Interviewing Qualitative Research Methods Educators: A Study of Qualitative Research Methods Courses

Bompa, S.M. (2024) Interviewing Qualitative Research Methods Educators: A Study of Qualitative Research Methods Courses. Master thesis, Psychology.

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Abstract

Qualitative research methods (QlRM) education in the social sciences has increased in interest and amount in the past two decades. Because the qualitative framework is diverse, and the resources describing how to teach QlRM courses are still scarce and divided, questions abound regarding the challenges QlRM educators face, and the resources they employ to successfully impart qualitative teachings in quantitatively-dominated social sciences environments. To narrow in on these common questions, I conducted four individual, semi-structured interviews with educators of QlRM courses at social science departments of universities in the Netherlands. My aim was to understand how these educators structure their courses, what they consider most important in teaching about QlRM, and how their students receive their courses. I identified three themes in the thematic analysis I conducted: 1) Structuring a Qualitative Course, 2) Teaching a Qualitative Course, and 3) Parameters of QlRM Courses in Social Sciences Education. The participants also discussed how epistemological and ontological knowledge, and the academic climate of the research students are exposed to in their education affect the course content. Furthermore, the educators expressed a desire for structural opportunities to implement the qualitative framework earlier in students’ education, so students can have a more balanced perspective of research possibilities. This also opens the possibility of more in-depth exploration of QlRM in higher education. Although this study covered different social sciences, all courses were introductory-level. Future studies can investigate the prevalence, policies, and content of higher-level QlRM curriculum to explore avenues for improvement in structural implementation.

Item Type:	Thesis (Master)
Supervisor name:	Burman, J.T.
Degree programme:	Psychology
Differentiation route:	Theory and History of Psychology [Master Psychology]
Date Deposited:	09 Jul 2024 14:18
Last Modified:	09 Jul 2024 14:18
URI:	http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/3768

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