CSO 302: Qualitative Research Methods ~ Course Outline and Reading List, June-September 2018 | Regular and Module II Programmes

COURSE OBJECTIVE:

To highlight the value-adding proposition of qualitative methods in social science research.

COURSE DESCRIPTION/CONTENT:

The subject-matter and historical context of qualitative research methods (QRM). The importance of qualitative methods to knowledge-generation, and understanding of the workings of diverse social forces operating in 21^st century society. A selection of theoretical/methodological perspectives and debates integral to doing qualitative research, such as: ‘big data’ analytics, chronology v. dialectics, deductive-inductive-abductive reasoning, ethnomethodology, grounded theory, naturalistic observation v. participant observation, phenomenology, ontology, “rules of sociological method” and symbolic interactionism. Design, classification, and implementation of selected methods of data collection, which include: case study, comparative method, ethnography, predictive analytics, and triangulation. Qualitative data analysis methods or techniques – including comparative analysis, content analysis, hermeneutics, SWOT analysis, systematic review, and thick description – and criteria for matching them with the stated research needs and goals. Elements of proposal writing. All of these should yield insights into the systematic analysis, synthesis and reporting of actual research data. 1 Unit.

Click Here For the Complete Course Outline and Reading List

Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods | CSO 302

Qualitative Research Methods is a third-year course in the Department of Sociology and Social Work at the University of Nairobi. The course, taught under code CSO 302, underscores the contribution of qualitative methods to knowledge-generation, scientific and policy-based problem-solving, and deeper understanding of the social forces operating in 21st century society. A course on methods is by definition a methodology course. However, the two concepts mean different (though related) things -- and the difference is worth our while to know. 

READ: On the Difference Between Method and Methodology.

We can trace the origins of qualitative methods back to the deep, millennia-long past of human existence -- the ontological/ existential/proto-naturalistic past -- which preceded even the first stage in Auguste Comte's Law of Three Stages; that is, the "theological stage." Similarly, of course, we can trace the very roots of the natural (and social) sciences as we have come to know them back to that same past.

There is clearly a determination in the course to distinguish between methods of data collection and methods of data analysis, and to go for detail. And even though (a) similar methods often appear under a variety names; and, (b) similar names are or seem to be used, on occasion, interchangeably for both data collection and data analysis, you are challenged to spot the random disguises (under a), and to both extricate 'analysis' from 'collection' and articulate the paired differences (under b). 

All this puts a high premium on conceptual clarity and empirical example. Designing an efficient taxonomy of methods, which should proceed from such clarity and example(s), remains an ever-present challenge, which you are challenged to overcome any imaginative way you can, without 'brutally' violating Bateson's classification principles embodied in his theory of logical types. [Find excerpts of the book's 2000 edition here]

The past Examination Papers availed via the link shown below reflect the subject-matter of Qualitative Research Methods as taught under course code CSO 302. They are, indeed, intended to highlight the strengths, and even weaknesses, of that subject-matter; and to show how its various components can be interrogated by learners and facilitators, along the winding road to value-adding expertise.

CLICK HERE: CSO 302 ~ Final  Examination Papers, 26 April 2014 to 2 December 2017

Read (about the Value and Utility of): Past Papers 
[Note that reading and making sense of any set of Past Papers is essentially a qualitative undertaking]

Reminder: To access earlier CSO 302 Final Examination Papers (covering the period 21 December 2004 to 11 January 2014), click here 




NOTE: An earlier version of this Introduction was published under a somewhat different title on January 17, 2018

CSO 302 (Qualitative Research Methods): CAT Questions, September (2017) - January (2018) Semester

UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY AND SOCIAL WORK

CSO 302 CAT QUESTIONS: SEPT 2017 - JAN 2018 SEMESTER

INSTRUCTION:
Answer Any TWO Questions, One from Section 1 and one from Section 2.

