Mixed Methods Approaches for Policy Analysis

This course focuses on the use of one of the most basic qualitative techniques – the semi-structured interview. This is the first of a two-part Qualitative Series. In the first 5 weeks (this course), we will cover all the basic stages for effectively using semi-structured interviews to collect data, including: formulating a comparative research question, developing frameworks and interview protocols, and the skills related to conducting interviews. (The second 5-week course in the fall will focus on managing and analyzing interview data, and presenting the results.) This is a hands-on course, and each participant is expected to develop their own research project/proposal. Classes will be divided between methodological discussions and in-class presentations to demonstrate a variety of data collection and analysis techniques.

This course is required for students in the Community-Partnered Policy and Action stream