Sound Methods: Enriching Qualitative Research Through the Creative Use of Voice

Introduction
The integration of embodied practices such as singing and songwriting within data collection and analysis enriches qualitative health research. Furthermore, scholarly podcasting offers a novel dissemination method that broadens public engagement and enhances emotional connection to findings. In this presentation, a grounded theory study into group singing facilitation will be used to demonstrate innovative use of research methods to enhance data generation, analysis and dissemination.

Goals and Methods
A constructivist grounded theory design, underpinned by symbolic interactionism and feminist research values, was used to investigate facilitator factors in community-based group singing. The aim was to theorise the social process of group singing facilitation grounded in the data from expert facilitators. Data generation included semi-structured interviews incorporating singing, a participatory workshop, and memo writing using sung language. Analysis was enriched by original concepts such as practice-informed research, song reaching, and song fragments that supported coding cycles and raised theoretical sensitivity. Dissemination of findings through a five-part scholarly podcast series featured participant voices, songs, and soundscapes, enhancing engagement and showcasing creative methods.

Results
The embodied vocal methods deepened the analytic process, enhancing reflexivity and abstraction in theory development. The podcast series successfully engaged a broad audience, with listener feedback highlighting emotional resonance and accessibility. These innovative methods, both during the study and in dissemination, represent a new contribution to contemporary literature on practice-based methods and scholarly podcasting.

Conclusions
Integrating singing and songwriting into grounded theory methods is a novel contribution to qualitative health research, enhancing data richness and methodological rigour. Scholarly podcasting offers an effective, ethical, and creative dissemination platform that amplifies research impact beyond academia. This combined methodological and dissemination innovation has important implications for qualitative researchers and educators seeking to broaden the reach and relevance of their work.