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This course covers the basic ideas and methods of qualitative research, with a focus on the gathering, analysis and interpretation of non-numerical data. Like quantitative research, which generally focuses on statistics, qualitative research investigates the why and how of behaviors and decisions behind them. Whether you want to understand social concerns, enhance public services or simply want to pursue academic studies, this course will teach you how to effectively design, implement and present qualitative research. Learners will be guided step by step through the qualitative research process, from topic selection and research question formulation to data collection including interviews and observations and finally to analysis and reporting of outcomes.
Topics Covered
- Introduction to Qualitative Research: Understand the scope, purpose and value of qualitative inquiry in comparison to quantitative methods.
- Research Design and Planning: Learn how to craft research questions, choose a methodological approach and define your study population.
- Data Collection Methods: Explore techniques such as in-depth interviews, focus groups, field notes, participant observation and document analysis.
- Sampling in Qualitative Research: Understand purposive sampling, theoretical sampling and data saturation.
- Data Analysis and Coding: Learn to identify themes, develop coding frameworks and use analytical methods such as thematic and content analysis.
- Ethical Considerations: Discuss informed consent, confidentiality, researcher bias and ethical dilemmas in the field.
- Writing and Presenting Qualitative Research: Gain skills in crafting well-structured, insightful research reports and academic papers.
Who Should Take This Course?
- Social science and humanities students conducting qualitative research projects.
- Researchers and analysts in fields such as sociology, anthropology, education, health, media and development studies.
- Professionals in NGOs, healthcare, and government who use qualitative methods to design policies or evaluate programs.
- Anyone interested in exploring human behavior through interviews, narratives and observational data.
Why Take This Course?
Qualitative research is important in understanding complicated social issues and human perspectives. This course teaches how to collect and interpret qualitative data and how to conduct research ethically and methodologically. Whether for academic, professional or personal reasons, having the skills to conduct insightful qualitative research is a valuable skill. By the end of this course, students will be able to analyze their own studies, understand findings meaningfully and bring value to research in an informed and responsible manner.
