This course addresses the increasing complexity of research issues and the growing reliance on qualitative research methods in both academic and practical contexts. Students will learn how to apply qualitative research techniques to solve practical problems and critically evaluate research conducted by others. Covering the entire research process—from formulating questions to reporting results—this course explores epistemology, research design, data collection, and data analysis.

What you'll learn:

• Understand the foundational principles of epistemology and research design.

• Gain a good understanding of data collection and data analysis methods.

• Learn to evaluate qualitative research and effectively report results and recommendations critically.

The purpose of this course is to provide students with deep understanding of qualitative research methodology and to familiarize them with specific techniques for qualitative data analysis.

After the course, students understand qualitative research approaches and related techniques as an analytical tool to investigate and solve problems. They understand philosophy of science behind the techniques as well as acquire information, understanding and skills to solve problems and build up theories in their field of study. The course assignments aim to improve students’ ability to use, analyze and document qualitative research and to demonstrate their knowledge of the methods literature and its application in practice.

After completing the course students are able to:

• define, describe, and select qualitative methods;

• collect qualitative data such as interviews, observations, photos, videos, and narratives and apply these methods to their own work;

• analyze and interpret qualitative raw data;

• formulate conclusions based on the scientific results;

• evaluate, criticize, and judge the scientific results and research ethics;

• understand the basics of philosophy of science;

• communicate and present the selected research design and scientific results;

• understand implications of research for society.

• "Structure is sensible and effective. Instructor is very knowledgeable, friendly and really encourages participation."

• "The course design is great and the instructor is extremely competent and helpful. I was very skeptical on the usefulness of the research proposal, but in the end I feel it helped internalize the content and make it more transferrable for my personal use."

• "Hands-On mentality and critical thinking."

• "Concise presentation length. Comprehensive overview of qualitative studies methodologies. Hands-on assignments."