Qualitative Methods

Methods you should understand. Be able to briefly explain and list one benefit and one drawback to each "method" (a couple are really collections of methods).

Very general information about communication research methods

General information about qualitative research methods

• Case studies
  • Quick overview of case studies
  • NIH case study explanation
  • Step by step guide to case study research
• Focus Groups
  • NIH document about how to do focus groups
  • Developing focus group questions
  • Conducting focus groups
• Ethnography/Participant Observation (from complete observer to complete participant)
  • Overview of four types of participant observation
  • More indepth information regarding using participant observation
• Interviews
  • University of Leicester tips for doing interviews
  • Harvard's Sociology Department - how to write interview questions

Related concepts - which of the above methods do these relate to? What are they? Why should we care?

• Reflexivity
• Reactivity
• Exiting
• Saturation Point
• Natural settings
• Structure of an interview: from fully to semi to unstructured

Be prepared to discuss the method you would use, the reason for choosing that method, and the steps involved in implementing the method to answer the following RQ: What concerns/fears do Purdue Fort Wayne students have about learning during COVID?

 

COM 582 Descriptive and Experimental Research in Communication

Office: KT 176 --- Phone: 481-6558

Office hours: M 4:00 - 5:30 - please sign up for an appointment

Questions? Email Dr. Dixson