Qualitative Research & Statistics in Counseling

PREREQUISITE:  None

This doctoral-level course provides counseling scholars and practitioner-researchers with an advanced understanding of qualitative research methodology and its integration with statistical reasoning in counseling inquiry. Students will explore the philosophical, ethical, and methodological foundations of qualitative research, learning to design, analyze, and evaluate studies that contribute to evidence-based counseling practice.

Emphasis is placed on rigorous design, ethical research practice, reflexivity, and integration of emerging AI-assisted data analysis tools to enhance qualitative research workflows. Through structured weekly assignments culminating in a simulated IRB-approved research proposal, students will develop competencies necessary for independent qualitative research at the doctoral level.

UPON COMPLETION OF THE COURSE, THE STUDENT WILL BE COMPETENT IN:

• Formulating research questions and designing qualitative studies that align with the questions and objectives of the research.
• Performing various qualitative data collection methods, such as interviews, focus groups, ethnography, and observations.
• Employing qualitative data analysis techniques, including coding, thematic analysis, and narrative analysis, to interpret qualitative data.
• Understanding ethical issues in qualitative research, including informed consent, confidentiality, and the impact of research on participants.
• Conducting comprehensive literature reviews to situate research within existing scholarship and identify gaps.
• Critically evaluating qualitative studies, including assessing rigor, credibility, and transferability to findings.
• Understanding of the researcher’s positionality, biases, and influence on the research process and outcomes.
• Writing qualitative research reports and communicating findings effectively to both academic and non-academic audiences.
• Understanding qualitative research data analysis software (CAQDAS) for data management and analysis, including the intentional integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools (e.g., AI-assisted transcription, coding, sentiment analysis, and pattern recognition) to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and insight in qualitative research workflows.
• Applying relevant theoretical frameworks to the design and analysis of qualitative research, enriching the study’s conceptual foundations.

ACQUIRED SKILLS:

• Designing Qualitative Research
• Data Collection & Analysis
• Ethical Research Practice
• Technology Integration
• Scholarly Communication