SOC 337 Qualitative Research Methods

Fall/Spring

This course introduces students to techniques for collecting, interpreting and analyzing data using various qualitative research methods, including participant observation, in-depth interviewing, ethnography, and qualitative content analysis. The course will address the practical and ethical challenges of qualitative research, the roles of objectivity and subjectivity in the research process, and the significance of researcher reflexivity throughout the research process from question selection to presentation of findings. Students will learn strategies for gaining access to research populations, developing interview guides, writing field notes, and conducting qualitative data analysis. Students will also develop an informed understanding of the relationship between theory and research in qualitative methodology. Prerequisite: SOC 100.

3 credit hours