Course Contents

1. Introduction to the Qualitative tradition: a) What is Qualitative Research b) Difference between qualitative and quantitative research. Philosophical and Epistemological issues c) Brief history of Qualitative Research within Psychology 2. Designing Research a) Conceptual frameworks b) Research questions c) Sampling considerations 3. Generating data: a) Observational strategies; Participant observation b) Interview and Focus groups 4. Qualitative Research Designs and Data analysis: a) Biographical Research/Narrative research b) Ethnography c) Case study d) Phenomenology e) The Grounded theory 5. Issues of ethics and credibility a) Ethics in Qualitative Research b) Quality of qualitative research

Course Synopsis

Course Description: The Qualitative Research Methods course focuses on non-empirical methods of data gathering and on descriptive and explanatory levels of data analysis. The data gathering techniques to be studied include: indepth interviews, focus groups, case studies, field observations, literature reviews and historical research methods. The student applies these qualitative methods by means of class research projects

Course Learning Outcomes

After completion of this course students will be able to; 1.Explain general aspects of qualitative research methods. 2.Compare some of the main qualitative research designs and their characteristics. 3.Explain basic qualitative data collections techniques based on the main characteristics of the research designs. 4. Collect and analyse qualitative data about a certain phenomenon. 5. Evaluate the methods of reporting qualitative data.