PSYC 5001F: Qualitative Research Methods in Psychology

Course Description:

This course is designed to introduce students to qualitative research methods.  By the end of this course, students should have:

• an understanding of the philosophical underpinnings of both qualitative and quantitative research,
• knowledge of and experience with methods of collecting qualitative data, especially interviewing,
• knowledge of and experience with ways of analyzing qualitative data, especially thematic analysis and the methods of grounded theory,
• the ability to evaluate the quality of qualitative research (in terms of sampling, reliability, validity and generalizability), and
• the ability to write-up the methods and findings of qualitative research.

Evaluation:

• Class preparation & participation   15.0%
• Exercises & self-evaluations   12.5%
• Critique of a qualitative paper   25.0%
• Exercises & self-evaluations   12.5%
• Qualitative research project   35.0%

Text:

There is no textbook for this course.  Instead, specific articles will be assigned each week.  Other useful information is available in books in the library.  Especially informative books include:

Charmaz, K. (2006). Constructing grounded theory. London: Sage.

Strauss, A.L., & Corbin, J.M. (1998). Basics of qualitative research: Techniques and procedures for developing grounded theory.  Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. HA29.S823.

Kvale, S. (1996). InterViews: An introduction to qualitative research interviewing. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.  HM48.K9.