We will also discuss the nature of qualitative research as a methodology, how it compares and differs from other forms of research, and how qualitative and quantitative research complement each other in a research project. This is the first in a multi-part series which will be released over the coming year, which will focus on Conversational Interviewing, Data Analysis, and Constructing Theory.
You might have encountered other forms of interview techniques in your studies and training. The form that we are teaching is the preferred method of Professor Silbey's, one that she has used extensively throughout her career. The goal is to construct an interview protocol such that you will be able to guide your interviewee through topics of interest to your study without bringing them up explicitly, in order to explore experiences and accounts without pointing respondents in particular directions. Not sure what an interview protocol is? No problem! You will by the end of the course.
What you'll learn:
- How to prepare an interview protocol, and how to conduct an interview.
- How to assess validity in qualitative research.
Syllabus
We will cover the following topics:
1. The Science of Social Science
What is Social Science?
How does Social Science differ from the physical sciences?
2. The Process of Qualitative Research
How does Qualitative Research differ from Quantitative Research?
What is Fieldwork?
Conversational Interviewing and it's use in research
3. Establishing Validity in Qualitative Research
What are the criteria for validity when conducting Qualitative Research?
What are the tests for validity?
4. Conducting Conversational Interviews
Interviewing as Data Collection
Drafting an Interview Protocol
Interviewing Techniques
5. Interview Examples & Discussion
Demostratons of Good and Bad interview techniques with detailed discussion
6. Logistics and Ethical Concerns
Logistics of Conducting Interviews: Finding & Inviting Subjects, Recording Interviews, etc
Ethics & Human Subject Research