Interpretive Methodology in Social Research

3 units

This course provides a doctoral-level introduction to interpretive methodology in social research. The course will begin with an introduction to social research that recognizes multiple epistemological and ontological perspectives on social inquiry and scientific methods. We will then situate the interpretive paradigm with respect to this philosophical landscape and consider the aims of social work, public health, and social justice-oriented research. The course will highlight dominant interpretive methodologies used to conceptualize, design, and carry out research using qualitative data and attention will also be given to mixed methods research design. Students will have opportunities to consider issues in the generation of interview-based and observation-based data, to learn how to use qualitative data analysis software, and to analyze qualitative data firsthand. Throughout the course students will be encouraged to seek out and critique interpretive-qualitative research in a substantive domain of their choice.