This course provides a conceptual and practical introduction to the use of qualitative methodologies, data collection strategies, and analytic data techniques used in psychological research. Students will be introduced to ways of formulating research questions suitable for a qualitative study, methods for generating qualitative data (e.g., unstructured, semi-structured, and structured interviews), and ways of analyzing qualitative data (e.g., grounded theory and discourse analysis). The theoretical underpinning and basic techniques of qualitative methodology for psychological research are covered, including practical skills for conducting individual interviews and focus groups, grounded theory research and analysis, content analysis, domain analysis, and approaches for assimilating and presenting qualitative findings.


The goals of this course are as follows:

 

1.         To acquire a thorough understanding of the theoretical foundations of qualitative methodology

2.         To obtain an empirical skillset for conducting qualitative research, including study design, data collection, data analysis, report write-up, research presentation, and dissemination

3.         To develop an understanding of how to develop a qualitative research design and implement it

4.         To apply the theory and practice the techniques introduced in class

5.         To help students understand how to write up and present qualitative results