Syllabus
The course is divided into the following units: *
1. About qualitative methodology The lecture will show when and where it is appropriate to use qualitative research methods and when not. We will also introduce some essential methods that are referred to as qualitative. We will discuss the appropriateness of using specific methods to achieve research objectives, we will also focus on financial management and ethical considerations. *
2. About coding We will introduce and critically evaluate the coding styles used in qualitative research. We will show how the chosen form of coding can influence the research findings. In the seminar part it will be possible to try out the analytical program MAXQDA, which is widely used in qualitative data analysis. *
3. Grounded theory, narrative analysis, ethnographic research The main emphasis of the lecture will be on introducing grounded theory, and its limitations. Using the grounded theory as an example, we will show the historical development that qualitative research methods went through. We will also introduce narrative analysis and ethnographic research. In the seminar, students will practice formulating research questions (not only) for the grounded theory, and learn how to make good decisions about which method makes sense to use. *
4. Focus group and case study In this lecture, students will learn how focus group and case study methods work, and how to design, plan and implement them. We will focus on the key points that need to be reflected in the research design. During the seminar, students will create their own scenario for a focus group and we will explain the importance of using the right question at the right time. We will show what software can be used for data processing. *
5. Qualitative research on the internet In this lecture and seminar we will show the differences between how data for qualitative research can be collected in person and on the internet. We will present the basic options for conducting qualitative research on the internet, what to look out for and how to set up research ethics, including the need to store data. *
6. Overview The last thematic unit will aim to re-establish the basic issues related to qualitative methodology. We will present the discussion that has arisen around Paul Karl Feyerabend's work entitled: Debating Against Method. We will analyze Feyerabend's thesis "Everything goes" within the framework of qualitative methodology. The seminar part will be conducted in an interactive way, where students will try to defend or defame different qualitative research methods. --- We plan to divide the thematic units into lectures and seminars, which will alternate (odd and even weeks). However, we are prepared to adapt the timetable based on the needs of the study group. Homework will be assigned in class. We anticipate a minimum preparation time of approximately 30 minutes per lecture. We will also assign assignments that require more time, but these will be optional.
Annotation
This course is suitable for students of all majors who want to learn how to apply qualitative methods to their own research.The course will be taught in the form of theoretical lectures with practically oriented seminars.The theoretical lectures will introduce selected qualitative methods.
In seminars, students will experience how to prepare qualitative research, how to implement data collection and processing, for example in MAXQDA.