Qualitative Research Course Series
At A Glance
Course Description | Sample Projects | CBO Requirements | Application & Project Dates |
Students conduct qualitative research projects in partnership with local CBOs. Students then develop a research plan to address these questions, conduct the research and analyze the findings to then share with the CBO. 4-6 students per project. | The American Red Cross: Why do Red Cross Volunteers Drop Out of Volunteer Work? | CBO must identify research questions that can be addressed using exploratory, qualitative methods, meet with students at project inception to develop a research plan that meets both CBO needs & course’s learning objectives, and facilitate access to interviewees as appropriate | Application Period: Duration: October - May |
Course Overview
Qualitative Research 3-part Course Series: Qualitative Research Theory and Methods Qualitative Data Analysis, and Practicum
The qualitative research course series is designed to introduce students to qualitative research theory and methods (such as in- depth interviewing, focus groups, and participant observation) and qualitative data analysis. Students form teams of 4-6 students and conduct qualitative research projects in partnership with local community-based organizations. Organizations provide research questions which can be best answered through exploratory, qualitative methods. Students then develop a research plan to address these questions, conduct the research and analyze the findings to present back to the organization.
Participating CBOs will be expected to:
- Identify research questions that will be helpful for the community organization and that can be addressed using qualitative methods.
- Meet with students to develop a research plan that meets the needs of both the community organization and the learning objectives for the course. (The course requires all projects to include one-on-one, in-depth interviews plus one or more additional methods of data collection such as focus groups, participant observation, etc.)
- Facilitate access to interviewees as appropriate (many organizations will want students to interview clients, staff, etc.).
- Communicate regularly with students during the course of the two terms to ensure smooth flow of activities and to ensure that organization needs are met.
Students will be expected to:
- Outline a set of objectives to discuss with the organization at the start of the project.
- Communicate clearly with the organization (e.g. delineate what help they need from the organization to facilitate meeting with interviewees, etc.).
- Provide a report or give a presentation to the organization to disseminate the results.
The community-based organization will receive:
- Report of findings in the form of a written report and brief PowerPoint presentation, or another format that is agreed to by both the students and the organization.
Examples of Past Projects
- The American Red Cross: Why do Red Cross volunteers drop out of volunteer work?
- The International Rescue Committee: What is the experience of refugees with disabilities living in Baltimore?
- SquashWise: What are the experiences of students, parents, and teachers associated with the Squashwise after school program?