Research issues have become increasingly complex and are getting harder to address, e.g. in new topic areas. Consequently, qualitative research has become widely accepted and research methods are increasingly used in both academic and practical research. It is therefore important to understand these methods in order to be able to apply them to practical and academic problems; and to critically evaluate qualitative research conducted by others. The research process includes several stages, i.e. the formulating of research questions, the framing and design of the work, the methodology and methods; the data analysis; and the final conclusions and recommendations. This course covers theoretical and practical aspects on: epistemology and research designs, data collection methods, data analysis methods and reporting results.
Syllabus
Title
5953 Methods II (Qualitative Social Research)
Instructors
ao.Univ.Prof. Dr. Elfriede Penz, BA, MAS, Eur.Ph.D.
Type
PI
Weekly hours
2
Language of instruction
Englisch
Registration
02/15/24 to 02/25/24
Registration via LPIS
Registration via LPIS
Notes to the course
Subject(s) Doctoral/PhD Programs
Dates
| Day | Date | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday | 03/07/24 | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | D3.0.237 |
| Thursday | 03/21/24 | 02:00 PM - 05:00 PM | D3.0.237 |
| Thursday | 04/11/24 | 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM | TC.5.16 |
| Thursday | 04/18/24 | 11:30 AM - 02:30 PM | TC.4.16 |
| Thursday | 04/25/24 | 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM | EA.5.044 |
| Thursday | 05/16/24 | 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM | D3.0.237 |
| Thursday | 05/23/24 | 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM | D3.0.237 |
The purpose of this course is to provide students with deep understanding of qualitative research methodology and to familiarize them with specific techniques for qualitative data analysis.
After the course, students understand qualitative research approaches and related techniques as an analytical tool to investigate and solve problems. They understand philosophy of science behind the techniques as well as acquire information, understanding and skills to solve problems and build up theories in their field of study. The course assignments aim to improve students’ ability to use, analyze and document qualitative research and to demonstrate their knowledge of the methods literature and its application in practice.
After completing the course students are able to:
- define, describe, and select qualitative methods;
- collect qualitative data such as interviews, observations, photos, videos, and narratives and apply these methods to their own work;
- analyze and interpret qualitative raw data;
- formulate conclusions based on the scientific results;
- evaluate, criticize, and judge the scientific results and research ethics;
- understand the basics of philosophy of science;
- communicate and present the selected research design and scientific results;
- understand implications of research for society.
The course covers several topics in qualitative research. A mixture of readings, presentations, discussion, and assignments will be used.
The course literature gives introductory information of the sessions. It also deepens the information of the sessions.
Along the thematic sessions assignments and presentations will be used to reflect the different elements of a qualitative study.
Through the assignments and presentations, students train and learn how to draw a sample, plan and conduct an interview and observation, transcribe, analyse, present and evaluate qualitative data.
1. Participation (15%): being physically present and participate in class and individual discussions
2. Individual assignments and readings (40%): tbd in first session
3. Participants are required to work on their (own) research projects (35%): each participant should hand in a research proposal dealing with their own qualitative research
4. Presentation of research proposal or research project (10%)
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Last edited: 2023-12-05
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