Overview

This is primarily aimed at first- and second-year undergraduates interested in psychology, data analysis, and qualtitative research methods along with high school students and professionals with similar interests. This course delves into the qualitative research traditions of ethnographic inquiry and case study in psychology, emphasizing the use of participant observation. Students will explore the unique practices, data gathering and analysis methods, and researcher involvement in these traditions. This course explores the interviewing methods used in qualitative research in psychology. The course emphasizes the importance of researcher positionality and the distinctive characteristics of ethnography and case study. Students then learn to apply basic qualitative data analysis (QDA) techniques to the data gathered. The course also covers the utility of observation in understanding context, identifying tacit patterns, and providing direct personal experience and knowledge. It further discusses the role of coding in data analysis, including initial, focused, and axial coding. The course concludes with a look at how to move from categorization to interpretive representation in QDA. This comprehensive exploration prepares students to conduct their own qualitative research, equipped with a deep understanding of various research traditions and methodologies.

Syllabus

Learn With PsycLearn Essentials

This module introduces you to your PsycLearn Essentials course. Find out what’s included in this course and how to navigate the modules and lessons. You’ll also learn valuable study tips for successful learning.

Introduction

This course explores two research traditions—ethnographic inquiry and case study—with focus on their use of a tool known as participation observation, which can complement or stand apart from interviewing. You’ll compare purpose and focus, data gathering and analysis, unique practices, and ways the researcher is involved in the process. We will also explore analytic techniques that apply not just to ethnography and case study, but also to the research traditions earlier explored.

Observation in Qualitative Research

Observation, a naturalistic qualitative inquiry technique, serves as a complement to the individual or group research interview. In observational research, the researcher witnesses, participates in, and/or experiences the phenomenon under investigation. Again, we will discuss the role of researcher as an instrument of data collection, underscoring pertinent skills, knowledge, and abilities.

Ethnographic Inquiry

Ethnography explores culture—the values, beliefs, daily lives, patterns, rituals, symbols, and behaviors shared by a group of people. Note that we are not limiting our exploration of culture to nations or ethnic groups. Culture also exists in workplaces, student organizations, schools, and more. In qualitative research, exploration of culture involves researcher immersion and prolonged observation.

Case Studies

A case study involves the examination of a specific, bounded case (or cases), with focus on the case as a unit of analysis, versus the exploration of an overarching phenomenon, lived experience, or culture. Cases can be many things: people, sites, groups, classrooms, organizations, and more.

Qualitative Data Analysis (QDA)

Qualitative research is iterative. Often, researchers cycle through collection and analysis, applying strategies like researcher positioning, the constant comparative method (CCM), and theoretical sampling. The content that follows provides an elementary introduction to common qualitative data analysis (QDA) techniques. By no means are these techniques exhaustive of all QDA methods; thus, readers will gain broad insight and will practice applying common coding, analysis, and integration strategies. Many qualitative researchers pursue advanced studies of QDA, often through an apprenticeship model focused on a specific tradition (e.g., phenomenology), in graduate programs.

Cumulative Quiz

Complete the final course assessment.

PsycLearn Essentials APA Student Resources

This module provides a variety of information and tools from the American Psychological Association (APA) that will help inspire you as you complete your coursework and plan your career goals. Get discounted access to Academic Writer, APA’s online tool for writing effectively, as well as valuable advice that will help you develop and strengthen your skillset for learning success and future employment. Additionally, explore resources on various psychological issues. This module also includes APA resources on scholarly research and writing; a list of sites providing valuable resources on diversity, equity, and inclusion in psychology education and in the professional community; resources on a career in psychology; and links to career opportunities at the APA. You can also view videos that offer tips on dealing with stress.