Course Summary
This course teaches the fundamentals of qualitative data collection methods, including interviews, focus groups, and observation. Students will learn how to design and conduct qualitative research studies.Key Learning Points
- Explore the various methods of qualitative data collection
- Understand the strengths and limitations of different qualitative data collection methods
- Learn how to design and conduct qualitative research studies
Related Topics for further study
Learning Outcomes
- Develop a solid understanding of qualitative data collection methods
- Be able to design and conduct qualitative research studies
- Understand the strengths and limitations of different qualitative data collection methods
Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course
- Basic familiarity with research methods
- Access to a computer with internet
Course Difficulty Level
IntermediateCourse Format
- Online
- Self-paced
Similar Courses
- Applied Qualitative Research Methods
- Qualitative Research Methods
Related Education Paths
Related Books
Description
This course presents a detailed overview of qualitative methods of data collection, including observation, interviews, and focus group discussions. We will start with an in-depth overview of each method, explore how to plan for data collection, including developing data collection guides, and discuss techniques for managing data collection. For observation, we’ll focus on approaches with low levels of interaction with people and the environment (e.g. non-participant observation). We’ll talk about note-taking strategies, the use of observation guides, and approaches to writing up fieldnotes. For interviews, we’ll discuss development of effective question guides and demonstrate interviewing techniques. For focus group discussions, we’ll highlight moderation strategies and how to integrate activities into question guides to promote interaction in the group setting. Finally, we’ll briefly discuss the transcription process for recorded interviews and focus group discussions. Learners of this course will not only be able to put what they learn into practice, but they'll also develop a portfolio of qualitative research materials for career advancement.
Outline
- Observation
- Welcome to the Course!
- A Look at This Week
- Using Observation
- Fieldnotes
- Observation #1
- Observation #2
- Graded Observation
- Course Outline and Grading Information
- Qualitative Research Design & Data Collection
- Resources for Conducting Observations
- [Prep] Observation Activity
- Sample Observation #1 Notes
- Practice
- Week 1
- Interviews
- A Look at This Week
- Interviewing As a Familiar Process - But Different
- Types, Phases, & Questions of an Interview
- Developing an Interview Guide
- Successful Interviewing Strategies
- Qualitative Interview Structure [Handout]
- Resources for Qualitative Interviewing
- Practice
- Focus Group Discussions
- A Look at This Week
- The History & Uses of Focus Group Discussions
- Planning a Focus Group Discussion
- Moderating
- Designing Activities
- Mock Demonstration
- The Focus Group Methodology
- Developing a Focus Group Guide
- Facilitating Activities
- Keep in Mind
- Practice
- Transcription
- A Look at This Week
- Transcription As a Process of Data Reduction
- Transcription Standards
- De-Identification & Working in Multilingual Contexts
- Candace Girod: Menstrual Hygiene Management at Schools in Nairobi, Kenya
- Wendy Avila: Exclusive Breast-Feeding among Women in Managua, Nicaragua
- Jasmine Kelly: Maternal & Child Nutrition in Rural Tanzania
- Transcription Resources
- Interview Series
- Practice
- Week 4
Summary of User Reviews
Learn about qualitative data collection methods with this comprehensive Coursera course. Students praise the course's engaging and informative content, which covers key aspects of qualitative research such as interviews and observation. However, some users note that the course can be time-consuming and that the quizzes can be overly difficult.Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course
engaging and informative contentPros from User Reviews
- Comprehensive coverage of qualitative data collection methods
- Engaging and informative content
- Clear and concise lectures
- Helpful assignments and quizzes
Cons from User Reviews
- Time-consuming course
- Quizzes can be overly difficult
- Some technical issues with the platform
- Limited interaction with instructors
- Some users found the course too basic