Research Methods II: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methodologies

Catalog description

The purpose of this seminar is to help students move from a broad research concept or question to a doctoral-level study with appropriate methodology to address a specific research question for a dissertation. Areas to be addressed include the following: mapping the research area; stating and refining the research problem; formulating testable research questions and hypotheses, choosing the best research design for the question and understanding its advantages and shortcomings; working with human subjects in research; choosing appropriate research instruments; and collecting data. The seminar will address how and when to use quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods in research. Various research designs will be covered including experiemental desgins, groudned theory, phenomenology, narrative research and case studies. In addition, we will explore several strategies for data collection including surveys, interviews,and observation. Examples of study designs will be taken from social science, psychology, leadership, education, public policy, and public health. The course also focuses on ethical issues related to conducting research studies, including power dynamics, social, political and gender issues, as well as the particular role of the researcher. This seminar does not cover advanced statistical methods.