SECTION 1:
1. Using your skills in qualitative analysis, including thick description, compare and contrast the main ways in which Kenyans of different walks of life and in different counties responded to the repeated Presidential election of 2017; and, as a sociologist, explain why you think they did so.

2. Citing concrete examples, critically discuss the similarities and distinguishing characteristics of a naturalistic observation and an experiment in sociological research?

SECTION 2:
3. 'There are no innocent positions in social research’. Using your own knowledge of qualitative research, defend the validity of the statement. What are the main guiding principles in the choice of qualitative research methods? Illustrate your answer with clear examples.

4. Describe any three (3) types of data collection methods in qualitative research and provide descriptive examples of instances in which each method may be used. Discuss what they offer in terms of representativeness and generalization.


DEADLINE AND EXPECTATIONS:
1. In view of the unusual circumstances of the current semester, the deadline for submitting your CAT Answers will be 5 minutes before the start of this semester's Final Examination in CSO 302 (Qualitative Research methods).

2. Submissions made after the exams will be penalized by deducting 1 mark for each day of lateness.

3. All answers must be word-processed on A4 paper, font 12 and double-spaced, and should not be less than 4 pages or more than 7 pages in length.

CSO 302 Module III ~ QRM CAT Questions for June-October 2017

UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY

CSO 302: QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS

SEMESTER: June-October 2017 [Module III Programme]

CAT QUESTIONS [Released: 10.00 p.m., 20^th June 2017]

INSTRUCTION: ANSWER TWO QUESTIONS, ONE FROM SECTION 1 AND ONE FROM SECTION 2:

            Click Here to Get to the CAT Questions

CAT Questions for CSO 302 ~ Qualitative Research Methods, March-June 2017 Semester

UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY

CSO 302: QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS

SEMESTER: March-June 2017 [Regular + Module II Programmes]

CAT QUESTIONS [Released: 10:00 a.m., May 11^th 2017]

INSTRUCTION: ANSWER A TOTAL OF TWO QUESTIONS, ONE FROM SECTION 1 AND ONE FROM SECTION 2.

Click here to access the CAT questions, two from each Lecturer.

CAT Questions ~ CSO 302 Qualitative Research Methods, November 2016

UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY

CSO 302: QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS

September-December 2016 SEMESTER [Module II]

TAKE-AWAY CAT QUESTIONS [Released: 2:05 p.m., November 8, 2016]

CLICK HERE FOR: Instruction, CAT Questions, Deadline and Other Details.

CAT Questions ~ CSO 302: Qualitative Research Methods, May-August 2016 Semester

UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY

CSO 302: QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS

May-August 2016 SEMESTER [Module II]

CAT QUESTIONS [Released: 12:12 a.m., 21^st July 2016]

INSTRUCTION: ANSWER A TOTAL OF TWO QUESTIONS, ONE FROM SECTION I AND ONE FROM SECTION II.

SECTION I:

1.     Discuss the procedures of naturalistic observation in qualitative data collection.

2.     What is thick description, and how does it work as a technique of data analysis? 

SECTION II:

3. Give an historical account of qualitative research and explain the major
   epistemological and ontological beliefs about social reality that underpin it. Use clear examples to illustrate your answer. 

4. (a)  Discuss the major ethical principles in social research.
   (b) What are the major ethical dilemmas that confront qualitative researchers,
   and how can these be resolved? Use empirical examples to explain your answer.

 DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION:  

Saturday: August 13^th August 2016, strictly by 11.00 a.m. [Submit your CAT paper IN CLASS through the Class Representative, and enter your name in the submissions register. Late submissions can be pushed under or over the door of office number GW 407E. They will be safe there. Late students should therefore not waste more time waiting to submit their CATs in person to the lecturers]

NOTE:

1.      Submit only word-processed papers. CAT paper should be: 6 to 10 typed, double-spaced, A4-size pages only.

2.      Answers which display originality of thought and critical thinking will be rewarded.

3.      There will be severe penalty for plagiarism (‘Xeroxing’ of published or other works). A mark of 0% will be given for plagiarism.

