Qualitative Methods

Code:

C209

Acronym:

METQL

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Scientific Research Methods

Instance: 2011/2012 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Course/CS Responsible:	Criminology

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
C	63	Oficial Study Plan LC	2	-	6	-

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

Aims:
Focusing historically the emergence and development of qualitative research
Frame the issues and the theoretical and epistemological paradigms of qualitative research
Knowing the logic and strategies of qualitative research, the steps of the research process
Knowing the application of qualitative methods in the field of criminological research
Knowing the methods of observation, interview and documentary analysis in the study of the different dimensions of the criminal phenomenon.
Knowing the methods of data analysis and qualitative techniques of content analysis.

Skills and learning outcomes:
Acquire the skills needed to analyze and discuss the different types of data
Acquire the skills of qualitative analysis in criminology
Acquire the methodological skills and basic techniques necessary to design a qualitative research project

Program

I. Introduction to qualitative research: theoretical, epistemological and methodological approach
1. Definition of qualitative research
2. Theoretical and epistemological framework of qualitative research
3. Brief historical approach to the emergence and development of qualitative research
II. Qualitative research in the study of deviance and criminal phenomenon
1. Origins and developments
2. Symbolic interactionism and ethnomethodology
III-The Process of Qualitative Research
1. The research planning
a) The importance of theory in the formulation of research questions
b) The circularity of the research process - the "Grounded Theory"
c) The theory as the world version
d) Definition of research questions
e) Strategy research: linking issues, methodologies and methods.
2. Fieldwork
3. Sampling strategies
4. Data collection
5. Analysis and interpretation of data
IV. The quality of qualitative research: objectivity, reliability and validity
V. Qualitative methods of data collection: qualitative interview (individual, focus groups, life histories), observation, document analysis
VI-The qualitative methods and techniques of analysis and interpretation of data - initiation of programs of qualitative analysis.
VII- Qualitative and quantitative research: models and combination strategies.

Teaching methods and learning activities

The equivalent distribution of the contact time between lectures and laboratory practice sessions (PL) and TC (field work), is justified by the need to develop and apply the knowledge acquired.

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Description	Type	Time (hours)	Weight (%)	End date
Attendance (estimated)	Participação presencial	55,00
	Total:	-	0,00

Eligibility for exams

a) Final exam
b) Qualitative Research Report
c) Practical exercises

Calculation formula of final grade

The final grade results from the weighted average of marks obtained at the evaluation components:

a) Final exam – 65%
b) Qualitative Research Report – 25%
c) Practical exercises – 10%

Classification improvement

Acording to school’s regulation.