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Qualitative Research Methods

Course developer

Course abstract

The aim of the study course is to provide in-depth theoretical knowledge and increase student competence for independent research with a qualitative approach, including research planning, methodology development, application of appropriate methods, data analysis and presentation.
In the study course, students gain a deeper understanding of empirical sociological research, emphasizing the qualitative data acquisition method. The course covers the specifics of the qualitative research approach, the main types/designs of qualitative research, the most frequently used methods of obtaining information, as well as the methods of processing and analyzing qualitative data.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge. Familiar with qualitative research approach designs and more frequently used methods of data collection and analysis (test);

Skills. The ability to professionally organize and conduct research using the qualitative method, the most appropriate method of obtaining information (2nd independent work, discussion); ability to collect, process, analyze qualitative information (1st independent work); able to organize research in accordance with reliability assurance and ethical guidelines in the qualitative approach (examination); can critically evaluate and analyze qualitative information (examination).


Competence. Able to choose an appropriate research design and methods for studying a specific social phenomenon/process (examination); is able to independently apply qualitative research information acquisition, processing and analysis methods, is able to critically evaluate the work done (test, 1st and 2nd independent work).

Course Content(Calendar)

In full-time face-to-face studies:
Course plan/content (16 hours)
1. Qualitative approach in social research – 1 hour
2. Philosophical/sociological frameworks of qualitative research - 1 hour
3. Designs/types of qualitative research - 1 hour
4. Sampling in qualitative research - 1 hour
5. Interviews – 1 hour
6. Focus group interviews/discussions - 1 hour
7. Observation – 1 hour
8. Document analysis - 1 hour
9. Case study - 1 hour
10. Critical and realistic ethnography – 1 hour
11. Life story, oral history, family history - 1 hour
12. Qualitative content analysis – 1 hour
13. Discourse analysis – 1 hour
14. Narrative analysis – 1 hour
15. Qualitative information analysis and processing – 1 hour
16. Ensuring data reliability and ethical aspects - 1 hour

List of seminar lesson topics (16 hours)
1. Analysis of qualitative research methodologies - 1 hour
2. Formulation of research questions - 1 hour
3. Practical application of the data-based theory - 1 hour
4. Phenomenological analysis - 1 hour
5. Control work: Designs of qualitative research approach, main methods of obtaining information. - 1 hour
6. Sampling for document analysis and semi-structured interviews - 2 hours
7. Examples of describing, explaining, interpreting results - 2 hours
8. Presentations of independent work: Document analysis - 2 hours
9. Focus group discussion analysis - 1 hour
10. Acquisition and analysis of visual data - 1 hour
11. Use of IT programs in data analysis - work with NVivo program - 1 hour
12. Presentations of independent work. Conducting semi-structured interviews and analysing information - 2 hours

Part-time distance learning:

All topics specified for full-time studies are covered, but the number of contact hours is reduced to half of the number specified for full-time studies.

Requirements for awarding credit points

Exam. The final grade is accumulative and consists of the grade of two independent papers (40%), the grade of the test (20%) during the semester and the grade of the exam presentation during the session (40%).


The study process in part-time distance learning is organised in accordance with Order of the Vice-Rector for Studies No. 2.4-8/54 on distance learning procedures at LBTU. Study courses are scheduled for each semester according to the study plan. Students acquire the topics covered in each course independently, using the materials prepared and uploaded by the lecturer in the e-studies environment (Moodle). Feedback on the learning of lecture and seminar topics is provided through self-assessment tests, discussion forums, and individual tasks, as well as during face-to-face or online consultations, lectures, and final examinations, according to the timetable.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Independent literature studies on the topics discussed in lectures and practical lessons, preparation for practical lessons and the test;
During the study course, master's students develop the following independent works:
1) Document analysis. Presentation of independent work;
2) Conducting semi-structured interviews and analyzing information. Presentation of independent work;

3) Development of a research design for a research topic of a specific social phenomenon/process agreed with the instructor and presentation in the exam.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Students must prepare and successfully present two independent works (40%), successfully write a test (20%), prepare and present a research design within the time allotted for the exam (40%).
Students must participate in all practical work.
10% corresponds to one point on the 10-point study results evaluation scale.

