International Institute of SDGS & Public Policy Research
IISPPR Field Research Fellowship
Qualitative Research Methods Syllabus
About the Course
This course offers a thorough introduction to qualitative research methods, encompassing theoretical foundations, practical techniques, and the application of various qualitative methods in social science research. Students will gain hands-on experience in qualitative research processes, including developing research questions, designing interview schedules, conducting pilot studies, and applying methodologies such as ethnography, grounded theory, case studies, discourse analysis, and narrative analysis
Course’s Objective
Understand the principles and practices of qualitative research.
Develop skills in designing and conducting qualitative studies.
Gain experience in data collection and analysis techniques.
Learn to critically evaluate qualitative research.
Field Research Fellowship Program Overview
Online Format: The program is fully online.
Program Duration: Classes will be held from 1st September 2024 to 30th September 2024.
Eligibility: The program is open to both undergraduate/postgraduate students and working professionals.
Class Schedule: Classes will take place at 6 PM, four times a week. If a significant number of working professionals are enrolled, additional classes may be scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays, but the total number of classes each week will remain four.
Homework and Reserve Days: After each class, there will be a designated reserve day to provide ample time for completing homework and assignments. This allows you to thoroughly review class materials and ensure all tasks are completed before the next session.
Certification: A fellowship certificate will be awarded upon successful completion of the program.
Total Number of Seats: 15
About the Fieldwork
For the fieldwork, you won't need to travel far. You can conduct it right in your own neighborhood. We'll provide you with detailed instructions on how to carry out the fieldwork in your local area.
Class 1
Understanding and Writing a Literature Review
Topics Covered
Importance and purpose of a literature review
Types of literature reviews
Steps in conducting a literature review
Activities
Importance and purpose of a literature review
Types of literature reviews
Steps in conducting a literature review
Homework
Read assigned articles on the importance of literature reviews
Write a brief reflection on the purpose and types of literature reviews
Class 2
Searching and Identifying Relevant Literature
Topics Covered
Lecture on the significance of literature reviews in research Discussion on different types of literature reviews (narrative, systematic, etc.)
Interactive session on identifying research gaps and formulating research questions
Activities
Workshop on using academic databases (e.g., Google Scholar, JSTOR, PubMed)
Group activity on developing search strategies for specific research questions
Homework
Conduct a literature search on a given topic and compile a list of relevant articles
Summarize the key findings from at least three articles
Class 3
Organizing and Analyzing Literature
Topics Covered
Techniques for organizing literature (e.g., thematic, chronological)
Critical analysis and synthesis of literature Using reference management software (e.g., Zotero, EndNote)
Activities
Interactive session on organizing literature using thematic and chronological methods Hands-on training on using reference management software
Group discussion on critically analyzing and synthesizing literature
Homework
Conduct a literature search on a given topic and compile a list of relevant articles
Summarize the key findings from at least three articles
Class 4
Writing the Literature Review
Topics Covered
Structure and components of a literature review Writing techniques and tips for clarity and coherence
Common pitfalls to avoid in literature review writing
Activities
Interactive session on organizing literature using thematic and chronological methods
Hands-on training on using reference management software
Group discussion on critically analyzing and synthesizing literature
Homework
Write the first draft of your literature review Peer-review a classmate’s draft and provide constructive feedback
Class 5
Revising and Finalizing the Literature Review
Topics Covered
Revising and editing techniques Incorporating feedback from peers and instructors
Ensuring academic integrity and proper citation
Activities
Workshop on revising and editing drafts for clarity, coherence, and conciseness
Group discussion on incorporating feedback effectively Session on plagiarism and proper citation practices
Homework
Revise your literature review based on peer and instructor feedback
Finalize the literature review and ensure all sources are properly cited
Class 6
Entering the Field
Topics Covered
Introduction to qualitative research Ethical considerations and gaining access Building rapport with participants
Activities
Students will attend a lecture on the importance of entering the field.
Students will analyze case studies on gaining access and building rapport.
Homework
Students will read assigned articles on ethical considerations in qualitative research.
Students will prepare a brief reflection on the challenges of gaining access to research participants.
