Applied Qualitative Research

Course Description

Qualitative research methods provide rich descriptions of complex phenomena and can illuminate the experience and interpretation of events and the behaviors of people from different cultures and widely variant lived experiences. Qualitative research allows researchers, policy makers and planners to understand the needs of individuals and gives voice to those whose views are sometimes rarely heard. It can help understand the different behaviors and decisions that people make about a range of issues including health care decision and behaviors, lifestyle choices, and even political preferences, among others. Using qualitative methods facilitates exploratory research, the generation of new theories and development of hypotheses. The best qualitative research is systematic and rigorous, and it seeks to reduce bias and error and to identify evidence that disconfirms or confirms initial or emergent hypotheses. The goal of this course is to train students how to use and apply several qualitative research methodologies, including how to design, collect and interpret qualitative data.

Code

SBS 8308

Credits

3

Subject

SBS