Qualitative Methods

Code:

C209

Acronym:

METQL

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Scientific Research Methods

Instance: 2013/2014 - 2S (since 17-02-2014 to 23-05-2014)

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	57	Oficial Study Plan LC	2	-	6	-

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

This CU aims to provide an introduction to qualitative research (QR) in social sciences and criminology. By the end of the CU, the students should have acquired:

-An overview of the emergence and developments of QR in the framework of theoretical and epistemological
paradigms in social sciences;
- Knowledge concerning the application of qualitative methods in the field of crime, deviance and social control;
- Analysis and discussion of different data types and techniques of qualitative analysis in Criminology, being aware of the ways in which methodological choices are closely linked to theoretical and conceptual issues;
-Knowledge on the process, methods and procedures of collecting and analyzing data in QR;
-Basic abilities concerning design and implementation of a QR project.

Learning outcomes and competences

Objectives

Working method

Presencial

Program

I. Introduction to QR : theoretical , epistemological and methodological approach .
1. Historical background, theoretical and epistemological framework of QR
2.The QR and the study of deviance, delinquency and social control : symbolic interactionism, ethnomethodology and empirical studies

II- The process of QR
1. The research planning
a) Theory, definition of objectives and research questions
b) Research design and types of qualitative studies
c) The circularity of the research process - The " Grounded Theory "
d) The relationship between research questions and methodological issues
2. Sampling Strategy
3.Methods of data collection: qualitative interviews, observation, documentary analysis, and focus group
4.The data analysis in QR
a)The procedures for data preparation
b)Types of qualitative data analysis
c)Introduction to content analysis

III. The quality of QR: objectivity, reliability, validity and generalisation

IV. The qualitative and quantitative research: combining models.

Mandatory literature

Bardin Laurence; Análise de conteúdo. ISBN: 978-972-44-1320-4
Denzin Norman K. 340; Handbook of qualitative research. ISBN: 0-8039-4679-1
Glaser Barney G.; The^discovery of Grounded Theory. ISBN: 0-202-30260-1
Flick Uwe; Métodos qualitativos na investigação científica. ISBN: 972-9413-67-3
Hagan Frank E.; Research methods in criminal justice and criminology. ISBN: 0-205-44739-2
Hammersley Martyn; Ethnography. ISBN: 0-415-08664-7
Krippendorff Klaus; Content analysis. ISBN: 0-7619-1545-1
Mason Jennifer; Qualitative researching. ISBN: 0-8039-8986-5
Rubin Herbert J.; Qualitative interviewing. ISBN: 0-8039-5096-9
Silverman David; Doing qualitative research. ISBN: 7619-5823-1
Kvale, S.; Interviews, Sage, 1996
Jupp, V., Davies, P.,Francis, P. (Eds.) ; Doing Criminological research, Sage, 2000
King, R., Wincup, E. (eds.); Doing research in Crime and Justice., Oxford Univ.Press, 2000

Teaching methods and learning activities

The teaching methodologies combine the presentation and discussion of syllabus with practical exercises, allowing
the acquisition of research abilities (of planning, collection methods and data analysis). This process is
complemented with the analysis and discussion of qualitative studies. The ethnographic approach is introduced by
practical exercises of observation in natural context (TC hours).

Evaluation: Distributed evaluation (DE) with final exam (FE).

Evaluation Formula:
Final Classification=0.60*FE + 0.40*DE;

The distributed evaluation component focuses on the achievement of practical exercises: i) the conception of tools
for collecting qualitative data, ii) the application of data collection methods, iii) the content analysis of the data.
Each component is classified on a scale from 0 to 20 values.
In order to conclude the CU students should obtain at least a classification of 8 values in each
component and a final classification of at least 10 values.

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Exame	60,00
Trabalho escrito	40,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Trabalho de campo
Total:	0,00

Calculation formula of final grade

Evaluation: Distributed evaluation (DE) with final exam (FE).
Formula:
Final Classification=0.60*FE + 0.40*DE;