qualitative research methods module

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• Qualitative Research Basics

Qualitative Research Resources: Qualitative Research Basics

Created by health science librarians.

• What is Qualitative Research?

About this Basics Page

Ebooks & eresources, print books.

• Special Topics
• Training Opportunities: UNC & Beyond
• Help at UNC
• Qualitative Software for Coding/Analysis
• Software for Audio, Video, Online Surveys
• Finding Qualitative Studies
• Assessing Qualitative Research
• Writing Up Your Research
• Integrating Qualitative Research into Systematic Reviews
• Publishing Qualitative Research
• Presenting Qualitative Research
• Qualitative & Libraries: a few gems
• Data Repositories

If you are thinking of performing qualitative research, or are looking for a refresher on the topic, here are some resources to get you started. We have also included a few resources on mixed methods research. Note that some of the books listed here are available through the UNC libraries as both print and ebooks.

• Qualitative Online Books & Resources by SAGE Publications Includes both basics and resources beyond the basics.
• Video: What Has Given Rise to the Interest In Mixed Methods Research Today? Creswell, John W. (2010). SAGE, Thousand Oaks, CA. The speaker takes as his starting point the idea that this methodology is fairly new, about 20 years old. It is now often described as the third methodoligical movement - an amalgam of quantitative and qualitative research.
• Video: When Should I Choose A Mixed Methods Approach Creswell, John W. (2010), SAGE, Thousand Oaks, CA. Online Video, 6:21 minutes. The speaker analyzes the choice of a mixed methods approach to social research rather than a quantitative or qualitative one.

Unlinked titles are in print only, so follow the link to check current availability.

• The Sage Handbook of Qualitative Research Newer editions of The Sage Handbook of Qualitative Research are located at other institutions and are available in the UNC Catalog through TRLN.

The following articles all give good brief overviews of what qualitative research is and what kind of methods are involved.

Fossey, E., C. Harvey, F. McDermott, and L. Davidson. (2002) "Understanding and Evaluating Qualitative Research." Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry 36(6): 717-732.

Ingham-Broomfield, Rebecca (2015) A nurse's guide to Qualitative Research . Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing 32(3):34-40.

Small, Mario L. (2011) How to Conduct a Mixed Method Study: Recent Trends in a Rapidly Growing Literature .  Annual Review of Sociology  37: 55-84.

Smith, Mary Lee.(1987) Publishing Qualitative Research. American Educational Research Journal 24(2): 173-183.

Snowden, Claire (Trials) and David Gough  (Systematic Reviews)  (eds) Qualitative Methods, Trials, and Systematic Reviews. Joint Publication, Trials and Systematic Reviews.  

• Snowden, Claire (2015). Trials editorial about the special joint publication:  Qualitative and mixed methods research in trials .  Trials  16: 558.  
• Gough, David (2015).   Systematic Reviews editorial about the special joint publication:  Qualitative and mixed methods in systematic reviews . Systemaatic Reviews 4:81.
• The two sister-journals,  Trials  and  Systematic Reviews , have, on the face of it, different readerships and deal with different issues. In both journals there is, however, a common and growing interest in the contribution of qualitative methods. We are seeing an expansion of the use and application of a range of techniques with entry into novel research areas and pursuit of new lines of inquiry. Our contributors are working within specific methods, with mixed methods, and across paradigms.  This special issue covers these innovative and challenging areas, with the aim of sharing methodological practice, findings and reflections to drive forward and further the respective fields.

Levitt, H. M., Bamberg, M., Creswell, J. W., Frost, D. M., Josselson, R., & Suárez-Orozco, C. (2018). Journal article reporting standards for qualitative primary, qualitative meta-analytic, and mixed methods research in psychology : The APA Publications and Communications Board task force report.  American Psychologist, 73 (1), 26–46.

• SAGE Research Methods Library of research methods tools. Learn about quantitative and qualitative methods in the Little Green Book and Little Blue Book series, practice data analysis, and use the Project Planner tool to organize research projects. Also included are social research case studies, videos, datasets for teaching and instruction, and analytical tools. more... less... Access: Off Campus Access is available for: UNC-Chapel Hill students, faculty, and staff; UNC Hospitals employees; UNC-Chapel Hill affiliated AHEC users.
• Sage Research Methods Little Blue Books SAGE's Little Blue Books, provide short introductions of qualitative research methods.
• SAGE Research Methods Qualitative As of June 2016, the interface on SAGE Research Methods has changed. If you are looking for the Methods Map, you can access it here. (This links to the qualitative methods section, but you can still find other methods by clicking on the various options).

Click on the Methods Map image to go to the Sage Research Methods Map webpage. 

