PO 2080 - Qualitative Methods

This course introduces students to basic principles and tools of qualitative research in the social sciences. Focus is on comparative research design and the principal tools of qualitative research. Topics examined include the pitfalls of selection bias, the logic of causal inference, measurement and conceptualization, and the potential of mixed methods. Research techniques covered are process tracing, analytic narrative, natural experiments, archival research, interviews, and ethnography. Prerequisite: PO 2040 (2 Credits)