Qualitative Methods
This course introduces the core principles, strategies, and approaches of qualitative research. Designed for students and professionals across the social sciences, health, education, and related fields, it provides a practical foundation in qualitative research design, sampling, data collection, coding, and analysis. Learners will explore common theoretical frameworks (such as interpretivism, symbolic interactionism, and grounded theory), and gain hands-on insight into techniques like inductive coding, thematic analysis, and reflexive thinking.
Through clear examples and step-by-step guidance, this course equips learners with the skills to design, conduct, and interpret rigorous qualitative studies. No prior experience with qualitative methods is required.
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Understand key qualitative research frameworks and paradigms.
- Choose appropriate sampling and data collection strategies.
- Apply inductive coding and thematic analysis techniques.
- Reflect on researcher influence through reflexivity and positionality.
- Interpret and communicate qualitative findings effectively.
This course is designed for graduate students, early-career researchers, and professionals in the social sciences, health, education, and related fields who want to deepen their understanding of qualitative research. It is suitable for those new to qualitative methods as well as those seeking a stronger foundation in design, analysis, and interpretation.
Rudes, D. (2025). Qualitative Methods. Justice Community Overdose Innovation Network Coordination and Translation Center. https://www.jcoinctc.org/courses/qualitative-methods/.
qualitative research, qualitative methods, research design, thematic analysis, inductive coding, grounded theory, interview analysis, social science research, sampling strategies, interpretivism, research paradigms, theoretical frameworks, qualitative data, coding qualitative data, data analysis in research
