Course Topics
1. Methodological Foundations (e.g., praxeological sociology of knowledge, phenomenology, ethnomethodology, social constructivism, biographical research) 2. Methods of Data Collection (e.g., group discussion, expert interview, narrative interview, paired interview, participant and video-based observation, image-based research methods, document analysis) 3. Methods of Data Analysis (e.g., documentary method, phenomenological vignette research, biographical/narrative analysis, ethnography, qualitative content analysis, grounded theory, image analysis) 4. Methodological Integration and Research Design (mixed-methods approaches, development of research designs) 5. Research Ethics and Quality Standards (ethical principles of research, standards and quality criteria in qualitative research) 6. Practice-Oriented Application (Research Workshop: practical testing of data collection and analysis methods using empirical data)

Propaedeutic courses
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Teaching format
Lectures combining discussions and collaborative workshop sessions; laboratory activities including instructor-led inputs, group work, research lab projects, and student presentations

Educational objectives
Knowledge and Understanding - Students are familiar with fundamental theoretical and methodological concepts of qualitative educational and social research. - They possess broad knowledge of procedures for qualitative data collection and analysis. - They understand the significance of research ethics, quality criteria, and mixed-methods approaches in the context of social pedagogical research. Applying Knowledge and Understanding - Students are able to independently apply selected methods of qualitative data collection and analysis in practice. - They can develop a research-oriented approach to investigate a specific social pedagogical research question. - They implement research-ethical standards in the planning and execution of their own empirical projects. Judgement - Students can critically assess the quality and significance of qualitative empirical studies. - They are able to compare different methodological approaches and evaluate their suitability in relation to specific social pedagogical research questions. - They reflect on methodological decisions with regard to theoretical, practical, and ethical considerations. Communication - Students can present and justify qualitative research findings in a way that is appropriate to the target audience. - They are able to clearly communicate methodological approaches, interpretations, and conclusions both in academic discourse and in practice-oriented contexts. Learning Skills - Students are capable of independently expanding their methodological repertoire and adapting it to new research contexts. - They can critically reflect on their own learning experiences in dealing with qualitative methods and develop strategies to further deepen their research competences.

Additional educational objectives and learning outcomes
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Assessment
Assessment is based on the development of a research portfolio throughout the module, complemented by a final oral examination

Evaluation criteria
Research Portfolio: clarity, analytical depth, originality, theoretical relevance, source quality. Oral Examination: subject knowledge, presentation & argumentation skills, critical reflection, communication, connection to portfolio.

Required readings

Creswell, J. W., & Plano Clark, V. (2018). Designing and conducting mixed methods research (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Donlic, J., & Strasser, I. (Hrsg.). (2020). Gegenstand und Methoden qualitativer Sozialforschung. Barbara Budrich.

Flick, U. (Hrsg.). (2015). Qualitative Forschung: Ein Handbuch (11. Aufl.). Rowohlt.

Schiek, D. (2024). Methoden der qualitativen Sozialforschung. UTB.

Supplementary readings

Additional readings will be provided throughout the lecture and laboratory sessions

Further information
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