HMI724. Qualitative Approach in HCI II - A Practice, Problem-Based Approach, 5p.
Instructor James M. Nyce, jnyce@rocketmail.com
Semester Spring 2004
Prerequisites Prerequisites: HMI721, HMI651 or HMI503. Or prior to class, students should have had classroom and/or practical experience with behavorial research design and methods. If students also have an interest in or prior experience with qualitative research, so much the better. If students have questions about the class, they may contact Nyce (jnyce@rocketmail. com) re: permission to enroll.
Goals This course is intended to advance students' competence in the "practical" aspects of qualitative research. In a word, this course picks up where
HMI 721 "Qualitative Approach in HCI I" left off. Rather than focus on theoretical
issues, this new course will address a number of pragmatic issues related to qualitative research. Among these will be the role(s) that interpretation, research design and conduct have in qualitative research. As such, the course will have for students pragmatic and analytic yield. The goal of the course is for students to better understand some of the strengths and weakness of qualitative research as it applies to problems that characterize the HCI literature.
In class, students will carry out a series of short-term qualitative research exercises and projects. In other words, this course will be an opportunity for students to conceptualize, design and carry out a study(ies) that address issues that the HCI community would find of interest.
Content The course will focus on how ethnography and related qualitative methods can help inform practical design and development efforts. The course will give students the kind of confidence and competence in qualitative research that will enable them to design, carry out and publish qualitative research in the area of human computer interaction. The course will provide a strong, analytic toolbox re: qualitative research methods - one that class members can apply to problems of their own.
Literature As assigned
Examination No examination per se, paper, class exercises/participation, abstracts will determine points
Other Credit 2 + 3 credits