There's a Story Everywhere:
Making Sense of Texts and Media

Course Description

While analytics often imply the use of predictive models, research problems do not always allow researchers to use quantitative methods. In this course, we look at problems that require a qualitative approach through an introduction to qualitative methods, hands on analysis of qualitative data, and discussion of ethics involved in empirical inquiry.

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, you will be able to:

Course Resources

There is no required textbook for this course. All readings are linked from the D2L course site or on the internet.

Required Software

Subscription to dedoose (a cross-platform app for analyzing qualitative and mixed methods research with text, photos, audio, videos, spreadsheet data). Go to http://www.dedoose.com/pricing-and-features/ and sign up. The first month is free, and after that you are eligible for a discounted rate. Be sure to note the email address and username you use when creating your account - your instructor will need this information.

Course Competencies

In this course, you will develop the following competencies:

Competence

Competence Statement and Criteria

S1X

Can implement technology solutions to analyse qualitative problems.

FX

Can design and execute a qualitative analysis of problems related to business, social science, natural science, humanities, or art.

A3X

Can interpret the meaning of qualitative findings by relating to significant thinkers, worldviews, cultures or theories.

DA

Taken as part of the Decision Analytics program.

Assessment

Grading Category

% of Final Grade

Summary/Critique

15%

CITI Training

10%

Discussion (x4)

20%

Project Proposal

15%
Project (Paper)

30%
ePortfolio

10%
TOTAL 100%

Course Schedule

Module

Readings

Assignments

Module 1:Qualitative vs Quantitative Methods
  • Hoepfl, Marie. (1997). Choosing Qualitative Research. A Primer for Technology Education Researchers. Journal of Technology Education, Vol. 9 (1).
  • Trauth, E. (2000). Qualitative Methods in IS Research. In Qualitative Research in IS: Issues and Trends. Hershey, PA: Idea Group Publishing.

1.1 Introduction Reflections on Qualitative vs Quantitative Methods Discussion

 

 

Module 2: Qualitative Critique
  • Savenye, Wilhelmina C. and Robinson, Rhonda S. (2001) Qualitative Research Issues and Methods
  • Taylor, C and Gibbs, G R (2010) "What Is Qualitative Data Analysis?"

2.1 Summary and Critique of Qualitative Summary

Module 3: Identifying a Qualitative Research Problem
  • Taylor, C and Gibbs, G R (2010) "Preparing data"
  • (For Graduate Learners Only ) Gibbs, G R (2010) "Writing as Analysis"

3.1 Brainstorming Session Discussion

Module 4: Setting Up The Project
  • Dedoose Walkthrough 1
  • Dedooose User Guide- Read the sections listed below:

    1. Introduction to Qualitative and mixed Methods Research

    2. Getting Started

    3. Quick Start Guide

    4. Importing

    5. Media

    6. The Code Tree
  • Gibbs, G R (2010) "Writing as Analysis"

4.1 Term Project Project Part I

 

Module 5: Coding 1
  • Taylor, C and Gibbs, G R (2010) "How and What To Code"

5.1 Term Project Paper

 

Module 6: Coding II
  • Taylor, C., Gibbs, G R, and Lewis, A. (2010) "How To Code"
  • Dedoose Walkthrough 2

  • Dedooose User Guide- Read the sections listed below:

    1. Excerpting and Coding

    2. Descriptors

    3. Memos

6.1 Final Term Project Topics Discussion

Begin working on the final project term paper that is due in week 11.$

Module 7: Analysis I
  • Dedoose Walkthrough 3

  • Dedooose User Guide- Only read the section listed below:

    1. Analyze

     

Continue working on the final project term paper that is due in week 11.

 

Module 8: Analysis II
  • Dedoose Walkthrough 3

  • Dedooose User Guide- Only read the section listed below:

    1. Analyze

     

Continue working on the final project term paper that is due in week 11.

8.1 Reflecting On Your Experience Discussion

 

Module 9: Research Ethics
  • Taylor, C., Gibbs, G R, and Lewis, A. (2010) "Quality of Qualitative Data Analysis"
  • CITI Training

     

Continue working on the final project term paper that is due in week 11.

9.1 CITI Training

 

Module 10: Project Showcase and Reflection
  • DePaul Digication Resources

     

 

10.1 Digication/ePortfolio

 

Course Policies

College and University Policies

This course includes and adheres to the college and university policies described in the links below:

Academic Integrity Policy (UGRAD)

Academic Integrity Policy (GRAD)

Incomplete Policy

Course Withdrawal Timelines and Grade/Fee Consequences

Accommodations Based on the Impact of a Disability

Protection of Human Research Participants

APA citation format (GRAD)

Additional Course Resources

University Center for Writing-based Learning

SNL Writing Guide

Dean of Students Office

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