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WebTychoUniversity of
Maryland in Europe
Qualitative Research Methods Instructor: Carol A. Dolan, Ph.D.
PUAD
502 Term 4, 2002 Phone: 06303 807 449
MW
1830-2130 Kapaun e-mail:
doctordolan@operamail.com
Course
Texts:
Leedy, P.D.
(1997). Practical research: planning and design (6th ed.). New
Jersey: Prentice-Hall, Inc.
Silverman, D.
(1999). Doing qualitative research
London, UK: SAGE Publications, Inc
Supplemental
Material: (Not required, but recommended)
American
Psychological Association. (2001). Publication manual of the American
Psychological Association (5th ed.). Washington DC: Author
Course Description: This course focuses on the study and application of
research methodology for organizations as a tool in decision-making. Emphasis is on theories and designs for
qualitative data collection and analysis.
Course Objectives: At the completion of this course, a student will be
able to understand:
·
practical skills for
conducting original research and evaluating critically the research of others,
·
how to interpret
research findings and how to apply them,
·
the fundamental skills
associated with measurement, sampling, and field work.
·
the potential ethical
problems associated with research.
Upon successful completion of this course, the student
should:
·
demonstrate practical skills for conducting original research and
evaluating critically the research of others
·
evidence a developed ability to interpret research
·
review scholarly literature and write solid synopses of the arguments
presented by scholars in that literature
·
exhibit skills in defining, constructing, formulating, designing, and
conducting a sound research project;
·
distinguish between qualitative and quantitative methodologies, as well
as be capable of explaining the relative value and utility of each.
Course Requirements:
·
It will expected that
students have read the material assigned for each class prior to the
class meeting.
·
Each student is
expected to actively participate in class discussion, to have thoroughly read
all assignments, attend class punctually, and meet University of Maryland
standards of integrity and conduct.
·
Class lectures will
highlight key points and provide an opportunity for you to ask specific
questions, and for the entire group to work through particularly challenging problems
and examples.
Criteria for Grading
1. Exam
(30%) Take home exam to cover text and
class materials. Each examination will consist of short essays or brief
exercises to ascertain basic understanding and knowledge of the subject.
2. Critique
of Research Articles (2 @ 15% each)
Students will read and critique 2 qualitative research articles in terms of
research design, methodology and appropriate analysis. A 3-5 page analysis should address questions
about the rationale (reason for conducting the study, contribution to the
field, etc), sampling (who were selected for the study and how were they
selected?, how generalizable are results?),
theory or hypothesis testing, (what question is the research trying to
answer?), key variables, issues, themes (identify and address measures used),
methodology (were the appropriate methods and analysis used?) and overall
evaluation of the study. Articles for
review will be provided.
3. Team
Research Project and Paper 40%
Each student will participate as a team (2-3 members) to accomplish a
mini-study involving qualitative research.
Students will define the study problem and propose methods to address
the problem, carry out data collection and analysis as a team. Each member of the team normally receives
the same grade points, but any differences will be based upon individual
effort. Class time will be allowed for team discussions. The research project
will be summarized in 2 ways: a written
paper and an in-class presentation. The
American Psychological Association format will be followed for the paper. The
paper should clearly identify variables, research design, qualitative methods,
sampling of research participants and/or documents, and methods of
analysis. A brief literature review is
required. The emphasis should be on the
development of a realistic project, focusing on interpretation of key variables
of interest, and the use of sound methodology.
Details of the requirements will be presented during the first class.
The team written report and presentation will be evaluated for a total of 40
points
Grade will be based on:
Exam 30% A
= 90-100%
Critiques (2 @ 15 each 30% B = 80-89 %
Project
& Paper 40% C = 70-79 %
F
= below 70%
Class policy: Incompletes are only allowed for students who have had
extenuating requirements and who are passing the course at the time of request.
The instructor will determine if an Incomplete will be allowed, and will also
determine the work required and the time approved for completion.
Course Schedule
|
Week 1 |
March 25, 27 |
|
Topics: |
Introduction/Orientation,
Overview of Research, Qualitative versus Quantitative Research, Research
Question, The Team Project, APA
Research Paper Style |
|
Objectives |
Know and understand the scope of
the course. Define research and recognize
differing methodologies. Differentiate between research methods. Understand
the background and theory of research methods. |
|
Assignments |
Chapters 1-4 of Silverman |
|
Week 2 |
April 1, 3 |
|
Topics: |
Problem Formulation, Hypothesis
Development, Research Questions, Research Methods, Literature Review |
|
Objectives |
State research problems
clearly. Develop research hypotheses.
Formulate pertinent research questions from the research problems. Apply appropriate research methods in conducting
research. Know and understand the
significance and development of the literature review in research.. |
|
Assignments |
Read Chapters 2, 3 and 4 of
Leedy. Read Chapter 5-6 of Silverman Review pertinent research
material for developing qualitative research plans. Develop team taskings.. |
|
Week 3 |
April 8, 10 |
|
Topics: |
Research Planning, Research
Questions, Literature Review, Data Collection Methods |
|
Objectives |
Understand research planning
methods. Develop pertinent research questions. Understand and accomplish
literature reviews. Critically
analyze literature. Know various research data collection methods.. |
|
Assignment |
Read Chapters 7 & 8 of
Silverman Ch 6 of Leedy. Submit on April 8 a brief but formal report
identifying team roles and activities Critique #1 due APRIL 10 |
|
Week 4 |
April 15, 17 |
|
Topics: |
Data Collection, Interviews,
Focus Groups, Observations, Other data collection techniques |
|
Objectives |
Develop understanding of data
collection methods and practices. Understand sampling methods. Develop
effective methods for developing questionnaires. |
|
Assignments |
Read Chapter 9 – 11 of Silverman |
|
Week 5 |
April 22, 24 |
|
Topics: |
Data Collection, Interviews,
Focus Groups, Observations, Other data collection techniques |
|
Objectives |
Understand the difference
between validity and reliability. Know various internal and external threats
to validity. Understand rules for qualitative research. |
|
Assignments |
Critique 2 due on APRIL 22 Continue group project. Read Chapter 12 of Leedy. |
|
Week 6 |
April 29, May 1 |
|
Topics: |
Data collection techniques. |
|
Objectives |
Demonstrate understanding of the
concepts and theories involved with qualitative research. |
|
Assignments |
Read Chapter 13 of Silverman Take home exam DUE MAY 1. |
|
Week 7 |
May 6, 8 |
|
Topics: |
Computer as Research Tool
Research Proposal Review Writing the Research Report, APA Manual |
|
Objectives |
Understand the use of computers
in research. Demonstrate knowledge of research proposal. Know writing rules
in research reporting. Read Chapter 12 of Silverman |
|
Assignments |
Complete the research project Research project due MAY 8 |
|
Week
8 |
May 13, 15 |
|
Topics: |
Value and Logic of Qualitative
Research Relevance of Research |
|
Objectives |
Defend the value of qualitative
research. Understand the relevance of effective research |
|
Assignments |
Student team presentations
Qualitative Research Reports |
Other interesting stuff
Qualitative Research in
Information Systems: - http://www.auckland.ac.nz/msis/isworld/
UMUC Web Database Resources: - http://umuc.edu/library/ols.html
Qualitative Research Web Sites: http://www.nova.edu/ssss/QR/web.html
Qualitative Research in
Information Systems: - http://www.auckland.ac.nz/msis/isworld/
APA Reference Format: - http://www.apa.org/journals/webref.html