Syllabus
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
EDU 802 Qualitative Research Methods – Summer B 2021
Credits - 3
Description
Qualitative research provides field-focused, interpretative, detailed descriptions of participants and their settings. Students identify and implement research methods, developing a set of skills to critically observe individuals and communities, interview participants, and examine artifacts typically used in qualitative studies. Examination of one’s role within the research setting is informed by engaging in critical reflection. Students evaluate qualitative methods that align with their proposed research study purpose.
Course Objectives
Examine the philosophical underpinnings of qualitative research methods, modes of problem conceptualization, and research design. Conduct initial data collection, data analysis, and presentations of findings. Identify the central tenets of qualitative research, potential research questions, and pertinent scholarship on a variety of qualitative approaches. Use qualitative analysis in the process of transforming your organization and consider the use of qualitative approaches for future research.
Materials
Learning Objectives and Outcomes
Student Learning Outcomes
- Articulate values and beliefs about qualitative research approaches through systematic inquiry and critical reflection.
- Design, justify, and pilot research questions to inform interview and focus group inquiry.
- Describe field-based qualitative data collection processes and personal experiences that inform a focused inquiry and leading organizational change.
- Use peer review and advice, coaching and critique to improve and refine research skills
- Apply critical reflection strategies to explore both the self as researcher and one’s relationship to a site of study.
- Critique and select qualitative research methodologies to align with proposed studies.
- Define and justify preferred methods of data collection and analyses in relation to a proposed research study.
Assignments
Whole Class and Small Group Discussion Boards
Students will be required to respond to prompts related to course materials and engage with colleagues in the course with responses to classmates’ posts to support understanding and the co-construction of knowledge.
Purpose Statement
Students will write a purpose statement for the upcoming interview.
Interview Protocol
Students will design an interview questionnaire/guide.
Coding Assignment
Students will code interview transcript data.
Structured Abstract
In this course, students will be drafting a structured abstract for a Qualitative Study Written Report final assignment. The first part of the Report is the Abstract.
The Structured Abstract should be between 200-400 words and should include all of these components: Background/Context; Purpose/Objective/Research Question/Focus of Study; Setting; Participants; Research Design; Data Collection and Analysis; Findings; and Conclusions.
Final Report
Students will write the report in 2,000 words or less (including references page, tables, charts, etc.) following APA format and including the following elements:
- Title
- Structured Abstract
- Objective or purposes
- Research methods, design & techniques
- Findings and conclusions
Grading Policy
Your grade in this course will be determined by the following criteria:
Grade Breakdown
| ASSIGNMENTS | POINTS |
|---|---|
| Purpose Statement | 5 |
| Interview Protocol | 10 |
| Coding Assignment | 10 |
| Structured Abstract | 10 |
| Final Report | 30 |
| Discussions | 35 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
Grading
The criteria for all courses in the Ed. D. program are described in the modules and/or rubrics. Assignments will include guidelines with rubrics, descriptions of expectations, or examples, and include point values. Coursework will be assessed and graded using individual evaluation protocols that are provided for the three major assignments. Final “grades” will reflect the following schema:
- High Pass (HP): Work that exceeds all or most of the criteria of the respective assignment. To receive a high pass the work must demonstrate exceptional command and display of all or most required elements (95 – 100);
- Pass (P): Work that meets all requirements and expectations as specified in assignments, and is fully satisfactory in every respect (80 – 94);
- Low Pass (LP): Work is deemed unsatisfactory (70 – 79).
Note** The instructor will determine if an assignment may be revised and resubmitted for rescoring. Candidates may proceed to subsequent courses in the curriculum with one LP grade, and although there is no failing grade, a second LP course grade results in termination from the doctoral program.
All assignments are to be completed in a timely manner with appropriate accuracy, detail, thought and reflection fitting of doctoral-level degree candidates. All assignments (done in writing or with other media applications) are graded on the basis of faculty assessment of a student’s ability to accurately apply concepts from readings, organization, and mechanics. Please note: all submitted documents must be saved in Microsoft Word/Excel/PowerPoint in order for them to transmit successfully. All work must be properly identified and include author(s)’ name(s). Submit all written work in APA style.
Schedule
This is only a tentative schedule and is meant to give you a bird’s eye view. The activities and assignments may change at the discretion of the instructor.
