1. INFO 272. Qualitative Research Methods
introduction

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

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

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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

11. Course Materials
Lofland and Lofland, Analyzing Social Settings
Course Reader (at Copy Central)
Course equipment (audio recording device and some notecards)

12. 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?

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

14. 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

15. 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]