Advanced Qualitative Methods for Health Research

ID 584 Subject & Catalog Number

Description

This seminar-style course offers advanced training in qualitative research methods through applied and practice-based learning. Through a flexible, interactive format that is responsive to students’ stage of work, the course will provide tailored support for students planning or currently engaged in a qualitative research project outside of this class (e.g., including but not limited to, as part of their dissertation/doctoral thesis, or for a grant-funded project). A core component of the course will be to meaningfully advance each students’ project during the semester. In addition, through student-led discussion of readings, interactive exercises, and discussions with experts, we will build on introductory-level knowledge of qualitative methods to deepen understanding of how to critically, reflexively and effectively apply a broader range of qualitative methods and methodologies. The course is open to students in a range of years, programs and disciplines, and at various project stages; this creates a rich environment for dialogue, peer-to-peer learning and critical reflection.

Each seminar will typically comprise a combination of ‘works-in-progress’ discussions (where 1-2 students discuss their project with the group, and we collectively work to advance individual students’ project goals and identify generalizable insights for the group) and in-depth discussion and/or practice with a specific topic. These topics go beyond what is typically covered in introductory-level courses (e.g., analytic methods beyond thematic analysis, data generation beyond interviews and focus groups) and grapple with hot topics and areas of contention in contemporary qualitative research (e.g., use of AI in qualitative research, relational ethics in practice). We will interrogate philosophical foundations and critical approaches, ethical praxis in qualitative health research, and communicating, justifying and evaluating qualitative research. In-built flexibility enables student-led prioritization of which data generation methods, analysis approaches and hot topics we focus on to best support students’ interests/projects and to advance the knowledge and skills of the group. 

To enroll in this course, students must:

1.     Have successfully completed an introductory level qualitative methods course prior to taking this course. This may be an HSPH course – if so provide the course number; if prior qualitative methods course was taken elsewhere, students must provide details as part of the application to enroll. 

2.     Have a qualitative research project that they are actively working on, since a core component of this course will be supporting students to make substantial progress advancing that project. The project may be at any stage, from the earliest stage of beginning qualitative research design and planning, to analysis and write-up phases.

Admission Process: To be admitted into this course, students must complete a brief Course Application, describing prior qualitative methods training, the project they are working on and seek to advance through this course, their goals for the course and other information which will be used to begin the process of establishing shared values and norms for the class. Information about prior qualitative methods training and about the student’s project will determine entrance into the course. You are warmly invited to contact Dr. Emmilie Aveling if you have any questions about either pre-requisite.