|
Week and Dates |
Topic |
Activities & Assignments |
Deadlines |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Week 1 Jun 23 – Jun 27 |
Course Overview Defining Qualitative Research |
Review Course Syllabus Read:
Whole Class Discussion Forum for Week 1 Offline Assignment: Personal Research Journal – Entry #1 |
Discussion Initial post to prompt is due by 11:59 PM ET FRIDAY Discussion responses to peers by 11:59 PM ET Sunday |
|
Week 2 Jun 28 – Jul 4 |
Choosing a Research Design from Qualitative Methodology |
Read:
Whole Class Discussion – Purpose Statement Assignment: Complete Purpose Statement Worksheet |
Discussion Initial post to prompt is due by 11:59 PM ET WEDNESDAY Discussion responses to peers by 11:59 PM ET Sunday Purpose Statement Worksheet submitted by 11:59 PM ET Sunday |
|
Week 3 Jul 5 – Jul 11 |
Research Questions |
Read:
Small Group Discussion – Research Reflection |
Discussion Initial post to prompt is due by 11:59 PM ET WEDNESDAY Discussion responses to peers by 11:59 PM ET Sunday |
|
Week 4 Jul 12 – Jul 18 |
The Semi-Structured Interview and Human Subject Protection |
Read:
Assignment: Interview Protocol and Questions |
Discussion Initial post to prompt is due by 11:59 PM ET WEDNESDAY Discussion responses to peers by 11:59 PM ET Sunday Interview Protocol and Questions by 11:59 PM ET Sunday |
|
Week 5 Jul 19 – Jul 25 |
Coding Qualitative Data |
Read:
Small Group Discussion Coding Assignment |
Discussion Initial post to prompt is due by 11:59 PM ET WEDNESDAY Discussion responses to peers by 11:59 PM ET Sunday Coding Assignment by 11:59 PM ET Sunday |
|
Week 6 Jul 26 – Aug 1 |
Identifying Analytical Themes and Patterns |
Read:
Theme-Building Discussion Structured Abstract Assignment |
Initial post to discussion board by 11:59 PM ET WEDNESDAY Responses posted for 2 others by 11:59 PM ET FRIDAY Structured Abstract submitted by 11:59 PM ET Sunday |
|
Week 7 Aug 2 – Aug 8 |
Final Report |
Read:
Assignment: Final Research Report Whole-class discussion |
Initial post to discussion board by 11:59 PM ET WEDNESDAY Responses posted for 2 others by 11:59 PM ET FRIDAY Final Research Report submitted by 11:59 PM ET Sunday |
|
Week 8 Aug 9 – Aug 15 |
Reflections |
Read: Selections from Creswell, Ch. 13-15 Whole Class DB – Final Reflection Course Evaluation |
Discussion post to prompt is due by 11:59 PM ET FRIDAY There are no response posts this week.
|
Student Resources
Online Student Support
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Any student who would like to request, or ask any questions regarding, academic adjustments or accommodations must contact the Student Access Center at (207) 221-4438 or pcstudentaccess@une.edu. Student Access Center staff will evaluate the student's documentation and determine eligibility of accommodation(s) through the Student Access Center registration procedure.
Online Peer Support
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Information Technology Services (ITS)
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ITS Contact: Toll-Free Help Desk 24 hours/7 days per week at 1-877-518-4673.
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Policies
The University of New England offers various writing supports as part of the Writing Resource Program provided by the Student Academic Success Center (SASC):
- Writing Workshops (in-person, on campus) http://www.une.edu/studentlife/portland/sasc/writing-program/writing-outreach
- Student Academic Success Center Writing Support, including online writing assistance and in-person, on campus tutors http://www.une.edu/studentlife/portland/sasc/writing-program/writing-support
- Online Writing Resources: http://www.une.edu/studentlife/portland/sasc/writing-program/writing-links
AI Use
The Graduate Programs in Education holds the position that Grammarly and other AI writing and generative technology should not be used when completing course assignments, unless explicitly permitted by course faculty and assignment instructions. These tools do not support a student’s personal and direct capacity to develop and hone skills in creativity, logic, critical thinking, analysis, evaluation, theorization, and writing, which are central to graduate-level rigor, assessment, and research. Use of these tools when not explicitly permitted may result in an academic integrity infraction.
Turnitin Originality Check and Plagiarism Detection Tool
The College of Professional Studies uses Turnitin to help deter plagiarism and to foster the proper attribution of sources. Turnitin provides comparative reports for submitted assignments that reflect similarities in other written works. This can include, but is not limited to, previously submitted assignments, internet articles, research journals, and academic databases.
Make sure to cite your sources appropriately as well as use your own words in synthesizing information from published literature. Webinars and workshops, included early in your coursework, will help guide best practices in APA citation and academic writing.
You can learn more about Turnitin in the guide on how to navigate your Similarity Report.
Technology Requirements
Please review the technical requirements for UNE Online Graduate Programs
Course Evaluation Policy
Course surveys are one of the most important tools the University of New England uses for evaluating the quality of your education, and for providing meaningful feedback to instructors on their teaching. In order to assure that the feedback is both comprehensive and precise, we need to receive it from each student for each course. Evaluation access is distributed via UNE email at the beginning of the last week of the course.
Information Technology Services (ITS)
ITS Contact: Toll Free Help Desk 24 hours/7 days per week at 1-877-518-4673
Late Policy
Assignments: Late assignments will be accepted up to 3 days late; however, there is a 10% grade reduction (from the total points) for the late submission. After three days the assignment will not be accepted.
Discussion posts: If the initial post is submitted late, but still within the discussion board week, there will be a 10% grade reduction from the total discussion grade (e.g., a 3 point discussion will be reduced by 0.3 points). Any posts submitted after the end of the Discussion Board week will not be graded.
Please make every effort ahead of time to contact your instructor and your student support specialist if you are not able to meet an assignment deadline. Arrangements for extenuating circumstances may be considered by faculty.
Attendance Policy
8 week: Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Sunday at 11:59 pm ET of the first week of the term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean's Office.
16 week: Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Friday at 11:59 pm ET of the second week of the term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean's Office.
Student Handbook Online - Policies and Procedures
The policies contained within this document apply to all students in the College of Professional Studies. It is each student's responsibility to know the contents of this handbook.
UNE Course Withdrawal
Please contact your student support specialist if you are considering dropping or withdrawing from a course. The last day to drop for 100% tuition refund is the 2nd day of the course. Financial Aid charges may still apply. Students using Financial Aid should contact the Financial Aid Office prior to withdrawing from a course.
Academic Integrity
The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable. For information about plagiarism and academic misconduct, please visit UNE Plagiarism Policies.
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:
- Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
- Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
- Action which destroys or alters the work of another student.
- Multiple submissions of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.
- Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.
Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations. Appeal of a decision may be made to the Dean whose decision will be final. Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in the student handbook.