• Critical Appraisal Skills Programme
• IMPSCI (Implementation Science) Tutorials
• Johns Hopkins: Why Mixed Methods?
• Measuring, Learning, and Evaluation Project for the Urban Reproductive Health Initiative This project ran 2010-2015. Some project resources are still available.
• NIH OBSSR (Office of Behavioral & Social Sciences Research) Best Practices for Mixed Methods Research in Health Sciences, 2011 The OBSSR commissioned a team in 2010 to develop a resource that would provide guidance to NIH investigators on how to rigorously develop and evaluate mixed methods research applications. more... less... John W. Creswell, Ph.D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln Ann Carroll Klassen, Ph.D., Drexel University Vicki L. Plano Clark, Ph.D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln Katherine Clegg Smith, Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University With the Assistance of a Specially Appointed Working Group
• NIH OBSSR eSource: Introductory Social and Behavioral Science Training Materials eSource is a collection of online chapters that provide an introduction to selected behavioral and social science research approaches, including theory development and testing, survey methods, measurement, and study design. more... less... Link not working on OBSSR website, here https://obssr.od.nih.gov/about-us/publications/ Formerly: https://obssr-archive.od.nih.gov/pdf/Qualitative.PDF
• NSF Workshop on Interdisciplinary Standards for Systematic Qualitative Research On May 19-20, 2005, a workshop on Interdisciplinary Standards for Systematic Qualitative Research was held at the National Science Foundation (NSF) in Arlington, Virginia. The workshop was cofunded by a grant from four NSF Programs—Cultural Anthropology, Law and Social Science, Political Science, and Sociology… It is well recognized that each of the four disciplines have different research design and evaluation cultures as well as considerable variability in the emphasis on interpretation and explanation, commitment to constructivist and positivist epistemologies, and the degree of perceived consensus about the value and prominence of qualitative research methods. more... less... Within this multidisciplinary and multimethods context, twenty-four scholars from the four disciplines were charged to (1) articulate the standards used in their particular field to ensure rigor across the range of qualitative methodological approaches;1* (2) identify common criteria shared across the four disciplines for designing and evaluating research proposals and fostering multidisciplinary collaborations; and (3) develop an agenda for strengthening the tools, training, data, research design, and infrastructure for research using qualitative approaches.
• Technical Note: Mixed-Methods Evaluations (USAID) This open source resource from USAID (2013) discusses the mixing of qualitative and quantitative methods in mixed methods research.
• Qualitative Research Methods: A Data Collector's Field Guide (2005) From FHI 360/Family Health International with support from US AID. Natasha Mack, Cynthia Woodsong, Kathleen M. MacQueen, Greg Guest, and Emily Name. The guide is divided into five modules covering the following topics: Module 1 – Qualitative Research Methods Overview Module 2 – Participant Observation Module 3 – In-Depth Interviews Module 4 – Focus Groups Module 5 – Data Documentation and Management
• Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Guidelines for Designing, Analyzing, and Reporting Qualitative Research
• Robert Wood Johnson Foundation: Qualitative Research Guidelines Project

Search the UNC Library Catalog

Other sections on this page contain a sampling of the available works on qualitative research and mixed methods research, but there are many more. To search the UNC library catalog for more resources, click on the links below.

• Catalog Search--Qualitative Methods (as a phrase anywhere)
• Catalog Search--Qualitative Methods AND Health
• Catalog Search--Qualitative Research (subject heading)
• Catalog Search--Mixed Methods Research Methodology
• << Previous: What is Qualitative Research?
• Next: Special Topics >>
• Last Updated: Apr 24, 2024 1:00 PM
• URL: https://guides.lib.unc.edu/qual

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Qualitative Research & Evaluation Methods Integrating Theory and Practice

• Michael Quinn Patton - Utilization-Focused Evaluation, Saint Paul, MN
• Description

Drawing on more than 40 years of experience conducting applied social science research and program evaluation, author Michael Quinn Patton has crafted the most comprehensive and systematic book on qualitative research and evaluation methods, inquiry frameworks, and analysis options available today. Now offering more balance between applied research and evaluation, t his Fourth Edition illuminates all aspects of qualitative inquiry through new examples, stories, and cartoons; more than a hundred new summarizing and synthesizing exhibits; and a wide range of new highlight sections/sidebars that elaborate on important and emergent issues . For the first time, full case studies are included to illustrate extended research and evaluation examples. In addition, each chapter features an extended "rumination," written in a voice and style more emphatic and engaging than traditional textbook style, about a core issue of persistent debate and controversy.

See what’s new to this edition by selecting the Features tab on this page. Should you need additional information or have questions regarding the HEOA information provided for this title, including what is new to this edition, please email [email protected] . Please include your name, contact information, and the name of the title for which you would like more information. For information on the HEOA, please go to http://ed.gov/policy/highered/leg/hea08/index.html .

For assistance with your order: Please email us at [email protected] or connect with your SAGE representative.

