ENVI 5023

The analysis of qualitative data is a rigorous practice that few research students get experience with before they collect their own data. Qualitative data is not synonymous with “data about people” – it is descriptive, observational or graphical data about any phenomenon that defies measurement – but we will focus in this course on understanding the human experience. Prior exposure to the theories and techniques of qualitative data analysis can improve research design and execution. This course will combine theory and practice. Theory will include research design, data collection, and analytical approaches. Practice will involve analyzing a small dataset for themes, and interpreting those themes. Throughout, students will carry out a small-scale research project with secondary data, including a research proposal backed up by literature, a coding protocol informed by theory, interpretation and writing up the findings. Students who are undertaking or planning to undertake independent research with and/or about people, and have some background in general research methods, will find it a particularly good fit.