Master of Health Studies (MHST) 712

Introduction

The purpose of MHST/NURS 712 is to provide students with the background, tools, and methodology to perform a qualitative research project and to analyze the results of the study. It will build on the course work completed in MHST 603 and MHST 711. It extends and deepens the exploration of methods with the intent to help students choose the approach that is best suited to their thesis study. The course introduces students to the use of computer software analysis and presentation of qualitative data.

Course Goals

MHST/NURS 712 is designed to help students achieve the following course goals.

1. Develop knowledge in the philosophy, values, and ethical considerations unique to qualitative research;
2. Distinguish among research methodologies used in narrative, phenomenology, grounded theory, ethnography, and case study;
3. Develop research questions and select a method, and construct a plan for answering the question(s);
4. Develop a plan for generating the data;
5. Develop skills in coding data;
6. Develop a plan for analyzing and representing the data using the selected method;
7. Examine what is involved in writing up a qualitative research study;
8. Develop skills in using a qualitative data software program for the management and analysis of data.

Course Materials

MHST/NURS 712 comprises online and print-based course materials.

Online Materials

• Introduction: Provides essential information about the course design and materials.
• Schedule: Outlines the timing of course activities.
• Units: There are 8 units in this course.
• Assessment: Outlines the assignments/evaluation procedure of the course.
• Reference: Listing of required readings and web sites included in the course.

Print Materials

The textbooks listed below are used in this course.

Course Structure

In this course, you will access health-related websites worldwide. You will also participate in email and computer conferencing with other students. Students are expected to connect to an Internet Service Provider at their own expense.

Technical Requirements

Computer System

In order to successfully complete this course, you must own or have ready access to certain computer hardware and software programs. For complete and up-to-date information on the minimum computer requirements required to complete the graduate nursing courses, visit the Centre for Nursing and Health Studies technical site.

Course Outline

Unit 1: Advanced Qualitative Methods: Beginnings and Evolution
In the first unit of the course students begin to explore the context within which qualitative research occurs and the importance of exploring and understanding the roots that shape the various traditions in qualitative research, including differing methodological approaches and philosophic orientations.

Unit 2: Issues of Design in Qualitative Research
In this unit students explore characteristics common among qualitative approaches to inquiry and examine the process of designing a qualitative research project. Issues that are part of the design also are examined.

Unit 3: Five Approaches to Qualitative Inquiry
In Unit 3 students explore five different approaches to qualitative research and begin to think about their own areas of interest and which approach might be the one that will help them address their own research question(s). As well, students explore the relationship between purpose and design in research and consider the implications this for qualitative research.

Unit 4: The Process of Data Collection
In this unit students explore data collection activities and the role that each plays in a general sense and then within each approach to inquiry.

Unit 5: Data Analysis and Representation
In Unit 5 students explore the processes of data analysis, which centres around organizing, giving structure to, and eliciting meaning from the research data that has been collected.

Unit 6: Writing Up Qualitative Research
In this unit students explore what it is like to write from a variety of research perspectives and learn some of the nuances that will help them to recognize what particular approaches might look like when they are completed.

Unit 7: Standards of Validation and Evaluation: The Need for Critical Reflection
In this unit, students explore perspectives of quality and credibility in qualitative research and consider ways in which to arrive at an evaluation of the credibility of qualitative research studies.

Unit 8: Coming Full Circle: Beginning to End and Back Again
In the closing unit of the course, students explore what is meant by “turning” the story. It is hoped that they will come to the understanding that qualitative research can come full circle in their understanding of a phenomenon and that in coming full circle, their understanding increases, broadens, and invites a continuing search for yet deeper knowing and understanding.