Qualitative Research Methods

Uitgebreide vaknaam	Qualitative Research Methods
Leerdoelen	The purpose of this course is to introduce Master students to qualitative research in geography and prepare them in the skills, techniques, and knowledge necessary to undertake independent research using this methodology. By the end of the course, students can 1. describe the development and purpose of qualitative research in geography 2. describe qualitative research strategies (e.g. case studies, participatory research) 3. define and describe key vocabulary of qualitative research 4. design and perform a qualitative research project including appropriate attention to rigour, validity, positionality, ethics, and data analysis 5. explain and apply key techniques for data collection, including interviewing and participant observation 6. conduct preliminary qualitative research analysis in a rigorous manner, knowing how to apply several types of coding (Grounded Theory, discourse analysis, thematic analysis) 7. present research process and preliminary research findings in a professional and convincing manner
Omschrijving	The course is organized around (most of) the contents of the handbook ‘Qualitative Research Methods in Human Geography’ (edited by Iain Hay, 4th edition). In addition to theory about qualitative research methods, students will practice qualitative research in a small group project. Be advised that the meetings are discussion-based rather than organized as plenary lectures about the book. Students are expected to come well- prepared (i.e. having read assigned readings and prepared relevant tasks in writing). The first half of the block will cover issues related to qualitative research design and practice. It addresses issues of power, ethics, rigour and culture, as well as the methods interviewing and observation, and participatory research approaches. Students will be presented with a variety of research examples from active researchers in Social Geography, and they will discuss these in class. This block will be concluded with an in-class exam based on the readings and research presentations. The second part of the block is dedicated to a student research project, and will address methods of data analysis. We also discuss writing up qualitative research and communicating this to wider audiences. This block is concluded with student presentations based on the research conducted during the course.
Uren per week	4
Onderwijsvorm	Fieldwork, Guest lectures, Independent study, Seminars
Toetsvorm	Active participation, Group assignments, Individual assignments, Interim test with open questions, Oral presentation
Vaksoort	master
Coördinator	dr. S.L. Bolderman
Docent(en)	dr. S.L. Bolderman , Guest lecturers
Verplichte literatuur	Titel Auteur ISBN Prijs Qualitative Research Methods in Human Geography, (4th edition). Don Mills: Oxford University Press Canada Hay, I. (Ed.) (2016).
Entreevoorwaarden
Opmerkingen	The course will be given in Leeuwarden.
Opgenomen in	Opleiding Jaar Periode Type MSc Cultural Geography  (Cultural Geography: Tourism Geography & Planning (track)) 1 semester II a verplicht MSc Cultural Geography  (Basic programme Cultural Geography) 1 semester II a verplicht MSc Economic Geography  (Optional courses Economic Geography) 1 semester II a keuze MSc Environmental and Infrastructure Planning  (Optional courses EIP) 1 semester II a keuze MSc Population Studies  (Optional courses Pop Studies) 1 semester II a keuze MSc Real Estate Studies  (Optional courses Real Estate Studies) 1 semester II a keuze MSc Socio-spatial Planning  (Optional courses Socio-spatial Planning) 1 semester II a keuze MSc Spatial Sciences (research)  (Optional courses GERMMETH year 1 and 2 Spatial Sciences) 1 semester II a keuze