PAM 6040 - Qualitative, Survey, and Mixed Method Approaches to Policy Research

(crosslisted) SOC 6150

Fall. 3 credits. Student option grading.

Recommended prerequisite: previous course in social science research methods. Enrollment limited to: Ph.D. students.

M. Waller.

Introduces students to theories and methods of data collection techniques such as in-depth interviews, ethnography, focus groups, and surveys as well as mixed-method approaches used in policy and evaluation research. Addresses the strengths and weaknesses of various methods and the design of qualitative and mixed-method studies. Covers epistemology, ethics, induction and deduction, measurement, validity, and triangulation. Also discusses more concrete issues such as gaining access to a field site, developing a qualitative interview guide and survey questionnaire, conducting a qualitative interview, managing data, and assessing data quality.