Collection and Analysis of Qualitative Data

Catalog description

In this course, students will be given an overview of and have the opportunity to apply many techniques employed by qualitative social science researchers. A particular emphasis will be on inductive, fieldwork-based research methods including participant observation and in-depth interviewing. During class meetings students will participate in seminar discussion of assigned reading material and the shared experiences associated with the preparation of course assignments. These assignments will develop methodological experience through activities conducted locally. Across the semester students will also develop a more elaborate funding proposal for research based on qualitative methodologies. The course will be of particular value to students preparing for thesis or dissertation research utilizing qualitative methods. Though qualitative research is often associated with an interpretivist or humanistic research paradigm, participants espousing a scientific/positivist paradigm are also encouraged to enroll, as are students from outside of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management.