While individual projects themselves may rely more heavily on one form of data collection than another, all students will be expected to explore each of the methodological approaches introduced. The emphasis in this class is hands-on research experiences. We will read about the philosophical foundations of qualitative research, as well as books and articles on research methodology, but the bulk of the talk and the work will focus on your hands-on research experiences. What is most important is that you think long and hard about the experience of conducting research in this mode and reflect deeply upon the information and materials gleaned from this experience. In the course of learning about qualitative research, it is my aim that we will become a community of researchers, dedicated to supporting our members through the excitement and tribulations of the research process.
Qualitative research is a highly demanding endeavor.
The heart of your class work will be a qualitative research study that you conduct by yourself, with the support class colleagues and myself. Not everyone in this class plans to become a qualitative researcher. Regardless of your individual methodological preferences, however, there is much you can learn about your professional field and interests through a qualitative approach. It is your responsibility to see that your project fulfills this end for you. Some of you may find qualitative research approaches unfamiliar, and, at times, uncomfortable.