Class 7
Developing a Research Question
Topics Covered
Identifying research gaps Formulating research questions The role of literature review
Activities
Students will participate in a workshop on developing research questions.
Students will engage in group discussions about their research interests and potential questions.
Homework
Students will conduct a literature review related to their research interests and draft at least two research questions.
Class 8
Entering the Field
Topics Covered
Types of interviews (structured, semi-structured, unstructured)
Designing interview questions Crafting an interview guide
Activities
Students will complete a practical exercise on developing interview questions.
Students will role-play interviews in pairs or small groups.
Homework
Students will design an interview guide based on their research questions and prepare a plan for conducting an interview.
Class 9
Entering the Field
Topics Covered
Importance of pilot studies Conducting pilot studies
Revising questionnaires and interview schedules based on pilot feedback
Activities
Students will conduct a pilot study with classmates.
Students will participate in a workshop on revising research instruments based on pilot results
Homework
Students will revise their interview guide based on feedback from the pilot study and submit a revised version.
Class 10
Revising and Finalizing the Literature Review
Topics Covered
Principles of ethnographic research Participant observation and field notes Ethical considerations in ethnography
Activities
Students will be divided into groups for a mini-ethnography project.
Students will conduct fieldwork and gather ethnographic data.
Homework
Students will prepare a field report including observations and reflections from their ethnographic research.
Class 11
Report Submission and Feedback
Topics Covered
Submitting ethnography reports
Peer review and feedback
Instructor's feedback and suggestions
Activities
Students will submit their ethnography reports.
Students will engage in group discussions on the feedback received.
Students will participate in an instructor-led feedback session.
Homework
Students will review peer feedback and make revisions to their ethnography report based on suggestions.
Class 12
Grounded Theory
Topics Covered
Identifying research gaps
Formulating research questions
The role of literature review
Activities
Students will complete a hands-on coding exercise using sample data.
Students will work in groups on developing theoretical frameworks.
Students will submit a grounded theory application report.
Homework
Students will complete coding of provided sample data and draft a report on their theoretical framework.
Class 13
Case Study Method
Topics Covered
Designing case studies
Data collection techniques in case studies
Analyzing case study data
Activities
Students will work on a group project designing a case study.
Students will engage in field experience and data collection.
Students will present their case study findings
Homework
Students will prepare a case study report and analysis based on their fieldwork and group project.
Class 14
Discourse Analysis
Topics Covered
Principles of discourse analysis
Identifying discourses in texts
Analyzing discursive practices
Activities
Students will complete a practical exercise on discourse analysis using sample texts.
Students will engage in group discussions on identified discourses
Homework
Students will analyze a given text using discourse analysis methods and submit a written report.
Class 15
Case Study Method
Topics Covered
Introduction to narrative analysis
Collecting and analyzing narrative data
Applications of narrative analysis in research
Activities
Students will participate in a workshop on collecting narrative data.
Students will work in groups on analyzing narratives.
Students will present their narrative analysis findings
Homework
Students will collect narrative data from interviews or secondary sources and prepare a narrative analysis report.
Creswell, J. W. (2013). Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches. Sage.
Charmaz, K. (2014). Constructing Grounded Theory. Sage.
Yin, R. K. (2018). Case Study Research and Applications: Design and Methods. Sage.
Gee, J. P. (2014). An Introduction to Discourse Analysis: Theory and Method. Routledge.
Riessman, C. K. (2008). Narrative Methods for the Human Sciences. Sage.
Note - Classes will be conducted online, and recordings will be available for 15 days. After completing the program, students will receive a fellowship certificate. Additionally, those who choose to contribute to a book chapter will be awarded a publication certificate, which will include a DOI.
Fee Structure
Our courses are designed to provide immense value at an incredibly affordable fee. While the actual cost of the course is RS 5500, we are currently offering an early bird discounted fee of Rs 2500. We understand that financial situations vary, and if you are facing any financial difficulties, we invite you to pay what you can.
These courses are conducted on a non-profit basis, with the goal of making education accessible to everyone. However, there are significant expenses associated with running these programs that we strive to cover through these fees. Your contribution helps us continue providing quality education and support to all our students.
