Qualitative Research Methods

Catalog description

Qualitative research is a multi-method approach to the study of social interactions in natural settings. It involves the collection and analysis of empirical information from multiple sources such as first-person accounts, life histories, visual records, semi- structured and open-ended interviews, informal and formal observations, biographical and autobiographical materials, among others. The researcher attempts to make sense of, or interpret, phenomena in terms of the meanings people bring to them. This course is intended to provide the basic knowledge of qualitative research. It will help students develop an understanding, knowledge, skills, and comfort with qualitative research methods, as an additional alternative in psychological research. The qualitative paradigm will be presented as complimentary to quantitative methods, rather than contradictory or competitive.