In this course, both quantitative and qualitative research tools will be examined for their usefulness in the intercultural context. Exercises and readings will consider surveying, sampling, content analysis, depth interviewing, participant observation, personal document analysis, and unobtrusive methods, with equal attention paid to the disadvantages and advantages of each. Students will experience using a range of methods and designing research plans which address issues of bias and ethics as well as matching research strategies to the research question.

Course Objectives:

• Become familiar with a wide range of qualitative and quantitative research strategies and develop the ability to (1) assess their usefulness for specific intercultural contexts, and (2) evaluate their ethical implications in the field
• Apply this knowledge and assessment ability to a small research project that demonstrates the ability to:
  • state useful research questions
  • select and gain access to appropriate sample population(s)
  • develop experiments, interview strategies, or other techniques to obtain valid data that address the questions
  • analyze and report results, and reflect on the value of this process for intercultural work in general