Qualitative Research Methods from Coursera

In this course you will be introduced to the basic ideas behind the qualitative research in social science. You will learn about data collection, description, analysis and interpretation in qualitative research. Qualitative research often involves an iterative process. We will focus on the ingredients required for this process: data collection and analysis.

You won't learn how to use qualitative methods by just watching video's, so we put much stress on collecting data through observation and interviewing and on analysing and interpreting the collected data in other assignments.

Obviously, the most important concepts in qualitative research will be discussed, just as we will discuss quality criteria, good practices, ethics, writing some methods of analysis, and mixing methods.

We hope to take away some prejudice, and enthuse many students for qualitative research.

What's inside

Syllabus

Philosophy of Qualitative Research

Welcome to the first week of the course. We start with an introduction, followed by two lessons on the Philosophy of Qualitative Research.

Observation

In the first module we discussed the philosophy of qualitative research, explaining some basic notions and general philosophical approaches. In this second module we'll discuss observation as an important method within qualitative research. What types of observation are there? How do we observe? And how do we analyse and describe our data?

Good Practices & Criteria

What makes qualitative research 'good' is a rather difficult question. Different criteria are suggested, but within the field of qualitative research there is not much agreement on these criteria. However, there is quite some agreement on what good practices of qualitative research are. In this module we will start in lesson 1 with a discussion of good practices of qualitative research.

Qualitative Interviewing

In this module we'll look at what a qualitative interview entails by trying to define it and by discussing different forms of interviewing behaviour.

Qualitative Analysis

In previous modules we discussed how you should observe a social situation or conduct a qualitative interview. Now we will focus on what to do with your data, by discussing qualitative analysis. In this module you will try to do a qualitative analysis by interpreting your observed data and try to code it.

Writing, mixing & ethics

In this module I will discuss ideas on writing in qualitative research, I will discuss mixing methods and talk about the ethical issues you should consider.

Catch up week

In this module there's no new material. The only requirement in this module is that you finish up the final peer review assignment.

Exam week

This is the final module, where you can apply everything you've learned up until now in the final exam. Please note that you can only take the final exam once every day, so make sure you are fully prepared to take the test. Please follow the honor code and do not communicate or confer with others taking this exam. Good luck! Once you've taken the exam, please consider doing the other courses in our specialisation track. I hope it was an enjoyable experience. If it was, please consider joining in with the Massive Open Online Research by my colleague Christian Bröer. Thanks for all your hard work, feedback and interpretations, the course team and your fellow learners really appreciate it!

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines the philosophy of qualitative research, which is standard in social science

Builds a strong foundation for beginners in qualitative research methods

Develops skills in data collection through observation and interviewing, which are core skills for social science researchers

Taught by Gerben Moerman, who is recognized for his work in qualitative research

Reviews summary

Qualitative research methods

Learners say this largely positive course in qualitative research methods consists of engaging assignments led by a well-received instructor. Dr. Gerben Moerman's lively lectures cover a wide range of qualitative research principles, including sampling techniques, data collection, and analysis methods. Students appreciate the real-world examples and opportunities to practice these methods through projects such as interviews, observations, and coding exercises. Many students found the course very informative and helpful for their research endeavors, with some even pursuing further study in the field. However, a few students expressed concerns about the difficulty of some exams and the requirements for peer review.

Involves hands-on assignments like interviews, observations, and coding exercises.

"Assignments require a little time but its a good course"

"The assignments were very useful and the lectures."

"I really enjoyed the course especially the assignments."

Covers a vast range of qualitative research principles, including sampling, data collection, and analysis methods.

"This course has provided me a insightful knowledge about qualitative research methodology."

"This is a well written course and a comprehensive introduction/overview to qualitative research methods."

Provides concrete examples and opportunities to apply qualitative research methods in practice.

"I really liked the course. Was very entertained but, above all, gave me a good insight into qual methods. Good and helpful bibliographical indications."

"The course is a good opportunity to catch up with qualitative methods! Very difficult course that requires a lot of dedication and effort from the student."

"This course introduced a sort of qualitative awakening which will propel me in both my academic and professional career."

Features lively lectures and enthusiastic teaching from Dr. Gerben Moerman.

"Excellent - especially I loved the way the faculty is passionate about the subject and is evident in his delivery style"

"Professor Moerman is a great lecturer - highly engaging and knows how to explain complicated material in a simple way."

"This course has helped in understanding qualitative research methods the way they should be understood."

Requires students to review peer assignments, which can be time-consuming and inconsistent in quality.

"I really much appreciated the course, the online material combined with the assignments."

"This course has helped in understanding qualitative research methods the way they should be understood."

May pose challenges for some students due to difficult exams and assignments.

"The course is designed in an innovative way, specially for the assignments. It surely does help in understanding the qualitative research methods"

"It is better than the quantitative one, but the assignments are really really long and the minimum level of 80% on the final and midterm exams is very high."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Qualitative Research Methods with these activities:

Review 'Qualitative Research: A Guide to Design and Implementation'

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Get familiar with different approaches and methods in qualitative research.

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Find a copy of the book.
Read chapters 1-3.
Summarize key concepts from each chapter.

Practice observing social situations

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Develop your observation skills by regularly practicing.

Browse courses on Social Science

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Choose a social situation to observe.
Write down a list of things to observe.
Observe the situation and take notes.
Write a summary of your observations.

