online (via MS Teams)
Key methods: Inductively-oriented GT, Classic GT, Code-oriented GT, Constructivist GT
Software: NVivo
Language: This course will be taught in Italian (International students willing to participate must have a good level of comprehension of Italian; key concepts can be highlighted in English upon request).
The Grounded Theory Method (GTM), developed in the 1960s by Barney Glaser and Anselm Strauss, introduced a novel approach to qualitative research by challenging the necessity of predefined hypotheses and research questions informed by theory. Instead, they advocated for an inductive, participant-led approach, where researchers begin with open-ended questions, allowing participants to discuss a broad range of issues and experiences. Since its inception, Grounded Theory (GT) has evolved into one of the most widely used qualitative research methods across various disciplines. Over time, distinct varieties have emerged, reflecting different epistemological and methodological perspectives.
Over two days, this course provides a historical and theoretical overview of the different generations of GT: 1) Inductively-oriented GT, which advocate for concepts emerging from the data without the researcher’s interference, 2) Straussian or Classic GT, driven by constantly comparing the acquisition of theory and the gathering of data, 3) Code-oriented GT, introducing a structured coding process, including axial coding and theoretical sensitivity, 4) Constructivist GT (developed by Charmaz), advocating for a more interpretivist approach that acknowledges the co-construction of meaning between researcher and participants. Case studies and practical exercises will be provided to explore and engage with the specific peculiarities of each approach.
This course will integrate the use of computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS), such as NVivo, to support the analytical process.
Suggested reading (pre-course): Bryant, A. (2020). The Grounded Theory Method. In P. Leavy (Ed.), The Oxford Handbook of Qualitative Research (pp. 167-199). doi:10.1093/oxfordhb/9780190847388.013.15
| Timetable | Topic | Instructor |
| June 23rd, 2025
9.30-13.00 14.00-16.30 |
Morning session:
Historical and theoretical overview 1) Inductively-oriented GT; 2) Straussian or Classic GT Afternoon session: Case studies, and application with CAQDAS |
Dr Tiziana C. Callari |
| June 24th, 2025
9.30-13.00 14.00-16.30 |
Morning session:
3) Code-oriented GT; 4) Constructivist GT Afternoon session: Case studies, and application with CAQDAS |
Dr Tiziana C. Callari |
HOW TO ENROL
Participants
A minimum of 20 and a maximum of 25 participants, including PhD students, research fellows, and Department members. Non-AIP members are also eligible to enrol in the two courses.
Fees
Participants can choose to take both courses or only one of the two.
- AIP members Senior: Two Courses € 160/One course € 100
- AIP members Junior: Two Courses € 120/One course € 75
- No AIP members Senior: Two Courses € 320/ One course € 200
- No AIP members Junior: Two Courses € 240/ One course € 150
Application
To apply please fill in the form at the following [link].
Application deadline
The deadline to submit your application is: Friday, May 20th, 2025. For further information please contact: Dr Chiara Barone – chiara.barone2@unicatt.it
Selection criteria for applications
Participants’ selection by the scientific committee will be based on three criteria:
- AIP affiliation. Priority to AIP members and among them to members affiliated to the Organization and Social Psychology divisions
- Career. Priority to younger researchers (PhD students, research fellows and post doc, temporary assistant professors, researcher with tenure)
- Research area. Priority to researchers who work on organisational and social psychology topics
- Researchers’ university. The selection will try to facilitate the participation of the greater number of universities (Doctoral schools and Departments)
Scientific Board
This Summer School is organised by the AIP Organisational and Social Psychology divisions.
The scientific board is composed by Lorenzo Avanzi, Marco Brambilla, Veronica Margherita Cocco, Silvia Galdi, Guendalina Graffigna, Dina Gugliemi, Terri Mannarini, Amelia Manuti, Giulia Paganin, Cristina Zucchermaglio.
