The Effectiveness of Experiential Coding Activities for Novice Qualitative Researchers

• In Event: 68.052 - Weaving Theory in Research Methods

Abstract

Coursework on qualitative research methods is commonplace among many collegiate departments, including psychology, nursing, sociology, and education. In recent years, many instructors from across the disciplines have highlighted experiential learning activities (ELAs) as a productive means by which to teach qualitative methods; however, few have systematically explored the effectiveness of these tasks on student learning. The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of an experiential learning activity sequence focusing on one qualitative method: coding. This paper details the activities of this sequence and reports evidence of student learning as demonstrated through classroom discussion, student artifacts, and survey responses. These results support the use of ELAs in qualitative methods courses.

Author

• Jennifer E. Lineback, Point Loma Nazarene University