SAGE 2455 Teller Road Thousand Oaks, CA 91320 www.sagepub.com

Supplements

"Very thoughtful and thorough coverage of qualitative design and study."

  “The content itself, based in years of thinking, reading, doing, conversing, is a huge strength. Reading the chapters is like sitting at the feet of one of the masters.”  

“I can’t emphasize enough the quality, detail, and depth of the presentation of research design and methods… Students and experienced researchers will appreciate the depth of presentation of potential qualitative paradigms, theoretical orientations and frameworks as well as special methodological applications that are often not covered in other qualitative texts.”

“It is refreshing to see a text that engages the multiple philosophical and historical trajectories within a qualitative research tradition while integrating this discussion so well with the practice of research design, fieldwork strategies, and data analysis.”

I have used Patton for this course historically; I will continue to use him for this course. I have used previous editions as well.

Great book - not currently teaching a course in evaluation - will definitely consider this text when I do next teach such a course.

Mae’r llyfr yma yn wych, yn enwedig y bennod ar fframweithiau damcaniaethol ac athroniaeth. Rwyf wedi ei argymell i nifer o fyfyrwyr ôl-radd sydd wrthi’n cynllunio traethodau hir - trwy gwrs ‘Yr ymchwilydd ansoddol’ y Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol (CCC) a hefyd myfyrwyr Bangor (Cymraeg a Saesneg ei hiaith). Rwyf hefyd wedi gofyn i’r llyfrgellydd gwyddorau cymdeithasol archebu un neu ddau o gopïau i’r llyfrgell.

Adopted Creswell 3rd ed (Sage)

Good resource for students looking to develop their qualitative research skills.

Will use as a secondary text in the Qualitative Research Methods course I teach

NEW TO THIS EDITION:

• A new organization that creatively groups content into individual modules within nine chapters offers instructors the ability to easily customize course content and readers the ability to quickly navigate and reference specific topics by choosing across a range of over 80 modules.
• New examples of the contributions of qualitative inquiry to our understanding of patterns in the world have been added, including advances in theory, practice, and both classic and innovative methods.
• New and major in-depth discussions explore systems thinking , complexity theory , pragmatic framing , and generic qualitative inquiry.
• More than half of this edition consists of new, extended research and evaluation examples with full case studies as exemplars.
• The number of qualitative (purposeful) sampling options has been expanded from 16 to 40 to provide readers with the most innovative and comprehensive case selection framework ever assembled and explained.
• The book offers the most comprehensive, rigorous, and assertive discussion of methods and analysis techniques for drawing causal inferences available today.
• Techniques for high-quality observational fieldwork and in-depth interviewing are covered, along with emergent approaches and alternative frameworks for inquiry .
• Principles-focused qualitative evaluation is premiered in this edition.
• Detailed analysis guidelines and diverse examples include innovative approaches to data visualization.
• The number of qualitative frameworks for judging quality has been expanded from five to seven.
• Over a hundred new exhibits —essential for teaching—summarize and synthesize key information.
• New sidebars throughout the text elaborate on important and emergent issues.
• Hundreds of new references make the book up to date and comprehensive.
• New cartoons and graphic comics specially commissioned and created for this edition illustrate key concepts in a unique and memorable way.
• An Instructor Resource and Student Study Site filled with helpful supplemental resources, including access to carefully selected SAGE journal articles, are available at no additional charge.

KEY FEATURES:

• Qualitative inquiry’s seven major contributions to understanding the world are presented.
• Twelve primary strategic themes of qualitative inquiry illuminate the unique niche of qualitative inquiry in research and evaluation studies.
• Seven distinct, criteria-based frameworks for presenting and judging qualitative findings are provided.
• Sixteen different theoretical and philosophical approaches to qualitative inquiry are identified, compared, contrasted, and discussed.
• Variations in observational methods are covered, including historical perspectives, case studies and their layers, and cross-case analysis.
• Alternative interviewing strategies and approaches are linked to theoretical and methodological traditions, including innovative and emergent methods, such as using social media and data visualization.
• Key strategies are included to unravel the complexities of and controversies about causal analysis , generalizations , and triangulation .
• Comprehensive references provide the scholarly foundations for qualitative theory and practice.

Sample Materials & Chapters

Table of Contents

For instructors

Select a purchasing option.

Shipped Options:

BUNDLE: Patton: Qualitative Research & Evaluation Methods 4e + Schwandt: The SAGE Dictionary of Qualitative Inquiry 4e

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Research methods--quantitative, qualitative, and more: overview.

• Quantitative Research
• Qualitative Research
• Data Science Methods (Machine Learning, AI, Big Data)
• Text Mining and Computational Text Analysis
• Evidence Synthesis/Systematic Reviews
• Get Data, Get Help!

About Research Methods

This guide provides an overview of research methods, how to choose and use them, and supports and resources at UC Berkeley. 

