INTRODUCTION TO QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

This course is designed for people who have had little or no exposure to qualitative research, and who want to gain an understanding of how qualitative research is done. Learners will be introduced to key concepts and issues relevant to qualitative research, as well as specific examples of research from five qualitative approaches (grounded theory, case study, phenomenology, ethnography/Rapid Assessment Procedures (RAP), and Participatory Action Research (PAR)). By the end of the course, learners will have gained enough knowledge and skills to generate qualitative research questions, effectively critique qualitative research articles or proposals, actively participate in qualitative research, and/or continue their training in more advanced courses on qualitative research.

Method of Presentation of Course Material

The weekly seminars are based on the principles of self-directed adult learning. A core set of readings will be assigned weekly, accompanied by questions intended to stimulate in-class discussion on key themes and issues. Learners are expected to have read the required material, to come to class with issues or questions suitable for discussion, and to actively engage in group discussions. Some weeks there will be a short written assignment; other weeks there will be an in-class exercise or demonstration. The weekly discussions and readings will help learners prepare a mock letter of intent (LOI) outlining a qualitative study they would like to do.