Qualitative Data Analysis in Communication Research
CORE 207 | Currently Offered: 2nd Semester, AY 2024-2025
Course Description
This course focuses on key qualitative data analysis methods used in communication research, including thematic analysis, qualitative content analysis, and narrative analysis. Students will develop foundational skills such as coding, memoing, and theme development, as well as learn to manage and analyze data effectively. A week is dedicated to theorization and generalization in qualitative research, helping students connect analysis to broader theoretical insights. MAXQDA is integrated throughout the course to support coding, managing, and interpreting qualitative data. By the end of the course, students will have the skills to analyze qualitative data and produce well-structured research outputs.
Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)
This course focuses on key qualitative data analysis methods used in communication research, including thematic analysis, qualitative content analysis, and narrative analysis. Students will develop foundational skills such as coding, memoing, and theme development, as well as learn to manage and analyze data effectively. A week is dedicated to theorization and generalization in qualitative research, helping students connect analysis to broader theoretical insights. MAXQDA is integrated throughout the course to support coding, managing, and interpreting qualitative data. By the end of the course, students will have the skills to analyze qualitative data and produce well-structured research outputs.
Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)
- Apply key qualitative data analysis methods, such as thematic analysis, qualitative content analysis, and narrative analysis, to critically examine datasets.
- Demonstrate qualitative thinking by connecting research design, data management, analysis, theorization, and the representation of findings in research projects.
- Work qualitatively by engaging in collaborative processes to provide and incorporate structured peer feedback, refining their research practices and outputs.
- Use MAXQDA software to organize, code, and analyze qualitative data effectively.
- Produce coherent and well-structured qualitative research reports that synthesize findings and draw thoughtful conclusions.
Course Grading System
This course employs a cumulative grading system where no midterm grade is issued. Instead, the final grade is based on the total performance across all course components, weighted as follows:
This course employs a cumulative grading system where no midterm grade is issued. Instead, the final grade is based on the total performance across all course components, weighted as follows:
- Class Standing: 70% (Total: 400 points)
- Qualitative Data Analysis Challenges (200 points)
- Individual Learning Portfolio (100 points)
- Team Peer Feedback and Reflection (100 points)
- Full Research Report (Exam): 30% (Total: 200 points)
- Midterm Version (100 points)
- Final Version (100 points)
Final Grade Calculation
The final grade is determined by summing the weighted scores from each component, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of student performance throughout the course.
FINAL GRADE: /100
The final grade is determined by summing the weighted scores from each component, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of student performance throughout the course.
FINAL GRADE: /100