EDAD 8114 - Applied Case Study Methodology
Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section A01, CRN 42820,
Credit hours: 3
Course Meeting Times
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Instructor
Nathan Myers
Email: nrmyers@ysu.edu
Course Description
8114. Applied Case Study Methodology. A course designed to acquaint students with qualitative inquiry. Focuses on philosophical and historical roots of investigation in institutional and social settings, with an emphasis on qualitative research methodology, techniques of exploring data, guided practice, ethical and social issues. 3 s.h.
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required | Qualitative Research: A guide to design and implementation. | Merriam & Tisdell | 978-1394266449 |
Required:
Merriam, S.B. & E.J. Tisdell (2025). Qualitative Research: A guide to design and implementation. 5th Edition. Jossey Bass: San Francisco.
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
Assignments/Assessments
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Schedule of Topics and Assignments
| Week of | Reading(s) | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8/24 | Merriam Ch. 1-4 | Lecture: “Introduction to Qualitative Research” | Module 1 Assignment: Personal Paradigm Inventory (15 points) Discussion (2 points) Make 1 argument about how qualitative research can give us insights impossible through survey research. Make 1 counter-argument (in response to a classmate) showing the limits of qualitative research. Discussion (0.5 points) Make 1 introduction post indicating three topics you’re willing to be interviewed about by a classmate for the Module 4, Interview & Transcribing Assignment.” One week later, “claim” a classmate by responding to their post. Schedule a time to complete the interview. |
| 8/31 | Merriam Ch. 10 | Lecture: “Validity & Ethics in Qualitative Research” | Module 2 Assignment: Quiz on Lecture & Reading (5 points) Discussion (2 points) Pretend you are conducting research within your place of employment. What would be the advantages and disadvantages of your positionality? How would potential power-gap issues affect your ability to collect good data? Write one post and respond to someone else’s post. |
| 9/7 | Merriam Ch. 5 | Lecture: “Sampling and Research Design” | Module 3 Assignment: Quiz on Lecture and Reading (5 points) Discussion (2 points) What is the optimal sampling strategy if you are an insider versus an outsider? What makes this strategy optimal? Write one post and respond to someone else’s post. |
| 9/14 | Merriam Ch. 6 Readings: Blee (1993); Morrissey (1987) | Lecture: “Interviewing in Qualitative Research” | Module 4 Assignment : Interview & Transcribing Assignment (25 points) Discussion (5 points) Pick a topic of Interest – In one post, you need to: 1. List the topic 2. Write a short 5-question interview using at least 3 different question types from Merriam |
| 9/21 | Merriam Ch. 7 | Lecture: “Observation in Qualitative Research” | Module 5 Assignment: Quiz on Lecture & Reading (5 points) Discussion (2 points) Describe one way you could employ observation as a data-collection tool in your professional environment. How long would you need to observe in order to produce useful data? |
| 9/28 | Merriam Ch. 8 | Lecture: “Document & Artifact Analysis in Qualitative Research” | Module 6 Assignment: Quiz on Lecture & Reading (5 points) Discussion (2 points) Name one document or artifact in your professional environment that, while well known to you and your colleagues, would not be readily apparent to an outsider visiting for the day. Why is this doc/artifact important to understanding the environment? |
| 10/5 | Merriam Ch. 9 and 11 | Lecture: “Data Analysis and Management 101” Lecture 2: “Writing up Qualitative Research” | Module 7 Assignments: 1. Quiz on Lecture & Reading (5 points) 2. Coded Interview (20 points) |
The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.