Qualitative Approaches to Scientific Inquiry

This course provides a comprehensive examination of qualitative research methodologies, including qualitative description, grounded theory, ethnography, and narrative inquiry. Students will critically examine the philosophical underpinnings of these approaches and their application to scientific inquiry. Emphasis is placed on designing qualitative studies, with a focus on sampling strategies, data collection techniques, data analysis processes, and the representation of findings. The course also addresses essential considerations for ensuring validity and rigor, ethical research practices, and strategies for managing challenges in qualitative research.