230067 UE Qualitative Methods: Participant observation, interview and artefact analysis (2019W)

The course will present three central methodological approaches to qualitative social research: observation, open interview, and artifact analysis. The methods will be empirically tested and practiced on the basis of a concrete question. Qualitative social research follows on from understanding sociology, which deals with the meaning of social action from the point of view of the actors in the various areas of everyday life and which interprets this meaning on a scientific level. On the basis of the theoretical background of qualitative empirical social research, an understanding of the methodological implications should be developed, since methods cannot be thought independently of scientific questions and theoretical assumptions. The entire research process will be practiced, from the survey and evaluation to the presentation of results. In reflection, topics such as the role of the researcher in the research process and pragmatic decision-making problems in the research process or how to deal with unforeseen difficulties will be discussed.