Research Methods for Game Studies

Catalog description

(formerly NMD 3400) The goal of this course is to provide students with in-depth understanding of qualitative research methods, data collection techniques and their analysis and interpretation. Understanding how to read and interpret academic research is as important as being able to competently perform research methods. Specifically, students will learn how to apply qualitative methods such as observation, interviews and autoethnography to the study of gaming, play, and virtual worlds. Students will analyze extant data provided by the instructor or collect and analyze their own original research projects. Student work will culminate in a pilot study of play and/or virtual worlds.