Observational Methods and Qualitative Data Analysis

After delving into two primary research traditions, ethnographic inquiry and case study, this four-hour course concludes with an examination of qualitative data analysis.

The course begins with observation, a naturalistic qualitative inquiry technique where the researcher witnesses, participates in, and/or experiences the phenomenon under investigation. Developed by 20th-century anthropologists, these methods involve direct engagement in the setting of interest.

We explore ethnography’s potential to uncover cultural phenomena from rituals and traditions of groups like sports teams to understanding different ethnic cultures. The course reviews four ethnographic genres: classical, mainstream, public, and postmodern, each with distinct approaches to fieldwork and data presentation.

Next, the course examines case study methodology, which investigates a phenomenon bounded by time and place. Case studies can focus on individuals, interventions, organizations, or systems. The course highlights the importance of bounding the case to ensure a focused analysis.

The final segment covers qualitative data analysis, introducing coding techniques like initial and focused coding. Grounded theorists use these methods to develop theories grounded in participants’ lived experiences. The course emphasizes the iterative nature of qualitative research, where data collection and analysis occur simultaneously, allowing for constant comparison and refinement of codes.

Throughout the course, students will compare the purpose, focus, data gathering, and analysis methods of ethnographic inquiry and case study. They will also explore the role of the researcher as an instrument of data collection, highlighting the necessary skills, knowledge, and abilities. By the end, students will have a comprehensive understanding of how to apply these research traditions and analytic techniques to their own studies.

Learning objectives

• Describe the utility of observation, including the researcher’s positionality in the observation space.
• Identify the distinctive characteristics of ethnography and case study.
• Explore the kinds of research questions that ethnographic and case study researchers seek to answer.
• Describe qualitative coding, analysis, and integration techniques.
• Apply basic qualitative data analysis (QDA) techniques.
• Identify the distinctive characteristics of ethnography.
• Explore the kinds of research questions that ethnographers seek to answer.
• Identify the distinctive characteristics of case study.
• Explore the kinds of research questions that case study researchers seek to answer.