I teach this course with dr. I. Wilmont.
Upon completion of this course, the students are able to describe methods for collection and analysis of qualitative data; discuss the applicability of these methods in a given case; discuss methodological aspects of qualitative research, including credibility and ethical issues; make use of software for qualitative data analysis, in particular Atlas.ti carry out an exemplary (small-scale) qualitative study and report on the findings.
How do you get reliable findings when the research topic cannot be captured in a mathematical formula, a test tube, or a computer program? How would you research, for example, properties of IT stakeholders and organisations: their (user) behaviour, opinions, attitudes, interaction, language, and communication? A researcher in the field of information science creates bridges between typical social or management issues (organisational context, documentation) and formal and physical issues (exact science, engineering, technology).
In this course we explore research methods and techniques relevant to information sciences, with a strong emphasis on qualitative research. Apart from theoretical aspects, we will pay attention to applications of the methods and to the use of software for qualitative data analysis.
Lecture Tutorial Self-study
Master
Students are familiar with basic methodological principles of scientific research, comparable to the Computer Science Bachelor’s course Research Methods. (NWI-IBI007). They are able to review scientific literature, formulate research questions, select an appropriate strategy, translate (‘operationalize’) research questions in terms of data collection and data analysis methods, compose a research plan.
Report on a qualitative research analysis conducted in pairs. Oral exam based on the student’s analysis report, including the findings of the project.
Boeije, H. (2009). Analysis in qualitative research. Los Angeles: Sage. ISBN 978-1-84787-007-0