Do you want to try out qualitative research methods in the real world? Understand the differences between quantitative and qualitative research methods in Social Sciences? Learn how to conduct an interview? Understand the perception of the intimate space of other people? This introductory course is designed for students from 2nd to 4th semester, and it has three primary aims: 1. It aims to give students a grounding in the theoretical and practical application of qualitative research methods in the social sciences. 2. The course will prepare students for the methodological part of the Comprehensive Exam in Social Sciences (CESS). 3. Completing this course offers a first step towards the skills students need to design and conduct their own research.

Kurz je určen studentům druhého ročníku a je vhodný i pro ty bez předchozí znalosti výzkumných metod v sociálních vědách. Mezi jeho cíle patří zejména představení základních rozdílů mezi kvantitativními a kvalitativními výzkumnými metodami. Tyto rozdíly budou diskutovány z hlediska teorie, v praxi se pak zaměříme na kvalitativní výzkumné metody. V rámci kurzu mají studenti za úkol realizovat vlastní kvalitativní projekt. Kromě přípravy studentů na druhou část Souborné zkoušky CESS má kurz zároveň poskytnout studentům základ pro plánování a realizaci vlastního výzkumu (např. na bakalářskou práci).

The classes will follow the complete process of qualitative research. During all lectures, you will work in small groups, conducting your own research. 

 

(1) Introduction to teamwork and academic leadership, authorship, ethical considerations (according to APA).

(2) Differences between qualitative and quantitative research, inductive and deductive reasoning. Goal setting: what are we gonna research?

(3) How to ask the proper research questions. Who are our participants? The subtle art of sample creation

(4) Free associations: the way how to access the stereotypes and perception of everything around us

(5) Inductive thematic analysis: the easiest way how to analyze qualitative data

(6) Qualitative (in-depth / phenomenological) interview: creating a setting, psychological safety, rapport, open-ended questions

(7) Qualitative (in-depth / phenomenological) interview: the three interview model (before, during, and after experience)

(8) Focus groups: the more comprehensive way of gaining more information

(9) Reflective diary / authoetnography: your own experience as a means of scientific understanding (you as a researcher matter as well)

(10) Writing of the scientific study (this is the way how your bachelor, diploma, and PhD. thesis >>> in all social sciences <<< will look like as well): magical IMRaD and world of scientific databases

(11) Review process: how to provide a good feedback to learn from

 

Students will work in small groups of three students. Each group will conduct a research and write cooperatively one brief report (research report following IMRaD format, 2000-4000 words, 10-30 scientific citations).

After you submit your reports, each student will write one review on one work of your colleagues.

 

The course is designed for a second-year student, but is opened to the students from the 2nd semester of their study.