INFO 272. Qualitative Research Methods introduction

What is Qualitative Research? In this course we’ll be focusing on: Field-based research An inductive analytical approach The subjective experience of research subjects as data Researcher reflexivity

Term Goals Learn to match research questions with appropriate methodological approaches and to understand what can and can’t be said about a certain corpus of data Learn how to negotiate logistical limits and ethical issues inherent in any research practice Better understand the relationship between data and knowledge Gain hands on experience and get feedback on your technique

Epistemology Nuts and Bolts What warrants the status of ‘knowledge’? How do we evaluate a process / practice of knowledge generation? What is the relationship between data and knowledge? How do I find and recruit people for interviews? The landscape of this course What techniques can I use to draw out self-reflection from my interviewees? How do I gain access to a field site? Nuts and Bolts

Epistemology “The Nature of Knowing, Social Reality, and Procedures for Comprehending these Phenomena” [Bauer and Gaskell] epistemology - the branch of philosophy that deals with knowledge, especially with regard to its methods, validity, and scope [OED] . Bauer and Gaskell (2000) Qualitative Researching with text image and sound. Sage Publications OED = oxford english dictionary

Epistemology Habermas, Knowledge and Human Interests Technical Control - ‘empirical-analytic’ Establishing Consensus - ‘historical-hermeneutic’ Empowerment - ‘critical’

Nuts and Bolts administrative aspects of research logistical and ethical issues how-to and tricks of the trade see Lofland and Lofland on getting in, getting along, and getting out

Why Take a Qualitative Methods Course in the iSchool? Considering the role of tools, technology, systems in society and incorporating this into research practice In social theory - a new appreciation of the material world and the socializing effect of ‘things’ (in contrast to a social theory fixated on language, discourse, and dematerialized social structure) “the performative and integrative capacity of ‘things’ to help make what we call society.” [Pels, pg. 2] Pels, D., K. Hetherington, et al. (2002). "The Status of the Object: Performances, Mediations, and Techniques." Theory, Culture & Society 19(5/6): 1-21.

Qualitative Research in the ‘Real’ World the wider perspective theory development and testing / academia advocacy / non-profit sector, NGOs, journalism policy design and development / government, NGOs public information service / media, journalism product design, marketing, business strategy / corporate domain innovation, inspiration, creativity / design research, fine arts

Qualitative Research in the ‘Real’ World time factors # of informants funding ‘validity’ requirements level of formality marketing policy design and development # of informants product design advocacy Out in the ‘real world’ – these practices exist along a sort of continuum This is partly why we talk about ‘logistics’ in this course Different professional communities have different standards – the relate to the practices the findings are put towards. Also, the evolving culture of different communities. journalism innovation & inspiration informal formal methodological approach

Course Materials http://courses.ischool.berkeley.edu/i272/f10/index.html Lofland and Lofland, Analyzing Social Settings Course Reader (at Copy Central) Course equipment (audio recording device and some notecards)

Assignments Field Notes, due 10/7/10 (15%) A participant-observation exercise the whole class will collaborate on How do people interact with ‘technology’ in public spaces?

Assignments Interviews, due 11/9/10 (20%) Two interviews (transcribed) Get outside of your comfort zone and beyond the campus community

Assignments Final Project, due 12/13/10 (55%) Your choice Build on earlier assignments Do some preliminary work for your thesis Or do something entirely new

A Mind-Mapping Exercise What are the hallmarks of high quality, well-conducted research? What terms come to mind? [Social Research Update, University of Surrey]