As Patten and Newhart note in the book Understanding Research Methods , "Research methods are the building blocks of the scientific enterprise. They are the "how" for building systematic knowledge. The accumulation of knowledge through research is by its nature a collective endeavor. Each well-designed study provides evidence that may support, amend, refute, or deepen the understanding of existing knowledge...Decisions are important throughout the practice of research and are designed to help researchers collect evidence that includes the full spectrum of the phenomenon under study, to maintain logical rules, and to mitigate or account for possible sources of bias. In many ways, learning research methods is learning how to see and make these decisions."

The choice of methods varies by discipline, by the kind of phenomenon being studied and the data being used to study it, by the technology available, and more.  This guide is an introduction, but if you don't see what you need here, always contact your subject librarian, and/or take a look to see if there's a library research guide that will answer your question. 

Suggestions for changes and additions to this guide are welcome! 

START HERE: SAGE Research Methods

Without question, the most comprehensive resource available from the library is SAGE Research Methods.  HERE IS THE ONLINE GUIDE  to this one-stop shopping collection, and some helpful links are below:

• SAGE Research Methods
• Little Green Books  (Quantitative Methods)
• Little Blue Books  (Qualitative Methods)
• Dictionaries and Encyclopedias  
• Case studies of real research projects
• Sample datasets for hands-on practice
• Streaming video--see methods come to life
• Methodspace- -a community for researchers
• SAGE Research Methods Course Mapping

Library Data Services at UC Berkeley

Library Data Services Program and Digital Scholarship Services

The LDSP offers a variety of services and tools !  From this link, check out pages for each of the following topics:  discovering data, managing data, collecting data, GIS data, text data mining, publishing data, digital scholarship, open science, and the Research Data Management Program.

Be sure also to check out the visual guide to where to seek assistance on campus with any research question you may have!

Library GIS Services

Other Data Services at Berkeley

D-Lab Supports Berkeley faculty, staff, and graduate students with research in data intensive social science, including a wide range of training and workshop offerings Dryad Dryad is a simple self-service tool for researchers to use in publishing their datasets. It provides tools for the effective publication of and access to research data. Geospatial Innovation Facility (GIF) Provides leadership and training across a broad array of integrated mapping technologies on campu Research Data Management A UC Berkeley guide and consulting service for research data management issues

General Research Methods Resources

Here are some general resources for assistance:

• Assistance from ICPSR (must create an account to access): Getting Help with Data , and Resources for Students
• Wiley Stats Ref for background information on statistics topics
• Survey Documentation and Analysis (SDA) .  Program for easy web-based analysis of survey data.

Consultants

• D-Lab/Data Science Discovery Consultants Request help with your research project from peer consultants.
• Research data (RDM) consulting Meet with RDM consultants before designing the data security, storage, and sharing aspects of your qualitative project.
• Statistics Department Consulting Services A service in which advanced graduate students, under faculty supervision, are available to consult during specified hours in the Fall and Spring semesters.

Related Resourcex

• IRB / CPHS Qualitative research projects with human subjects often require that you go through an ethics review.
• OURS (Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarships) OURS supports undergraduates who want to embark on research projects and assistantships. In particular, check out their "Getting Started in Research" workshops
• Sponsored Projects Sponsored projects works with researchers applying for major external grants.
• Next: Quantitative Research >>
• Last Updated: Apr 25, 2024 11:09 AM
• URL: https://guides.lib.berkeley.edu/researchmethods

Course details

• Mon 04 Nov 2024 to 08 Nov 2024
• Mon 23 Jun 2025 to 27 Jun 2025

Qualitative Research Methods

Introducing qualitative research

This module will provide an introductory overview of the principles and practice of qualitative research. Students will explore how people make sense of their lives, and recognise ways in which qualitative research bridges the gap between scientific evidence and clinical practice by examining the attitudes, beliefs, and preferences of both patients and practitioners. Participants will be introduced to the concepts underpinning qualitative research, learn to collect data using fundamental methods, including observation, interview and focus groups and become familiar with the techniques of thematic qualitative data analysis.

The last date for receipt of complete applications is 5pm Friday 7th June 2024. Regrettably, late applications cannot be accepted.

The overall aims of this module are to enable students to:

• Use qualitative research in evidence based practice;
• Understand commonly used qualitative methodologies in health care;
• Understand the ways in which qualitative and quantitative approaches can be combined;
• Discuss the issues involved in systematic review and synthesis of qualitative research;
• Describe steps to design, data collection and analysis for a qualitative project;
• Use qualitative methods, including observation, interviews and focus groups;
• Conduct thematic qualitative data analysis;
• Write up qualitative research results.

Comments from previous participants:

"All tutors had both solid theoretical understanding of their topic and wide practical knowledge of the application of the approach being taught in practice. This course was a good mix of theory, opportunities to practice new skills, and application of theory into (one's own) practice."

