PYD808 Qualitative Research Methods (2 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): PYD806  
This course familiarizes students with fundamental concepts, attitudes, and applied skills in the qualitative methodological approaches most applicable to the field of counseling psychology. Topics include critical literature analysis, the formulation of research questions, proposal development, data collection strategies, data analysis approaches, and strategies to enhance trustworthiness and rigor. Understanding of ethical issues and the development of ethical research practice procedures are emphasized throughout.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Describe the comparative strengths and weaknesses of qualitative and quantitative methods and how these approaches can be integrated.
2. Evaluate published qualitative research with an emphasis on critique of design strength, rigor, and study limitations.
3. Evaluate methodological and ethical considerations associated with employing qualitative methods.
4. Develop appropriate research questions for qualitative methods of inquiry.
5. Analyze and interpret qualitative data, presenting results in professional prose.
6. Design a qualitative research study and develop a research proposal.