Qualitative Methods for Policy Analysis

Introduction to use of qualitative methods in policy analysis. Students gain exposure to techniques of interviewing, participant observation/ethnography, comparative-case studies, and archival research. Consideration of research design matters including questions and situations for which qualitative methods are ideally suited, and how to use qualitative data when they are best available. Focus maintained on practical dimensions of qualitative methods in policy research including sampling and inferences, instrument design, directed inductive analysis, data gathering and coding under time pressure, and professional ethics.

Letter grading.