Programme details

This module is run over an eight week cycle where the first week is spent working on introductory activities using a Virtual Learning Environment, the second week is spent in Oxford for the face to face teaching week (this takes place on the dates advertised), there are then four Post-Oxford activities (delivered through the VLE) which are designed to help you write your assignment. You then have a week of personal study and you will be required to submit your assignment electronically the following week (usually on a Tuesday at 14:00 UK Local Time).

Recommended reading

• Ziebland, S., Coulter, A., Calabrese, J. and Locock, L.(Editors). (2013) Understanding and Using Health Experiences. Improving patient care. Oxford: OUP.

Details of funding opportunities, including grants, bursaries, loans, scholarships and benefit information are available on our financial assistance page.

If you are an employee of the University of Oxford and have a valid University staff card you may be eligible to receive a 10% discount on the full stand-alone fee. To take advantage of this offer please submit a scan/photocopy of your staff card along with your application. Your card should be valid for a further six months after attending the course.

Dr Anne-Marie Boylan

Module coordinator.

Anne-Marie Boylan is a Departmental Lecturer and Senior Research Fellow based in the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences.

Assessment methods

Assessment will be based on submission of a written assignment which should not exceed 4,000 words.

Academic Credit

Applicants may take this course for academic credit. The University of Oxford Department for Continuing Education offers Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS) points for this course. Participants attending at least 80% of the taught course and successfully completing assessed assignments are eligible to earn credit equivalent to 20 CATS points which may be counted towards a postgraduate qualification.

Applicants can choose not to take the course for academic credit and will therefore not be eligible to undertake the academic assignment offered to students taking the course for credit. Applicants cannot receive CATS (Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme) points or equivalence. Credit cannot be attributed retrospectively. CATS accreditation is required if you wish for the course to count towards a further qualification in the future.

A Certificate of Completion is issued at the end of the course.

Applicants registered to attend ‘not for credit’ who subsequently wish to register for academic credit and complete the assignment are required to submit additional information, which must be received one calendar month in advance of the course start date. Please contact us for more details.

Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions.

Application

This course requires you to complete the application form and to attach a copy of your CV. If you are applying to take this course for academic credit you will also be required to provide a reference. Please note that if you are not applying to take the course for academic credit then you do not need to submit a reference.

Please ensure you read the guidance notes which appear when you click on the symbols as you progress through the application form, as any errors resulting from failure to do so may delay your application.

• Short Course Application Form
• Terms and Conditions

Selection criteria

Admissions Criteria: To apply for the course you should:

• Be a graduate or have successfully completed a professional training course
• Have professional work experience in the health service or a health-related field
• Be able to combine intensive classroom learning with the application of the principles and practices of evidence-based health care within the work place
• Have a good working knowledge of email, internet, word processing and Windows applications (for communications with course members, course team and administration)
• Show evidence of the ability to commit time to study and an employer's commitment to make time available to study, complete course work and attend course and university events and modules.
• Be able to demonstrate English Language proficiency at the University’s higher level . 

Accommodation

Accommodation is available at the Rewley House Residential Centre , within the Department for Continuing Education, in central Oxford. The comfortable, en-suite, study-bedrooms have been rated as 4-Star Campus accommodation under the Quality In Tourism scheme , and come with tea- and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi access and Freeview TV. Guests can take advantage of the excellent dining facilities and common room bar, where they may relax and network with others on the programme.

IT requirements

Please ensure that you have access to a computer that meets the specifications detailed on our technical support page.

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support

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• MSc in Evidence-Based Health Care
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• Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research
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Fundamentals of Qualitative Research Methods - a series of videos from Yale University

This six module series of lectures from Yale University introduces the learner to the qualitative reseearch. The course creators say: Qualitative research is a strategy for systematic collection, organization, and interpretation of phenomena that are difficult to measure quantitatively. Dr. Leslie Curry leads us through six modules covering essential topics in qualitative research, including what is qualitative research and how to use the most common methods, in-depth interviews and focus groups. These videos are intended to enhance participants' capacity to conceptualize, design, and conduct qualitative research in the health sciences. Welcome to module 1:

 What is Qualitative Research (Module 1)

Fundamentals of Qualitative Research Methods: Developing a Qualitative Research Question (Module 2)

 Fundamentals of Qualitative Research Methods: Interviews (Module 3)

Fundamentals of Qualitative Research Methods: Focus Groups (Module 4)

Fundamentals of Qualitative Research Methods: Data Analysis (Module 5)

Fundamentals of Qualitative Research Methods: Scientific Rigor (Module 6)

Resources    Qualititative Research   

I have learned that Qualitative research seeks more in-depth, free form answers from respondents either in person or via open-test responses and that, this type of research is usually carried out with small groups and takes the form of in-person focus groups, telephone interviews or detailed surveys with free text responses. The method is used to gather anecdotal views and opinions, which inform generally rather than offer hard data.

