Qualitative Research Methods

Spring '02 -- Dr. Jackie Eller

Contents of This Page

Required Texts

(1) Handbook of Qualitative Research, 2nd Ed. -- Norman Denzin and Yvonne Lincoln, Sage (2000)
(2) Analyzing Social Settings: A Guide to Qualitative Observation and Analysis, 3rd ed -- John Lofland and Lyn H. Lofland, Wadsworth (1995)
(3) Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences, 4th ed. -- Bruce L. Berg, Allyn and Bacon (2001)
(4) Sidewalk Mitchell Duneier, Farrar, Straus and Giroux (2000)
(4) Occasionally articles may be distributed in class to supplement the readings

Other invaluable sources for reviews, articles, references:
-- Journal of Contemporary Ethnography
-- Qualitative Sociology
-- Symbolic Interaction
-- Deviant Behavior
-- Social Problems
-- Social Psychology Quarterly, major sociological social psychology journal from the ASA.
-- Annual Review of Sociology, especially since '92 or so
-- numerous other sociology journals

Course Description

The course is designed to introduce students to the methods and issues of qualitative social science research. Topics covered include the ontological, epistemological, and theoretical bases of qualitative research, methods for collecting and analyzing qualitative data, personal and ethical issues particular to qualitative research, and developing and proposing qualitative research projects. Through assigned readings, lectures, and classroom discussions, the course seeks to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to (a) recognize the usefulness and appropriateness of qualitative research, (b) read and critically evaluate qualitative research conducted by other social scientists, and (c) design and conduct original qualitative research.

Student Responsibilities

1. This is a graduate seminar. It is critical that you attend every class meeting, be prepared for discussion, discuss the readings, be professional in your presentations and interactions, and be on time for class. It will be during class that we discuss your critiques, your observations, and assigned readings, so final grades on your various products will be evaluated with your attendance, preparation, and participation in mind.
2. Group research project and presentation - 150 pts. Due NO LATER than May 2.
Areas

legal/law enforcement -- Karen and Verbia
churches -- Nola and Jennifer
labor -- Michelle, Margaret, Jill
education -- Christina, Carmen
health -- Kim, Sheila
city government -- Terri

Background

local history -- Jill, Verbia, Sheila, Christina, Karen, Margaret
immigration/acculturation issues -- Michelle, Kim, Nola, Carmen, Jennifer, Terri
3. Article critiques and class exercises, both group and individual -- 100 pts. Due as assigned during the semester.
4. Critique of Sidewalk -- 50 pts.
5. Mid-term exam - take home, 100 pts.
6. May 7. Final exam - in-class, 100 pts.

Grading

Final grades will be computed through a simple tally of points using the following scale:

470 - 500 A
460 - 469 A-
450 - 459 B+
420 - 449 B
410 - 419 B-
400 - 409 C+
370 - 399 C
360 - 369 C-
< 360 F

Offices and Office Hours

e-mail: jaeller@frank.mtsu.edu
webpage: http://www.mtsu.edu/~jaeller

1417 E. Main (Sociology/Anthropology Annex) 898-2125; FAX 898-2125

M 1:00-4:00; TR 1:00-2:00; F 9:00-12:00

Other times by appointment.

Course Outline

Jan 10
-- Introductions
----- Kinds of qualitative research and analysis
----- Discussion of Denzin and Lincon's introduction

15
-- Locating the field
----- Discussion of journals and what areas are examined and methods used
----- Full discussion of research project:
----- Read in D&L, Chapters 2 and 3
----- Read Introduction in Berg and chapter 7
----- Discuss these chapters and your observation exercise

22
----- Read in D&L, Chapters 4 and 5
----- Read in L&L, Chapters 1 and 2
----- Discuss these chapters and your listening exercise

29
-- Analyzing social settings
----- Read "Ten lies of ethnography," by Gary Alan Fine. Journal of Contemporary Ethnography V22N3:267-294.
----- Read in L&L, Chapters 3-8
----- Read in Berg, Chapters 2, 3, and 6
----- Discuss first stages of our project -- strategy for approaching your area

questions

Feb 5
-- Paradigms and perspectives in transition
----- Read in D&L, Chapters 6 and 7
----- Discuss progress of our project -- draft of open ended questions to begin a dialog

12
----- Read (and discuss) in D&L, Chapters 6, 7, 8
----- Each student is to bring to class an article that addresses the questions/issues/dilemmas of a feminist methodology. This article should be read and a brief critique prepared, including full source information.
----- draft of local history and immigration/acculturation issues

19
Midterm exam distributed and due Mar 5
----- report of first stages of contacting sources, include observations
----- Read and discuss Chapters 13, 14, and 16. Each student is to find an example of a qualitative case study OR a qualitative project that was funded by an external agency. Prepare a short report on your articles.
----- Read Chapter 24 as it will be helpful, but we will discuss later.

26
----- Read and discuss Chapter 18 and 19
----- Updates on project -- be thinking of someone who would be a good candidate for the focus group later in the semester

Mar 5
----- Discussion of Chapters 22, 24, and 33 in D&L; Chapter 9 in L&L
----- Take home exam due

12
----- Discussion of Chapters 26, 27, and 28

19
----- Discussion of Chapters 29, 30 and 31

SPRING BREAK

Ap 2
----- Discussion of focus group readings - Chapter 32, Chapter 5 in Berg, and distributed articles

9
----- Focus Group

16
----- Discussion of focus group information
----- Discussion of Sidewalk
----- Critique due

18
----- Final Exam distributed on website

23
----- Discussion of Chapters 36, 38, and 39; Chapter 10 in L&L
----- Mapping exercise due