This course offers an introduction to qualitative research methods, focusing on their scientific and systematic approaches to understanding the complexities of human behavior, motivations, and social contexts. Unlike quantitative methods, which emphasize numerical data and patterns, qualitative methods are uniquely suited to explore questions that resist simple quantification—questions about the processes, experiences, and dynamics that shape individual and group behavior.

The course introduces key qualitative methods, including interviews, focus groups, observational studies, and content and discourse analysis. Through case-based analysis, students will examine how qualitative methods can be used to both test existing theories as well as generate new ones from the ground up. 

The course also examines the complementary strengths of qualitative and quantitative research, enabling students to evaluate when and why each approach is most appropriate.  Ultimately, this course equips students with the tools to conduct meaningful qualitative research that contributes to better science. Whether in academic, policy, or applied settings, students will develop an appreciation for how qualitative methods address some of the most important questions in social science.

After successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Utilize key qualitative data collection methods such as interviews, focus groups, observational studies, and discourse analysis, and analyze the collected data through systematic approaches, including transcribing and coding.
• Adhere to ethical guidelines in participant recruitment, informed consent, data anonymization, and storage, while reflecting on their positionality and the role of reflexivity in shaping the research process.
• Demonstrate the scientific basis of qualitative methods by understanding how they can both test existing theories and generate new theories, as well as their relevance in academic and applied settings.
• Differentiate between qualitative and quantitative research methods, understanding their complementary strengths and recognizing when and why each approach is most appropriate.

This course is particularly beneficial for students interested in pursuing careers that require strong analytical, interpersonal, and observational skills, as well as for those planning to conduct qualitative research in their academic or professional endeavors.

Lecture


• Attendance at the lectures is strongly recommended but not mandatory. If a lecture is missed, no explanation or excuse is required.

Section

• Attendance in the sections is mandatory. This requirement is considered fulfilled if no more than two of the ten section sessions is missed.
• Absences known in advance must be communicated to the section instructor via email. An absence due to health reasons (e.g., accident or illness) will not count as an absence if a doctor’s note is provided.
• There are no make-up assignments for missed activities. Further details regarding attendance requirements will be explained during the first session of the section.

How does this course work?

• This course consists of a lecture and a section. While the lecture is attended by all 60 students, there are two sections available, each accommodating 30 students. The sections will be held on different dates and times to offer flexibility.
• In the course catalog, you will find two listings for this course, each corresponding to a different section schedule (though the lecture is identical). Be sure to register for the section that best fits your schedule, as section enrollment must be completed before the course begins and cannot be changed afterward.

Instructors

• Lecture Instructor: Prof. Jonas Bunte
• Section Instructor: Dr. Zack Zimbalist

Language

• Lecture: English
• Section: English

Course Content

• Lecture: 
  The lectures guide students through the entire process of qualitative research, starting with key data collection methods such as interviews, focus groups, observational studies, content analysis, and discourse analysis. Students will learn how to prepare for data collection (drafting interview guides, developing recruitment strategies, preparing documents, and creating observation guides) and how to conduct the data collection effectively. Lectures will also cover qualitative data analysis, from transcribing and coding to analyzing discourse, with an emphasis on systematic and replicable practices. In addition, students will engage in critical discussions on ethical challenges, the impact of positionality on the research process, and the ways qualitative and quantitative methods can complement each other in research design.
• Section:
  The section provides a hands-on learning environment where students can practice data collection and analysis methods introduced in the lectures. Using small in-class case studies and smaller projects, students will have the opportunity to apply their skills, explore qualitative research techniques in depth, and gain confidence in implementing these methods.

Didactic Approach

• Lecture:
  The lectures are designed to actively engage students through a dynamic combination of instructor-led teaching, interactive exercises, and the analysis of real-world applications of qualitative methods. The goal is to make the material both accessible and relevant, while fostering critical thinking and encouraging active participation.
• Section:
  The sections offer a practical, hands-on learning experience. Through in-class case studies and guided activities, students will “get their hands dirty” by applying qualitative methods in realistic scenarios. This interactive approach ensures that students develop the technical and analytical skills necessary to succeed in qualitative research.

Assessments in Lecture

• Repeated written assessments demonstrating careful text reading (20 points)
• Final exam (24 points)
• Optional bonus points (up to 3 points)

Assessments in Section

• Small in-class assignments (20 points)
• Three qualitative research projects (12 points each, totaling 36 points)

Final Grade

• Students can earn a maximum of 103 points in the course. A minimum of 60 points is required to pass. 
• The grading scale is as follows: Scores of 90 and above receive a grade of “1,” scores between 80 and 89.9 earn a grade of “2,” scores between 70 and 79.9 correspond to a grade of “3,” and scores between 60 and 69.9 result in a grade of “4.”

Students must register for the course via LPIS. Course enrollment is based on the 'first-come, first-served' principle. If you have registered but cannot participate in the course, please de-register via LPIS during the registration period so that your place is available to students on the waiting list. If there is a waiting list for enrollment in the course, students on the waiting list will be notified after the end of the enrollment period and will be allocated to available places. Students will be ranked by progress in their studies, not by their rank on the waiting list. This procedure, however, is not to be understood as a guarantee of class space.

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