HRS 8972 01: Qualitative Research Methods

HRS 8972 - Qualitative Research Methods

Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 01, CRN 43946,

Credit hours: 3

Course Meeting Times

Log in to view more

Instructor

Kenneth Learman

Email: klearman@ysu.edu

Public Instructor Information

Instructor Title: Professor
Instructor Professional Qualifications:

Ph. D., Rehabilitation Science, University of Pittsburgh
M.Ed., Health Education, The Pennsylvania State University
B.S., Physical Therapy, SUNY Buffalo

Instructor Office Location: Cushwa Hall B324
Instructor Office Phone: 330-941-7125

Private Instructor Information

Log in to view more

Course Description

8972. Qualitative Research Methods. This course is designed to provide students with the foundational knowledge about qualitative research methodology and how this method of research can be used in health and human service areas of research investigation. The course will focus on the theory and practice of conducting qualitative and mixed methods research. Learners will be introduced to each element of the design process from identifying research questions, theoretical frameworks, and various methods of data collection, data analysis and interpretation, and the ability to produce a qualitative research product. Data collection and analysis in qualitative research occur simultaneously, therefore, this course will examine data collection issues, ethics issues, bias, and beginning data analysis within the larger framework of qualitative research. 3 s.h.

Course Readings

Group Title Author ISBN
Required Qualitative Research 5th ed Tisdell EJ, Merriam SB, & Stuckey-Peyrot HL 9781394266449
Required Foundations of Clinical Research 4th ed Portney LG 978-0-8036-6113-4

Additional required readings from peer reviewed journal articles:

1. Waggoner, J., Carline, J. D., & Durning, S. J. (2016). Is there a consensus on consensus methodology? Descriptions and recommendations for future consensus research. Academic Medicine, 91(5), 663-668.

2. Tong, A., Sainsbury, P., & Craig, J. (2007). Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ): a 32-item checklist for interviews and focus groups. International journal for quality in health care, 19(6), 349-357.

3. Gattrell, W. T., Hungin, A. P., Price, A., Winchester, C. C., Tovey, D., Hughes, E. L., ... & Harrison, N. (2022). ACCORD guideline for reporting consensus-based methods in biomedical research and clinical practice: a study protocol. Research Integrity and Peer Review, 7(1), 3.

4. Creswell, J. W. (2009). Mapping the field of mixed methods research. Journal of mixed methods research, 3(2), 95-108.

5. Doyle, L., Brady, A. M., & Byrne, G. (2016). An overview of mixed methods research–revisited. Journal of research in nursing, 21(8), 623-635.

The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.  

Course Learning Outcomes/Objectives/Goals

Log in to view more

How to Succeed in This Course

Log in to view more

Attendance Expectations

Log in to view more

Late Work Submission Policy

Log in to view more

Additional Course Expectations

Log in to view more

Artificial Intelligence Policy Statement

Log in to view more

Assignments/Assessments

Log in to view more

Grading and Grading Scale

Log in to view more

University Policies

Log in to view more

Schedule of Topics and Assignments

Day Date Reading(s) Proposed Topic Due/To Prepare for Class
Tue 8/25 Qualitative Research Ch1 Introductions, Review Syllabus What is Qualitative Research How does it differ from Quantitative Weekly Memo 1
Tue 9/1 Qualitative Research Ch2 Qualitative Research Designs Weekly Memo 2
Tue 9/8 Qualitative Research Ch3 Qualitative research paradigms Weekly Memo 3
Tue 9/15 Qualitative Research Ch4 How to design and sampling of subjects Weekly Memo 4
Tue 9/22 Qualitative Research Ch5 Conducting interviews Weekly Memo 5
Tue 9/29 Practice interviewing Weekly Memo 6
Tue 10/6 Qualitative Research Ch6 How to perform an observational study Weekly Memo 7
Tue 10/13 Observational study activities Midterm Exam Due: Sunday at 11:59pm
Tue 10/20 Consensus Based Research articles in Blackboard Consensus Based Research Nominal Group Technique versus Delphi
Tue 10/27 Qualitative Research Ch7 Collecting and Analyzing Data from Documents and Artifacts Weekly Memo 8
Tue 11/3 Qualitative Research Ch8 Qualitative data analysis Interview project due: Sunday 11:59pm
Tue 11/10 Qualitative Research Ch9 Trustworthiness in qualitative research Weekly Memo 9
Tue 11/17 Trustworthiness activity Weekly Memo 10
Tue 11/24 Articles in Blackboard: Mixed methods designs Weekly Memo 11
Observation project due: Sunday 11:59pm
Tue 12/1 Mixed method designs Weekly Memo 12

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.