224.690.01
Qualitative Research Theory and Methods

Location
East Baltimore
Term
3rd Term
Department
International Health
Credit(s)
3
Academic Year
2024 - 2025
Instruction Method
In-person
Class Time(s)
Tu, Th, 9:00 - 10:20am
Auditors Allowed
Yes, with instructor consent
Available to Undergraduate
Yes
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Julie Denison
Contact Name
Julie Denison
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Prerequisite
Description
This course prepares students to conduct independent qualitative research. It focuses on skill competencies for developing, implementing, and critiquing qualitative data collection methods in domestic and international settings. It is designed to be taken sequentially with 224.691 (Qualitative Data Analysis) and, for those interested in gaining practical skills in actually conducting qualitative research, with 224.697-99 (Qualitative Practicum series).
Introduces practical skills for conducting qualitative research in domestic and international settings. Provides an overview of theoretical foundations of qualitative research and different methodologies for qualitative inquiry, including programmatic qualitative research, grounded theory, ethnography, phenomenology, narrative analysis, and case studies. Enables students to develop, interpret, and evaluate three common qualitative data collection methods: in-depth interviews, focus groups, and observation. Emphasizes understanding the basic principles and techniques critical for conduct, including question formation, tool design, sampling, data generation, ethics, and quality. Assesses the use of qualitative methods in the published health literature.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  1. Identify epistemological differences between qualitative and quantitative research paradigms
  2. Examine various methodologies for qualitative inquiry, including ethnography, phenomenology, grounded theory, narrative analysis, and case studies
  3. Formulate appropriate qualitative research questions and study designs
  4. Describe and use multiple methods for the collection of qualitative data, including interviews, focus groups, and observation
  5. Articulate the relative appropriateness of different types of data collection for a particular study
  6. Discuss issues related to data quality and strategies for improving data quality
  7. Describe ethical adaptations necessary when conducting research in other cultural and linguistic settings
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
  • 30% Discussion Board
  • 30% Quizzes
  • 40% Exam(s)
Multiterm
Final grade applies to all terms
Instructor Consent
No consent required
Special Comments

Students in the MSPH and PHD in Social and Behavioral Interventions do not need consent to register. Students from all other degree programs must request permission to register, or register in the online (.81) version.

This course does not offer a fieldwork component. Students interested in managing and analyzing qualitative data are encouraged to take the sequel course: 224.691.01 Qualitative Data Analysis