Where do you access to take the quiz after each module?

Dear Marlar,

The videos can also be accessed via YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbdN_sLWl88

Kind regards The Editorial Team

Hello, I got only black rectangles instead of videos. Can anyone guide or suggest me how could I access to these videos. Thank you!

Please Sign in (or Register ) to view further.

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Observational Methods and Qualitative Data Analysis

This course is part of Qualitative Research Methods in Psychology Specialization

Taught in English

Instructor: Mike Stadler, PhD

Financial aid available

Recommended experience

Beginner level

High school degree or equivalent

What you'll learn

Understand the utility of observation and the researcher's role in the observation space.

Identify the unique characteristics of ethnography and case study.

Apply basic qualitative data analysis techniques.

Skills you'll gain

• Participant Observation

Ethnographic Inquiry

• Case Study Analysis
• Researcher Positionality

Details to know

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9 assignments

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There are 8 modules in this course

This is primarily aimed at first- and second-year undergraduates interested in psychology, data analysis, and qualtitative research methods along with high school students and professionals with similar interests.

This course delves into the qualitative research traditions of ethnographic inquiry and case study in psychology, emphasizing the use of participant observation. Students will explore the unique practices, data gathering and analysis methods, and researcher involvement in these traditions. This course explores the interviewing methods used in qualitative research in psychology. The course emphasizes the importance of researcher positionality and the distinctive characteristics of ethnography and case study. Students then learn to apply basic qualitative data analysis (QDA) techniques to the data gathered. The course also covers the utility of observation in understanding context, identifying tacit patterns, and providing direct personal experience and knowledge. It further discusses the role of coding in data analysis, including initial, focused, and axial coding. The course concludes with a look at how to move from categorization to interpretive representation in QDA. This comprehensive exploration prepares students to conduct their own qualitative research, equipped with a deep understanding of various research traditions and methodologies.

Learn With PsycLearn Essentials

This module introduces you to your PsycLearn Essentials course. Find out what’s included in this course and how to navigate the modules and lessons. You’ll also learn valuable study tips for successful learning.

What's included

2 videos 7 readings

2 videos • Total 3 minutes

• Get Started With PsycLearn Essentials! • 1 minute • Preview module
• Metacognitive Checkpoints: Pause and Reflect on Your Learning • 1 minute

7 readings • Total 24 minutes

• Welcome to PsycLearn Essentials • 3 minutes
• Requirements to Earn a Coursera Specialization Certificate • 2 minutes
• What’s in Your Course • 5 minutes
• Coursera Honor Code and Discussion Forum Policy • 3 minutes
• Study Tips for Success in PsycLearn Essentials • 5 minutes
• Additional Information • 5 minutes
• Representation in Research • 1 minute

Introduction

This course explores two research traditions—ethnographic inquiry and case study—with focus on their use of a tool known as participation observation, which can complement or stand apart from interviewing. You’ll compare purpose and focus, data gathering and analysis, unique practices, and ways the researcher is involved in the process. We will also explore analytic techniques that apply not just to ethnography and case study, but also to the research traditions earlier explored.

1 reading • Total 2 minutes

• Course Overview • 2 minutes

Observation in Qualitative Research

Observation, a naturalistic qualitative inquiry technique, serves as a complement to the individual or group research interview. In observational research, the researcher witnesses, participates in, and/or experiences the phenomenon under investigation. Again, we will discuss the role of researcher as an instrument of data collection, underscoring pertinent skills, knowledge, and abilities.

4 readings 2 assignments

4 readings • Total 17 minutes

• Making Observations • 5 minutes
• Observer Style and Approach • 3 minutes
• Observation Structure and Flow • 4 minutes
• Observation and Place • 5 minutes

2 assignments • Total 14 minutes

• Module Quiz: Observation in Qualitative Research • 10 minutes
• Check Your Understanding: Observation • 4 minutes

Ethnography explores culture—the values, beliefs, daily lives, patterns, rituals, symbols, and behaviors shared by a group of people. Note that we are not limiting our exploration of culture to nations or ethnic groups. Culture also exists in workplaces, student organizations, schools, and more. In qualitative research, exploration of culture involves researcher immersion and prolonged observation.

6 readings 2 assignments

6 readings • Total 29 minutes

• Unearthing Culture • 5 minutes
• Ethnographic Questions • 5 minutes
• Ethnographic Practices, Social Science Scenarios, and Applications • 5 minutes
• The Informant Interview • 3 minutes
• The Emic–Etic Perspectives • 5 minutes
• Characteristics of Ethnographic Inquiry • 6 minutes

2 assignments • Total 13 minutes

• Module Quiz: Ethnographic Inquiry • 5 minutes
• Check Your Understanding: Ethnographic Inquiry • 8 minutes

Case Studies

A case study involves the examination of a specific, bounded case (or cases), with focus on the case as a unit of analysis, versus the exploration of an overarching phenomenon, lived experience, or culture. Cases can be many things: people, sites, groups, classrooms, organizations, and more.

