Historical & Qualitative
Research Methods
07/16/09

Qualitative Research
Procedures
• are generally inductive during data
gathering and analysis.
• are useful for analyzing complex
phenomena about which there is little
certain knowledge.
07/16/09

Qualitative Research
Procedures
• Fieldwork and observation: (e.g., covert
participant observation, unconcealed
observation, informants etc.)
• Interviewing: unstructured, partially
structured, semistructured, structured,
totally structured.
07/16/09

Qualitative / Quantitative
Research Procedures
• Historical studies: may blend both
qualitative methods and quantitative
analysis to address research questions.
• Evaluation studies : seek to improve a
program, policy or assess its value.
• Action research: seeks to improve practice
07/16/09

Group (3-5 persons)
Assignment
• Describe how 1-3 proposal topics in your
group might be examined in an historical
context.
• Develop a list of 2-3 potential research and
related subsidiary questions suitable for
dissertation. See Madsen pp. 55+ and
Patton pp. 284+ for guidance.
07/16/09