2012-2013 Academic Catalog

May 11, 2024

2012-2013 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

IDCE 30283 - Qualitative & Quantitative Research Methods: Intermediate

Type of Course: Lecture, Discussion

The focus of this course is to provide students who have previously taken quantitative and qualitative research methods, or only quantitative research methods, with the opportunity to apply what they learned in “real life” field situations. The course will focus on tools that are central to social action and social change such as action research, collaborative/participatory research, advocacy research. Techniques used will include participant observations, designing questionnaires and surveys, interviews, observations, focus groups, archival research, writing field notes, freelisting, pile sorting, and social networks analysis (if time permits). In addition to data gathering methods, students will receive basic training on the use of qualitative software packages (quantitative software like SPSS will be assumed) for data collection and analysis. This course will involve a major fieldwork project in the community where students practice techniques learned in class, and propose policies or new projects for social action and social change. Prior knowledge of methodology and statistics is expected and assumed. Class will follow a seminar format and will include reading discussions, student presentations, methods practice, guest lectures, proposal development, and a final project.

You can take this class if:

1. You have taken a course that covered qualitative and quantitative research methods OR

2. You have taken a course that covered quantitative research methods OR

3. You have collected and analyzed primary research