4.      Your answer should clearly demonstrate, through citations, that you have engaged in noteworthy library and/or online research for this CAT.

5.      Late submissions will attract a penalty of 5 marks per week after the deadline.

CSO 302: Qualitative Research Methods ~ CAT Questions for Module III, June-October 2016 Semester

UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY

CSO 302: QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS

SEMESTER: June-October 2016 [Module III Programme]

CAT QUESTIONS [Released: 7.03 p.m., 25^th June 2016]

INSTRUCTION: ANSWER BOTH QUESTIONS.

1.    Which are the three standards of scientific research that you personally consider to be the most important in qualitative research?  Briefly highlight the key aspects of each of the three standards, and clearly justify your preference for them over other standards.

2.    Using your own knowledge of qualitative research, discuss Patton’s (2000) view that the researcher is both the strength and weakness of the qualitative research process. Use clear examples to defend your answer.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: End of the first week upon arrival for the final examination. 

NOTE: 1. Word-processed answers preferred. Limit length of CAT to 6-8 typed, double-spaced, A4 pages                                          only.

            2. Additional marks will be rewarded for answers which display originality of  thought, as well as                                            critical thinking.

              3. There will be severe penalty for plagiarism (‘Xeroxing’ of published or other works).

              4. Marks will be deducted for answers given in “bullet” form. Plagiarized work will get 0/30 marks.

            5. Your answer should clearly demonstrate, through citations, that you have engaged in noteworthy                                          library or online reading.

CSO 302: Qualitative Research Methods ~ CAT Questions for Jan-Apr 2016 Semester ~ UoN

UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY

CSO 302: QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS

SEMESTER: January-April 2016 [Regular and Module II]

CAT QUESTIONS [Released: 3:15 p.m., March 8th 2016]

You have four questions divided equally into Sections I and II. Answer only one question from each section, for a total of two.

Click Here to Access the CAT Questions

DEADLINES:  
1. Regular + Module II Day Class: Friday, April 1st, 2016, strictly by 11:00 a.m.

2. Module II Evening Class: Saturday, April 2nd, 2016, strictly by 11:00 a.m.

CSO302: Qualitative Research Methods. CAT Questions for the May-August 2015 Semester

Many students in the Regular and Module II classes have already received the above-referenced CAT questions via email. For those who have not, here is another way to access the questions: Just click here

CSO 302: Qualitative Research Methods -- CAT

UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI, DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY

COURSE: CSO 302: QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS


SEMESTER: September-December 2009 [Module II]

CAT QUESTIONS [Released: 3.00 pm, 5th October 2009]

ANSWER ANY TWO QUESTIONS
1. Critically discuss the nine rules of Sociological method suggested by Giddens, highlighting what you consider to be the value that they add to the practice of qualitative sociological research in Africa to-day.

2. What is experimental research? Briefly discuss what you consider to be three of the most promising experimental designs for qualitative research in Sociology, and explain why you think so.

3. Briefly discuss the following pairs of terms, showing the main features of each term and how the terms in a pair resemble or differ from each other:
a) Hermeneutic Circle and Hermeneutic Interpretation
b) Content Analysis and Literature Review
c) Naturalistic Observation and Surveillance.


DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: Saturday 24th October 2009, strictly from 11.00–12.00noon only.

NOTE:1. I prefer typed answers. Expected length of each CAT submission: 6 to 10 typed, double-spaced pages only
2. Additional marks will be awarded for answers which display originality of thought, as well as critical thinking. Marks will be deducted for Xeroxing published or other works, and for lack of seriousness (i.e. for sketchy, “bulletized” and/ regurgitated answers)
3. Your answer should clearly demonstrate, through citations, that you have engaged in noteworthy library reading for this CAT.