Qualitative Methods

Code:

C209

Acronym:

METQL

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Scientific Research Methods

Instance: 2016/2017 - 2S (since 13-02-2017 to 26-05-2017)

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	44	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 considering 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

See Objectives.

Working method

Presencial

Program

I. Introduction to QR: theoretical, epistemological, methodological and ethical approaches:
1. Historical background and theoretical and epistemological framework of QR;
2.The QR in the study of crime, deviance and social control.

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 relationship between research questions and methodological issues;
d) The circularity of the research process.

2. Sampling strategies.

3. Methods of data collection:
a) Observation;
b) Qualitative interview;
c) The use of documents in QR.

4. Data analysis in QR:
a) Procedures for data preparation;
b) Types of qualitative data analysis.

III. Quality issues in QR.

IV. 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
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
King, R., Wincup, E. (eds.); Doing research in Crime and Justice., Oxford Univ.Press, 2000
Krippendorff Klaus; Content analysis. ISBN: 0-7619-1545-1
Kvale, S.; Interviews, Sage, 1996
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
King Roy D. 340; Doing research on crime and justice. ISBN: 978-0-19-928762-8

Complementary Bibliography

Glaser Barney G.; The^discovery of Grounded Theory. ISBN: 0-202-30260-1
Hammersley Martyn; Ethnography. ISBN: 0-415-08664-7

Teaching methods and learning activities

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

The distributed evaluation component focuses on the achievement of the following practical exercises: i) Conception of tools for collecting data; ii) Application of one data collection method; iii) Analysis of data. The other evalutation component consists on a final exam.


Attendance conditions: Cf. general regulations.

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

Evaluation Formula: DE*0.4 + FE*0.6.

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	0,00
Total:	0,00

Calculation formula of final grade

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

Evaluation formula: DE*0.4 + FE*0.6.

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.

(See Knowledge Assessment Regulation of the First Cycle of Studies in Criminology of the Faculty of Law of Universidade do Porto)

Classification improvement

Classification improvement is performed through an exam, and the final classification also includes distributed evaluation according to the above-mentioned formula.