IPEC 832 Advanced Research Methods I

This course advances doctoral students’ mastery of qualitative inquiry for addressing complex problems across interprofessional fields such as education, health, social services, and leadership. Students study major qualitative traditions (e.g., case study, phenomenology, narrative, grounded theory, ethnography) and examine how philosophical paradigms and positionality shape methodological choices. Emphasis is placed on designing rigorous studies; developing interview, observation, and document‑analysis protocols; and conducting multi‑cycle coding, thematic analysis, and cross‑case synthesis. Students also learn strategies for ensuring trustworthiness and ethical, culturally responsive practice. Mixed‑methods considerations are introduced by exploring how qualitative strands interface with quantitative components in convergent and explanatory designs. The course culminates in a draft qualitative methods chapter and pilot analysis.