GISDepartment of Global and Interdisciplinary Studies

This course is designed to introduce students to qualitative research methods. The course begins with research problems, questions and design considerations. The course follows with training, through lecture, group work and hands-on experiences, in data collection methods commonly used in qualitative research--field observation, interviews, and the use of documents and archival data. Students will undertake a pilot research study as part of the course requirements. This includes designing a research question, doing a literature review, creating a questionnaire, observing a field setting, analyzing field notes, and presenting on preliminary research findings. The exercises are intended to develop the mindset required to think through, design, and execute a qualitative study.

Provide students with an appreciation for and the basic steps of qualitative research design. Acquaint students with a diversity of qualitative methods and associated theoretical, ethical, and pragmatic issues. Instruct students on how to conduct qualitative research that is descriptively rich, theoretically illuminating, and personally meaningful. Each student will be able to create her/his own research questions, decide a research site/community, conduct original research, and present their findings.

Will be able to gain “DP 1”, “DP 2”, “DP 3”, and “DP 4”.

英語 / English

Although the instructor will provide the basic framework in a lecture format, students are expected to actively participate in and contribute to class discussion. This includes asking questions, seeking clarification and offering your critical ideas and interpretation about student projects, practical fieldwork issues, and lectures on other fieldwork techniques. Submission of assignments and feedback will be via the Learning Management System.

あり / Yes

あり / Yes

授業形態/methods of teaching：対面/face to face

※各回の授業形態は予定です。教員の指示に従ってください。

1[オンライン/online]：Introduction

Qualitative research methods

2[対面/face to face]：Research Design

Types of research

3[対面/face to face]：Designing and QR set up

Beginning of individual project. Conceptual frameworks, research validity in data gathering

4[対面/face to face]：Starting a study

Entry into the field; developing rapport; role of the researcher; confidentiality; collecting background information, sampling

5[対面/face to face]：Literature Review

Reviewing existing scholarly work

6[対面/face to face]：Writing Research Proposal

Research questions, site, methods, contribution

7[対面/face to face]：Presentation and Data Collection Procedures

Research proposal presentation (summary of existing literature & introduction of research question) Write a summary of issues/challenges in data collection and bring to class for discussion

8[対面/face to face]：Interviews: Fieldwork I

Types of interviews (structured to unstructured). How to design interview questions; how to conduct interviews

9[対面/face to face]：Observations: Fieldword II

Taking notes, types of observation. Analyzing social settings. How to observe and focus.
Discuss fieldwork, share challenges.

10[対面/face to face]：Documents and internet data

Definition, review of sources and types of data, methods of collection and analysis.

11[対面/face to face]：Integrating, synthesizing data.
Coding and Coding categories

Reflexivity and organizing data

12[対面/face to face]：Student Presentation I

Student presentations on mini-research proposal and feedback

13[対面/face to face]：Student Presentation II

Student presentations on mini-research proposal and feedback

14[対面/face to face]：Wrap up and Writing tips

Writing Qualitative Research Method Tips

Students should come to class having read and prepared to discuss assigned readings. The course will also require students to conduct participant-observational fieldwork outside of class. Preparatory study and review time for this class are 2 hours each.

No textbook will be used for the course. Readings will be provided through the online course management system.

References will be shared in class.

Field I, II, III Assignments: 60%
Research Proposal/Presentation 40%


Three or more unexcused absences will result in an incomplete grade (marked “E” on grading sheet). Please provide documentation if you need to be absent from class for medical reasons, job interviews and family emergency. If you arrive late or leave early, each will be counted as one ½ absence. 5 absences will result in "not passing."

Weekly assignments have been updated.

None. You may use laptop or tablet to take notes.

Slight modifications may be expected. Our goal in this class will not be to memorize or master a series of clear-cut answers; rather, by engaging in lively discussions, we aim to hone our ability to ask critical questions so as to further develop our skills as writers, readers and thinkers. In order to create such a learning environment, students should speak to each other and the instructor with respect. Abusive and harsh language will not be tolerated. Students with special needs should notify the instructor as early as possible, no later than the third week of the semester. Student attendance is critical because each lecture builds on the previous week. Missing out on critical components of the research process will put you behind in being able to design and implement a full project.

None.