RCSC696E

029271

The purpose of the seminar is to introduce students to the philosophy of science, theoretical, strategic, and methodological dimensions of qualitative data collection and analysis. Students will read in the foundational disciplines (anthropology and sociology) as well as applications in retailing and other applied disciplines. Books, articles, and how-to volumes will be assigned. The course will focus on workbench issues, enabling students to experience first hand the complexities and delights of the research process. Helping students understand what data to collect, when to collect it, how to collect it, and what to do with it once they've got it are central aims of the seminar. Key techniques employing both interviewing and observational procedures of data collection will be explored. Students will collect their own data, and work with existing databases. Students are encouraged to develop research instruments and collect data germane to dissertation, thesis, or other research projects. This course is designed as a complement to other graduate courses in theory construction, research design, and data analysis.

GRD - Regular Grades A, B, C, D, E

Graduate