Course objectives: The course introduces students how to design qualitative research based on in-depth interviewing and participant observation. During the course students will be encouraged to design a small
scale ethnographic research, and develop a viable work plan and work packages. The course aims at equipping students with fundamental knowledge on planning how to gather qualitative research, and conduct basing qualitative
assessment of research findings while understanding current debates on ethnographic positionality, reflexivity, and ethical issues in research on humans.
The aim of the course is to enable students to design a small scale qualitative research, develop a basic research protocol for qualitative interviews and observational guides while taking into account participatory research
techniques.
Enrolment requirements and/or entry competences required for the course: See general prerequisites. Mandatory courses taken and passed
Learning outcomes at the level of the programme to which the course contributes:
(1) Design and conduct small-scale qualitative research
(2) Apply ethical principles in research and professional work
Expected learning outcomes at the level of the course:
(1) To identify, and use fundamental concepts in qualitative research design
(2) To chose and tailor qualitative methodological strategy to best fit a particular research project objectives
(3) To identify and discuss ethical challenges and design ethical strategy and contingency plans
(4) To discuss the positionality of the researcher in qualitative research
(5) To design small scale ethnographic research and conduct in-depth interview and observation
(6) To conduct qualitative assessment of qualitative data (fieldwork notes and interview transcript) and present a preliminary qualitative research result
Course content (syllabus):
(1) Intro to the course
(2) Key concepts in qualitative research
(3) research design – defining a research problem and research method
(4) Types of qualitative interviewing
(5) observation methods
(6) Participation and collaboration
(7) Ethical risks
(8) Internal review boards standards and rules of ethical assessment
(9) Standard review board procedures and exemptions
(10) Interview guide/protocol design
(11) Observation guide/protocol design
(12) Recruiting strategies plan
(13) Conducting interview and observation / immersion
(14) Qualitative assessment of the preliminary research data
(15) Preliminary analysis and themes coding
Format of instruction: Lectures, seminars and workshops, exercises, partial e-learning, independent assignments
Student responsibilities: The course will be delivered through lectures, intense seminar discussion on weekly assignments and practical exercises. Attendees are expected to work in assigned groups. The course
uses direct instruction teaching methods, as well as discussion and collaborative learning in seminars. The student achievement is assessed by individual contribution to a team work, participation in collaborative efforts and
successful submission of research design portfolio including project ideas and documentation as well as preliminary research results outline.
Monitoring student work: Class attendance, research, research design portfolio, project
