Qualitative Research Methods

URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2024-2025/R_QRM

Course Objective

Course learning objectives A. Subject-specific learning outcomes Upon completion of the course, the student: 1. has academic knowledge and understanding at a basic level of the empirical research methodology and the ethics of social sciences and empirical legal academic research; 2. is able to explain the advantages and limitations of qualitative research and different qualitative methods. B. Academic learning outcomes Upon completion of the course, the student is able to: 1. make an informed choice for a legal or social scientific approach and reflect on the consequences of the chosen approach to multilevel societal problems; 2. conduct a small-scale supervised research project (formulate research questions, collect relevant qualitative data and apply social scientific or empirical legal methods and techniques in an appropriate way given the context) and derive sound conclusions; in particular,
• develop a research strategy for a given subject using qualitative methods;
• develop an interview guide for an interview;
• conduct an interview;
• code and analyse an interview transcript;
• report the findings and draw conclusions from a piece of qualitative research. C. Communicative and study skills Upon completion of the course, the student is able to: 1. write a report in conformity with academic standards. 2. work effectively, both independently as well as in a group.

Course Content

Course content How do people who move abroad experience their stay in the host country? When do migrants feel they belong to the host country? What challenges do they face? These types of questions can be answered using qualitative research methods. The course “Qualitative research methods” addresses theory and practice of qualitative research methods. During the course, students will learn the advantages and limitations of qualitative research and different qualitative methods. The following themes and subjects will be covered: 1. Theoretical foundations of qualitative research, qualitative research methods, and research design. 2. Interview types, question types, and interview guide. 3. Sampling, gaining access, respondent recruitment, and informed consent. 4. Interview techniques. 5. Transcribing, coding and analysis, and reporting. 6. Evaluating the quality of qualitative research, including ethical considerations.

Teaching Methods

Teaching on this course consists of lecturers, seminars, and feedback sessions with mixed classroom groups. The two introductory lectures are not mandatory. Attendance of the six seminars is mandatory, as students will work in groups on their research projects during these seminars. Students who miss more than two seminars are required to make an extra assignment to be able to pass the course.

Method of Assessment

Assessment for this course consists of four components: Assignment 1: Research proposal (group assignment). The research proposal is worth 25% of the final course mark, and will be marked with a grade between 1 and 10. Assignment 2: Interview (individual assignment). The interview assignment will not be marked, but will have to completed for students to be able to pass the course. Assignment 3: Codebook (group assignment). The codebook assignment will not be marked, but will have to completed for students to be able to pass the course. Assignment 4: Final report (individual assignment). The final report is worth 75% of the final course mark, and will have to be completed with a minimum mark of 5,5. The final course mark will have to be at least 5,5 for students to be able to pass the course.

Literature

Tracy, S. J. (2019). Qualitative Research Methods: Collecting Evidence,Crafting Analysis, Communicating Impact, 2nd edition. Wiley-Blackwell.(available as e-book via the VU library)