166-086 Qualitative Research Strategies

Students intending to do fourth-year honours in sociology must have completed this subject as part of their major.

Usually two first-year sociology subjects, political science or related fields

This subject introduces students to qualitative research strategies and methods. As such, it provides insights into the exciting and original contributions that social researchers can make to contemporary understandings of the worlds we inhabit. The subject examines how qualitative researchers gather and analyse data, using observation, interviews and document analysis, and then write a research report. Research strategies considered include case studies, grounded theory, ethnography and action research. This subject is based on students obtaining hands-on experience, through developing a field-based project of relevance to their intereest exploring qualitative methods. On completion of this subject students will understand the process of conducting qualitative research; have hands-on experience in using qualitative research methods; and be familiar both with theoretical approaches used in designing qualitative social research, and with key examples of qualitative research. The subject is structured to be of relevance to students in social science and humanities based disciplines, and to provide skills in a wide range of cases.

Written work totalling 4000 words.

A subject reader will be provided

• K E Esterberg, Qualitative Methods in Social Research. McGraw-Hill 2002.