Write memos on your observations and interviews

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Make the best of your notes by restructuring them into a memo

Browse courses on Observation

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Review your notes from your observations and interviews.
Identify the key points that you want to make.
Write a memo that summarizes your key points.

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Conduct qualitative interviews

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Improve your interviewing skills by practicing with real people

Browse courses on Interviewing

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Find someone who is willing to be interviewed.
Prepare a list of questions to ask.
Conduct the interview and take notes.
Write a summary of your interview.

Form a peer group for feedback on observation

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Work with your peers to get feedback on your observation skills. In the peer group, you will be able to share your observations and get suggestions for improvement.

Browse courses on Interviewing

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Find a group of peers who are also taking the course.
Meet with your group regularly to discuss your observations.
Give each other feedback on your observations.

Review 'Interpretive Research Design: Concepts and Applications'

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Supplement your understanding of data analysis and interpretation

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Find a copy of the book.
Read Chapters 4-6.
Summarize key concepts from each chapter.

Create a presentation on your research findings

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Solidify your understanding by creating a comprehensive presentation of your findings.

Browse courses on Qualitative Research

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Review your memos and identify your main findings.
Create a presentation that summarizes your findings.
Present your findings to your peers or to the class.

Career center

Learners who complete Qualitative Research Methods will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Qualitative Researcher

Qualitative Researchers design and conduct qualitative research studies. They collect and analyze data from interviews, observations, and other sources to understand human behavior and social phenomena. This course will help build a foundation in the foundational elements of qualitative research, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation. By taking this course, you will be prepared to conduct your own qualitative research studies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Qualitative Researcher

Sociologist

Sociologists study human society and social behavior. They examine the origins, development, organizations, and institutions of society. This course will introduce you to the basic ideas behind the qualitative research in social science. Learning about methods for qualitative research, such as observation and interviewing, will be particularly helpful for this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sociologist

Psychologist

Psychologists study the mind and behavior. They work in a variety of settings, such as schools, hospitals, clinics, and private practice. This course will help build a foundation in qualitative research methods, which can be used to collect data on people's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This is essential for understanding how people think and behave.

See salaries and explore the career path for Psychologist

Market Researcher

Market Researchers study the market in order to determine product viability, sales trends, and the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. This course will introduce you to the foundational elements of qualitative research, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation. By understanding how to gather and analyze data, you can develop insights that will help businesses develop and market their products and services.

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Documentarian

Documentarians research, write, and produce documentaries. They use a variety of media, including film, video, and audio, to tell stories and share information. This course will introduce you to the basic ideas behind the qualitative research in social science. Learning about methods for qualitative research, such as observation and interviewing, will be particularly helpful for understanding how to gather and analyze data for documentaries.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research, analyze, and make policy recommendations on current issues. These policies impact the public, so it is important to understand people's needs and motivations. This course provides a theoretical background in qualitative research methods that will help you collect, interpret, and analyze data about people's perspectives. This can build a foundation for you to understand the impact of certain policies.

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Journalist

Journalists research, analyze, and report on news and current events. They may work for newspapers, magazines, websites, or television and radio stations. This course will provide foundational knowledge in qualitative research methods, which will help you learn how to gather and analyze data from interviews and observations. This can be particularly helpful for investigative journalism, where you must gather and analyze data from a variety of sources.

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Museum curator

Museum Curators plan and oversee the acquisition, care, and display of museum collections. They conduct research on the collections and develop educational programs for the public. This course will introduce you to the basic ideas behind the qualitative research in social science. Learning about methods for qualitative research, such as observation and interviewing, will be particularly helpful for understanding how visitors interact with museum exhibits.

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Urban Planner

Urban Planners develop plans and policies for the use of land and the development of communities. They work with architects, engineers, and other professionals to design and implement plans for the physical development of cities and towns. This course will provide foundational knowledge in qualitative research methods, which can be used to collect data on community needs and preferences.

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Anthropologist

Anthropologists study the behavior, origin, and development of humans. They examine the cultures, languages, archaeological remains, and physical characteristics of people in various parts of the world. This course may be useful for learning how to conduct qualitative research in the field, which is essential for anthropologists who study preindustrial societies.

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Teacher

Teachers plan, develop, and implement curriculum and instructional materials to facilitate learning. They instruct students in a variety of academic subjects and monitor and assess student progress. This course will help build a foundation in qualitative research methods, which can be used to collect data on student learning and to evaluate the effectiveness of teaching methods.

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Archivist

Archivists acquire, preserve, and make accessible historical documents and artifacts. They work in a variety of settings, such as libraries, museums, and government agencies. This course may be useful for learning how to conduct qualitative research on archival materials.

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Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers plan, develop, and implement policies and programs that relate to employees, which includes hiring and training staff, overseeing employee benefits, and working to maintain positive employee relations. This course will help build a foundation in qualitative research methods, which can be used to collect data on employee satisfaction or to evaluate the effectiveness of policies.

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Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers plan, organize, and direct the activities of nonprofit organizations. They develop and implement programs and services, manage staff, and raise funds. This course may be useful for learning how to conduct qualitative research to evaluate the effectiveness of programs and services.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people navigate problems that are rooted in societal structures and interpersonal relationships. They work with individuals, families, groups, and communities to address issues such as poverty, mental illness, and addiction. This course may be helpful for learning how to observe and interview people from a variety of backgrounds and with a variety of needs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker