Qualitative Research Methods (CMST 509)

Format/Modality: HyFlex: F2F, Online (Synchronous + Asynchronous)

F2F Meetings: Comm. Bldg 2010 | M, W – 3:00 to 4:15 p.m.

Digital Technology: Microsoft Teams + D2L

Instructional Design: lectures, discussion, reading, writing, independent research

A practical introduction to qualitative methods and interpretive data analysis of human communication. This course will introduce students to research tools and techniques, data collection procedures using interviewing, focus groups, or textual approaches, and data analysis to thematize findings into communication theory and research reports. Emphasis on narrative and rhetorical approaches.

• Deepen understanding of qualitative methods and interpretive analysis in the field of communication
• Enhance academic writing; improve technical and analytical writing skills
• Read ~200 pages of additional qualitative studies (peer-reviewed) and share them with colleagues
• Complete the required CITI training required by the Human Subjects Committee
• Learn and use tools needed to collect, organize, and interpret qualitative data
• Prepare an interview protocol and practice the qualitative research method of interviewing
• Code data using two approaches (basic) and Dedoose
• Interpret data vis-à-vis an iterative approach
• Identify themes in research and connect findings to disciplinary theory and literature
• Write a research proposal to guide a qualitative research project
• Prepare a potential prelim exam topic question (doctoral students)

1. Demonstrate competent use of academic tools used to conduct effective qualitative research
2. Explain the uses and benefits of qualitative research in their disciplinary area of study
3. Distinguish between qualitative research and interpretive analysis
4. List various types of data that can be gathered through different qualitative methods
5. Develop interview protocols, interview research participants, and code data
6. Use interpretive analysis techniques to thematize data in a way that broadens or deepens understanding of rhetorical data or data collected qualitatively
7. Develop qualitative research project proposals for complex research projects or research requiring IRB clearance
8. Brief colleagues, in oral and written forms, on topics of interest in communication sub-disciplines, communication theories, and research findings
9. Apply the critical skills required to publish written reports generated from qualitative research, including reporting findings, connecting research to theory, and writing reflexively