What is Qualitative Research?

What is Qualitative Research?

This course is part of Qualitative Research Methods in Psychology Specialization

Instructor: Mike Stadler, PhD

3,669 already enrolled

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6 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

52 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

4 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

6 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

52 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

4 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Understand and describe the iterative, naturalistic, and contextual facets of qualitative research.
Examine and comprehend the philosophical underpinnings and interpretive frameworks informing qualitative research.
Learn to evaluate qualitative studies by their associated rigor criteria, differing from those used to evaluate quantitative studies.

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

21 assignments

Taught in English

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This course is part of the Qualitative Research Methods in Psychology Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

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There are 6 modules in this course

This is primarily aimed at first- and second-year undergraduates interested in psychology, data analysis, and qualitative research methods along with high school students and professionals with similar interests.

This introduction to qualitative research in psychology provides an in-depth exploration of individuals' lived experiences through methods like interviews and observations. It delves into the historical, philosophical, and cross-disciplinary foundations of qualitative research, illustrating these foundations with a variety of examples, activities, and self-assessments. The course aims to foster an understanding of how qualitative inquiry adds depth and nuance to our comprehension of individual and collective human experiences. It addresses the common critiques of qualitative research and introduces the four trustworthiness criteria that researchers use in evaluating the soundness of a given qualitative study. The course also emphasizes the role of the researcher and the close relationships between the inquirer and participants in qualitative studies.

This module introduces you to your PsycLearn Essentials course. Find out what’s included in this course and how to navigate the modules and lessons. You’ll also learn valuable study tips for successful learning.

What's included

7 readings

What's included

1 reading

What's included

2 videos12 readings11 assignments

2 videos Total 9 minutes

The Nature of Qualitative Research 5 minutes
Philosophical Foundations: Ontology, Epistemology, and Axiology 4 minutes

12 readings Total 50 minutes

Qualitative Research in the World 2 minutes
The Nature of Qualitative Research 5 minutes
Qualitative Research in the World 2 minutes
Philosophical Underpinnings 3 minutes
Exploring Philosophical Foundations 3 minutes
Before Exploring Interpretive Frameworks 2 minutes
Exploring Philosophical Foundations 6 minutes
Further Exploration of Philosophical Foundations 6 minutes
Qualitative Research in the World 3 minutes
Saplings in the Hurricane 6 minutes
The LGBTQ Closet 6 minutes
Living With Very High Empathy 6 minutes

11 assignments Total 54 minutes

Check Your Understanding: The Nature of Qualitative Research 5 minutes
Check Your Understanding: An Example of Qualitative Research 5 minutes
Check Your Understanding: Foundations of Qualitative Research 3 minutes
Check Your Understanding: Philosophical Underpinnings of Qualitative Research 3 minutes
Check Your Understanding: Interpretive Frameworks Self-Assessment 3 minutes
Check Your Understanding: Interpretive Frameworks 5 minutes
Check Your Understanding: Reviewing Philosophical Assumptions and Interpretive Frameworks 5 minutes
Check Your Understanding: Saplings in the Hurricane 5 minutes
Check Your Understanding: The LGBTQ Closet 5 minutes
Check Your Understanding: Living With Very High Empathy 5 minutes
Module Quiz: Introduction to Qualitative Research 10 minutes

In the world of qualitative research, notions like validity and reliability often take on new forms. Researchers must not project one set of traditional meanings onto another, in that you cannot analyze qualitative research by quantitative standards. So what do we mean by qualitative standards of rigor? It is about making certain that the qualitative process and outcomes emulate participants’ lived experiences.

What's included

1 video6 readings9 assignments

1 video Total 4 minutes

Digging Deeper: Researcher Positioning 4 minutes

6 readings Total 38 minutes

Four Perspectives 7 minutes
A Case Study in Trustworthiness 6 minutes
Seven Approaches to Trustworthiness 10 minutes
Trustworthiness Perspectives and Strategies 5 minutes
Our Limited View of the World 2 minutes
Our Limited View of the World, continued 8 minutes

9 assignments Total 50 minutes

Check Your Understanding: Four Perspectives 4 minutes
Check Your Understanding: A Case Study in Trustworthiness 5 minutes
Check Your Understanding: Strategies to Promote Trustworthiness 5 minutes
Check Your Understanding: Applying Strategies to Promote Trustworthiness 3 minutes
Practice One 8 minutes
Practice Two 5 minutes
Practice Three 5 minutes
Practice Four 5 minutes
Module Quiz: Standards of Rigor in Qualitative Research 10 minutes

Complete the final course assessment.

What's included

1 reading1 assignment

This module provides a variety of information and tools from the American Psychological Association (APA) that will help inspire you as you complete your coursework and plan your career goals. Explore APA resources on various psychological issues and scholarly research and writing; a list of sites providing valuable resources on diversity, equity, and inclusion in psychology education and in the professional community; resources on a career in psychology; and links to career opportunities at the APA.

What's included

8 readings

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Instructor

Instructor ratings

(14 ratings)

Mike Stadler, PhD

American Psychological Association

14 Courses 19,021 learners

Offered by

American Psychological Association

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Reviewed on Jul 5, 2024

Important information applicable to psychological research topics.

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2024

Easy to understand -wish I had done this course when i was a freshman!

Reviewed on Oct 3, 2024

It was highly informative! Was a great refresher. Thank you!

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Frequently asked questions

To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.

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