Compulsory reading

1. Zinātniskās darbības metodoloģija: starpdisciplināra perspektīva. Mārtinsone K., Pipere A. (red.). Rīga: RSU, 2021. 607. lpp.
2. Robson C., McCartan K. Real World Research: A Resource for Users of Social Research Methods in Applied Settings. 4th edition. Chichester, West Sussex: Wiley, 2016. 533 p.
3. Zinātniskā rakstīšana un pētījuma rezultātu izplatīšana. K. Mārtinsone, A. Pipere (red.). Rīga: RSU, 2018. 301 lpp.
4. Neuman W.L. Social research methods. Qualitative and Quantitative approaches: Eight edition. Harlow, United Kingdom: Pearson Education Limited, 2018. 640 p.
5. Creswell J. W. Qualitative Inquiry & Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches. 3d edition. Los Angeles: SAGE Publications, 2013. 448 p.
6. Adams J., Raeside, R. Khan, H. T. A. Research Methods for Business and Social Science Students. Second edition. eBook. New Delhi: Sage Publications Pvt. Ltd., 2014. 304 p. Pieejams elektroniski LBTU EBSCOhost datu bāzē: http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.lbtu.lv/login.aspx?direct=true&db=e000xww&AN=784882&site=ehost-live&scope=site
7. Bell J., Waters S. Doing Your Research Project: A Guide for First-Time Researchers: eBook. London: Open University Press, 2018. 344 p. Retrieved from EBSCO eBook Academic Collection via LBTU Fundamental library network and university network. https://web-a-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.lbtu.lv/ehost/ebookviewer/ebook/ZTAwMHh3d19fOTM3OTQ2X19BTg2?sid=9ee78256-b8da-48a1-a009-39ee8a75c712@sessionmgr4008&vid=3&format=EB&rid=1

8. Bickman L, Debra J.R. The SAGE Handbook of Applied Social Research Methods. 2nd ed. Los Angeles: SAGE Publications, Inc. 2009, 662 p. Pieejams elektroniski LBTU EBSCOhost datu bāzē: https://web-a-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.lbtu.lv/ehost/ebookviewer/ebook/ZTAwMHh3d19fOTg2Nzk5X19BTg2?sid=fc23d9f1-e6cf-4f53-892c-b37b558584ca@sessionmgr4007&vid=20&format=EB&lpid=lp_652&rid=6

Further reading

1.Baxter P., Jack S. Qualitative Case Study Methodology: Study Design and Implementation for Novice Researchers. In: The Qualitative Report, No. 13(4), 2008, p. 544-559. Pieejams: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/tqr/vol13/iss4/2
2.Flick U. An Introduction to Qualitative Research. Six edition. London... (etc.): Sage Publications, 2018. 696 p.
3.Ievads pētniecībā: stratēģijas, dizaini, metodes. Mārtinsone K. (red.). Rīga: Raka, 2011. 284 lpp.

4.Kroplijs A., Raščevska M.Kvalitatīvās pētniecības metodes sociālajās zinātnēs: 2. papild. izdevums. Rīga: Raka, 2010. 190 lpp.

Periodicals and other sources

1.Qualitative Research. Online ISSN: 1741-3109. Pieejams: https://journals.sagepub.com/home/qrj
2.International Journal of Qualitative Methods. Online ISSN: 1609-4069. Pieejams: https://journals.sagepub.com/home/ijq
3.International Journal of Social Research Methodology. Online ISSN: 1464-5300. Pieejams: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/tsrm20

4.European Societies. European Sociological Association. Pieejams: https://www.europeansociology.org/

Notes

Compulsory study course in the ESAF academic master's study program "Sociology of Organizations and Public Administration"