1 video 4 readings 2 assignments

1 video • Total 5 minutes

• Introducing Case Study Practices • 5 minutes • Preview module

4 readings • Total 26 minutes

• Investigating Boundedness • 3 minutes
• History and Questions • 3 minutes
• Case Study Nuances • 10 minutes
• Characteristics of Case Study Methodology • 10 minutes

2 assignments • Total 11 minutes

• Module Quiz: Case Studies • 5 minutes
• Check Your Understanding: Case Studies • 6 minutes

Qualitative Data Analysis (QDA)

Qualitative research is iterative. Often, researchers cycle through collection and analysis, applying strategies like researcher positioning, the constant comparative method (CCM), and theoretical sampling. The content that follows provides an elementary introduction to common qualitative data analysis (QDA) techniques. By no means are these techniques exhaustive of all QDA methods; thus, readers will gain broad insight and will practice applying common coding, analysis, and integration strategies. Many qualitative researchers pursue advanced studies of QDA, often through an apprenticeship model focused on a specific tradition (e.g., phenomenology), in graduate programs.

2 videos 8 readings 2 assignments

2 videos • Total 7 minutes

• An Introduction To Coding • 3 minutes • Preview module
• Scholarly Examples of Coding, Analysis, and Integration • 4 minutes

8 readings • Total 51 minutes

• Overview of QDA • 2 minutes
• Conducting Read-Throughs • 4 minutes
• Introduction • 8 minutes
• Initial and Focused Coding & Analysis • 10 minutes
• Formulating Categories • 8 minutes
• Interpreting and Representing • 6 minutes
• Honing Interpretation Skills • 5 minutes
• Summary • 8 minutes

2 assignments • Total 15 minutes

• Module Quiz: QDA • 5 minutes
• Check Your Understanding: QDA • 10 minutes

Cumulative Quiz

Complete the final course assessment.

1 reading 1 assignment

1 reading • Total 1 minute

• References • 1 minute

1 assignment • Total 10 minutes

• Cumulative Quiz: Observational Methods and Qualitative Data Analysis • 10 minutes

PsycLearn Essentials APA Student Resources

This module provides a variety of information and tools from the American Psychological Association (APA) that will help inspire you as you complete your coursework and plan your career goals. Get discounted access to Academic Writer, APA’s online tool for writing effectively, as well as valuable advice that will help you develop and strengthen your skillset for learning success and future employment. Additionally, explore resources on various psychological issues. This module also includes APA resources on scholarly research and writing; a list of sites providing valuable resources on diversity, equity, and inclusion in psychology education and in the professional community; resources on a career in psychology; and links to career opportunities at the APA. You can also view videos that offer tips on dealing with stress.

8 readings • Total 19 minutes

• Introduction to APA Resources • 5 minutes
• Student Resources • 2 minutes
• APA Style®, Research, and Writing • 2 minutes
• Students from Diverse Ethnic, Cultural, and Economic Backgrounds • 2 minutes
• Psychology Help Center • 2 minutes
• Psychology Careers • 2 minutes
• Careers and Internships at APA • 2 minutes
• Other APA Resources • 2 minutes

APA is the leading scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States, with more than 146,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants, and students as its members. Its mission is to promote the advancement, communication, and application of psychological science and knowledge to benefit society and improve lives.

Recommended if you're interested in Psychology

American Psychological Association

What is Qualitative Research?

Interviewing Methods

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Published research

Qualitative Research Methods: A Data Collector’s Field Guide

2005 —  This how-to guide covers the mechanics of data collection for applied qualitative research. It is appropriate for novice and experienced researchers alike. It can be used as both a training tool and a daily reference manual for field team members. The question and answer format and modular design make it easy for readers to find information on a particular topic quickly. The Data Collector’s Field Guide includes:

• Self-contained modules for each research method (including participant observation, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions)
• Ethical guidelines for each method
• Case study samples with notes, forms and transcripts
• Tips for taking field notes for specific methods
• Steps and checklists for what to do and bring for each type of data collection
• Exercises for training data collectors in each method
• Tools for data managers
• Suggested readings

Documents / Downloads

• Qualitative Research Methods: A Data Collector's Field Guide

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INFORMATION FOR

• Residents & Fellows
• Researchers

Module 4: Fundamentals of Qualitative Research Methods: Focus Groups

Information

Qualitative research is a strategy for systematic collection, organization, and interpretation of phenomena that are difficult to measure quantitatively. Dr. Leslie Curry leads us through six modules covering essential topics in qualitative research, including what it is qualitative research and how to use the most common methods, in-depth interviews and focus groups. These videos are intended to enhance participants' capacity to conceptualize, design, and conduct qualitative research in the health sciences. Welcome to Module 4.

