Qualitative Research Course Series

At A Glance

Course Overview

Qualitative Research 3-part Course Series: Qualitative Research Theory and Methods Qualitative Data Analysis, and Practicum

The qualitative research course series is designed to introduce students to qualitative research theory and methods (such as in- depth interviewing, focus groups, and participant observation) and qualitative data analysis. Students form teams of 4-6 students and conduct qualitative research projects in partnership with local community-based organizations. Organizations provide research questions which can be best answered through exploratory, qualitative methods. Students then develop a research plan to address these questions, conduct the research and analyze the findings to present back to the organization.

Participating CBOs will be expected to:

• Identify research questions that will be helpful for the community organization and that can be addressed using qualitative methods.
• Meet with students to develop a research plan that meets the needs of both the community organization and the learning objectives for the course. (The course requires all projects to include one-on-one, in-depth interviews plus one or more additional methods of data collection such as focus groups, participant observation, etc.)
• Facilitate access to interviewees as appropriate (many organizations will want students to interview clients, staff, etc.).
• Communicate regularly with students during the course of the two terms to ensure smooth flow of activities and to ensure that organization needs are met.

Students will be expected to:

• Outline a set of objectives to discuss with the organization at the start of the project.
• Communicate clearly with the organization (e.g. delineate what help they need from the organization to facilitate meeting with interviewees, etc.).
• Provide a report or give a presentation to the organization to disseminate the results.

The community-based organization will receive:

• Report of findings in the form of a written report and brief PowerPoint presentation, or another format that is agreed to by both the students and the organization.

Examples of Past Projects 

• The American Red Cross: Why do Red Cross volunteers drop out of volunteer work?
• The International Rescue Committee: What is the experience of refugees with disabilities living in Baltimore? 
• SquashWise: What are the experiences of students, parents, and teachers associated with the Squashwise after school program?