On December 29, 2014, Dr. GAO Xuesong from theUniversityofHong Kongwas invited to deliver a talk entitled “Enhancing Qualitative Data Analysis with a Research Resource Map”. The talk was chaired by Dr. REN Wei and attended by faculties and students from the Centre and other departments of Guangdong University of Foreign studies, and colleagues from Jinan University and other universities as well.

Two features characterized the talk: the extensive knowledge and experience of Dr. Gao and the relaxing atmosphere reflected in the free discussion between Dr. Gao and the attendants. The talk started with an exploration of the reasons of qualitative research, compared with quantitative endeavor relying on statistical analysis of large-scale data. Several dimensions of challenges were identified in analyzing and presenting qualitative findings. For example, lack of organization, subjective interpretation, descriptive narration and lack of significance. Dr. Gao then detailed some solutions for researchers in academic writing. The employment of a research resource map was, in particular, introduced and recommended by Dr. Gao in guiding and enhancing qualitative data analysis, for it could help broaden researchers’ vision into various contextual factors and processes surrounding the investigation in data collection and data analysis. Finally, he provided many examples to illustrate the application of the research resource map.

After the lecture, Dr. GAO Xuesong answered questions raised by attendants, facilitating the understanding of the audience on qualitative research and academic writing.