Qualitative Methods

Overview

This course provides an overview of different qualitative and interpretive techniques for gathering evidence in political science research using both neo-positivist and post-positivist approaches. After a brief review of research design issues, specific topics will include techniques for conducting interviews and recruiting interview participants; research ethics and human subjects (IRB) rules and approval processes; participant-observation methods and ethnography; focus groups; use of archives; coding text data; and use of qualitative research software such as Nvivo.