Methods of Inquiry: Qualitative Research Methods

Catalog description

The purpose of this course is to introduce doctoral-level students to data collection and qualitative data analysis. The course will cover the foundational concepts of qualitative research, including different qualitative research designs like ethnography, phenomenology, and grounded theory, detailed techniques for data collection like interviewing, document analysis, and observation, data analysis methods, ethical considerations, and the application of qualitative findings in research writing. Students will become acquainted with the epistemology of qualitative approaches and with developing skills in all areas of qualitative methodology, through first-hand experience of using these methods to collect and analyze data on an appropriate topic of their choice. This course offers a hands-on opportunity for doctoral students to experience the practice of qualitative research in organizational, policy, and other social sciences.