• Morgan D. Focus groups. Annual Review Sociology 1996;22:129-152.

• Resources Open Education Resources Masters in Public Health Modules Core

Qualitative research methods

Public health research, quantitative research methods.

Welcome to the Qualitative Research Methods module. This is the second stage of preparing for your minithesis research study, so we have tried to guide you through the process with some breadth but along as straight a path as possible. The module is therefore quite practical, although in a number of topics, some theoretical underpinnings are needed.

The module itself has four units: the first explores the approach itself, distinguishing it from quantitative research, focusing on its application and theoretical underpinnings. Unit 2 is devoted to all the considerations you should engage with in order to design your study. You need to reach the end of Unit 2 in order to submit your assignment. Unit 3 is practically orientated, with the focus on data collection and the particular ethical considerations that come with qualitative research; and finally, Unit 4 looks at the major stumbling block for many students of qualitative research, analysis, and how you write up and discuss the findings that come with analysis.

  Readings and Support

Your primary reading and support is Colin Robson’s Real World Research (2011) and you should be aware that the publisher, Wiley and Sons, has also assembled a comprehensive website, and you are directed to its resources in the course of your reading. The process of registering for the site (which is free with the book) is described in “Ways of Using the Book” at the beginning of it. You must have access to the book from the outset. In addition to papers and chapters which present aspects of methods, we have included a number of journal articles in your Reader which use qualitative research methods. There are also a number of journals purely dedicated to qualitative research and we urge you to join their mailing lists so that you are alerted to new editions. Reading qualitative studies regularly is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the approach.

Data Analysis Package

Many of you will be aware that software has been designed to support the analysis process, Atlas ti being the one for which University of the Western Cape has purchased licenses. This year, we will not even attempt to incorporate it in our teaching, but you may request it to be loaded on your computer when at the UWC, and if you wish to, you can teach yourself to use it. You cannot however afford to spend time on it now, at the expense of your study design. So in this module, we will focus on “manual” analysis. The principles are the same. If you attend Minithesis Week at the end of Winter School, you can attend some introductory sessions, and then use the built in manual and tutorials to get yourself up to speed before you undertake your analysis.

However, up to a few years ago, we all conducted our analysis “manually” so for those of you who do not take to computer programmes like ducks to water, manual analysis will be fine!

This module builds on your learnings from Public Health Research so we would like you to establish a research diary (physical or electronic). Into it we advise that you put your assignments from that module since you will now be taking that topic forward. A strong piece of advice is not to “wobble” at this stage and explore another topic. Your time is limited; this is not the last opportunity for research, and this is not your life’s work. You have already (we hope) taken a big step towards your minithesis in completing a substantial literature review of your topic, so do not throw this contribution away now; but be aware that the process of conducting a literature review may have suggested to you alternate study questions and problems – so your aim and objectives may change.

Additional Support

There is also a folder with additional resources of interest on your USB flash drive.

Ikamva Discussion Forum Tutorials

There will be an iKamva site set up for this module. We will send you a schedule and instructions with regard to logging into the site.

iKamva provides an all-in one site hosting the Module Guides, the materials on the USB flash drive and  Reader. We may also add readings that seem relevant during the course of the module. The iKamva site will allow us to communicate with one another about general and administrative issues as well as hold discussion forums or tutorials, wherein we plan to tackle difficult concepts and to offer some preparation support for your assignments.

A word of advice about the Discussion Forum process: education theory holds that we learn better (or internalize) new understandings by interacting and even collaborating with other people; they may be peers or experts or anything          in-between. Because of the distance between you and us, we will use the Discussion Forum to actively engage you with others, so that you can benefit from their experience and knowledge, and so that you can learn from each other.  Whatever your level of experience, you have unique perceptions and points of view about the world; you work in a context that others have little experience of, and through sharing this, you are exposing us to new and important insights about your research process. Your work can serve as a valuable model for other students, and you can help to hone each others’ thinking around issues of appropriate scale and focus of your research study.

Finding your way around the Module Introduction

The introductory pages which follow provide you with an overview of the Module and its outcomes, the assessment requirements, as well as the support and assistance you can expect. Take the time to look through this section and the study schedule provided before you begin studying – taking particular note of the assignments and their requirements, as well as the time pressure that you will face in completing the module.

This module will be assessed through two assignments. Your assignment dates are noted on the study schedule and the assignments will be posted on and submitted through Ikamva. Your marked assignments will also be sent back to you via iKamva along with the individual and group feedback for draft assignments.

Evaluation of the module

At the end of the semester, we will be sending you an evaluation form which we urge you to complete and send to us, this is very important. We wish you all the best with this module.

Click below to download the different units of the module guide:

QRM Module Introduction