LFU:online

Curr. 2021 § 5 (1) 5: The students understand the logic of the qualitative research paradigm. They know the most  common qualitative methods and can use them to answer a sociological research question.  Qualitative data can be evaluated methodically in a controlled manner and the results can be  clearly presented in the form of a research report. Overall, they are able to develop a qualitative  research design and independently carry out the entire research process from the research question to the report.

The seminar focuses on narrative-oriented qualitative research approaches, building in particular on the methodological and methodical work of Fritz Schütze. Even though this is often accompanied by a biographical perspective, the areas of application of this approach are by no means limited to this. In fact, Schütze and his research team developed the method in order to analyze interactions in a project investigating communal power structures.

The seminar starts with an examination of the methodological foundations of narrative interviews and narrative-analytical procedures of text interpretation. Subsequently, a deeper understanding of the types of research questions which can be answered within this research paradigm shall be established as well as ways of developing a research designs based upon this. In doing so, own research questions with accompanying research designs are developed and outlined. In a third phase, practical experience in conducting narrative interviews will be gathered and systematically reflected upon in the seminar. Fourthly, and based on the material obtained, narrative analysis procedures based on Schütze are presented and exemplarily applied. The seminar concludes by focusing on questions regarding summarized structuring as well as the written presentation of the results.

Introductory methodological texts, ongoing participation in the seminar, development of a research design (short outline) in small groups (1-2 pages), conducting a narrative interview OR cooperation in an analysis group work, final short reflection on the methodological experiences gained.

Cf. Methods

Mayrhofer, Hemma, 2017: Biografische Fallrekonstruktionen. Methodologische Grundlagen und methodische Umsetzung. In: Hemma Mayrhofer (Hg.): Wirkungsevaluation mobiler Jugendarbeit. Methodische Zugänge und empirische Ergebnisse. Opladen, Berlin, Toronto: Verlag Barbara Budrich, S. 117–124.

Przyborski, Aglaja/Wohlrab-Sahr, Monika, 2010: Qualitative Sozialforschung. Ein Arbeitsbuch. 3. Aufl., München: Oldenbourg.

Schütze, Fritz, 1983: Biographieforschung und narratives Interview. In: Neue Praxis, 3, S. 283-293.

Further literature will be announced on OLAT.

successful completion of compulsory module 3