Spring 2018 - IAT 801 G200

Qualitative Research Methods and Design (3)

Class Number: 13138

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

Course Times + Location:

Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Mon, 1:30–4:20 p.m.
Surrey

Instructor:
Thecla Schiphorst
thecla@sfu.ca

An introduction to qualitative research practices. Covers structures of research that are prevalent across and at the intersection of the areas of art, design, media, human-computer interaction and information studies, introduces research methodologies and tools, and teaches methods for interdisciplinary work. This course will foster a critical discourse among differences in approaches to research.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will focus on methodologies associated with qualitative research practices including observation, interviews, data collection, interpretation and analysis. It critically positions the context of worldviews and values of qualitative research and applies these to a range of qualitative approaches applicable to students in the School of Interactive Arts & Technology. These approaches include Phenomenology, Micro-Phenomenology, Narrative Research, Grounded Theory, Ethnography, Case Study, Research Through Design, Practice-Based and Art as Research, as well as Activity Theory & Discourse Analysis.

Students will investigate the application of qualitative methods in the context of interdisciplinary research focusing on technology design and use. An acknowledgement of researcher’s role as an instrument in observational research is coupled with a survey of approaches to research design. Students will develop a research design, by selecting a qualitative methodology and appropriate data collection methods based upon their area of interest.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Develop a research topic and a research design that supports qualitative inquiry and analysis.
Explore a range of qualitative research methodologies in the context of SIAT research.
Select and critically apply qualitative methods in the context of technology design, analysis and use.
Design an interview guide for a structured, semi-structured interview or focus group, and use that guide in the field to gather qualitative date
Develop, practice and refine observational skills including participant observation the service of data collection, analysis and interpretation.
Participate in Interdisciplinary dialogue and critique through peer review.
Identify and critically articulate one's own research in oral and written form.
Identify and critically articulate others' research outside of one's area of specialization, by recognizing, analyzing and summarizing research objectives, context, methods, and validity issues.
Develop knowledge through the experience of creativity, invention and discovery.

Grading

Seminar Participation 10%
Weekly Assignments 10%
Group Presentation 10%
Midterm Exam 10%
Qualitative Data Gathering + Analysis Interview 20%
Final Research Design & Presentation (Individual Presentation - Colloquium 2 Dec) 15%
Final Research Design & Presentation (Individual Final Research Proposal/Paper) 25%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Required Readings (available in SFU Bookstore; material will be provided online)

REQUIRED READING:

Maxwell, Joseph, A., (2012), Qualitative Research Design: an Interactive Approach, 3rd Edition; Sage Publications
ISBN: 9781412981194

Booth, W.C., Colomb, G.G., Williams, J.M., Bizup, J., FitzGerald, W.T. (2016). The Craft of Research, The University of Chicago Press, Fourth Edition http://www.press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/C/bo5821939.html
ISBN: 9780226239736

Cresswell, J. (2017). Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches, Edition 4, Sage Publications.
ISBN: 9781506330204

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

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Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

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