News

4.17.2008 Final paper due date changed to 5.15.2008

3.28.2008 Posted a couple of articles on the syllabus page by our guest speaker Allison Woodruff for those who are interested in reading more about her work.

3.11.2008 I've postponed the interview discussion session. We'll be doing it next Thursday 3.20.08 instead.

02.21.2008 Class cancelled on 2.28.08 due to iSchool conference in LA

01.31.2008 Sign up for the class discussion list! Instructions on the syllabus page

01.30.2008 Corrected the link to the Human Subjects Research report

01.23.2008 Prof. Burrell's Office Hours
Tuesdays - 1:30 to 2:30

01.22.2008 Welcome to Info 272!

 

Course Description

[A word version of the course syllabus.]

This course will focus on the use of qualitative methods for research on the development, diffusion, and use of information technologies as well as information and management practices. Its core concern is with an epistemological question - how do we arrive at credible knowledge through qualitative research practices? The methods covered will include interviewing, focus groups, participant observation, and ethnography. Along the way we will confront the issues of quality, validity, and rigor.

This course has several goals: 1) to help students develop a better understanding of how data relates to knowledge 2) to negotiate the logistical limits and respect the ethical issues inherent in any research practice 3) to generate an awareness of the inevitable imperfections and alterations that are introduced by the structures imposed in any research design. 4) to give students hands-on experience with these methods.