Qualitative Research Methods & Writing Course | Prof. Aradhna Malik IIT Kharagpur
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 1346 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Multidisciplinary, Faculty Domain - Advanced |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 25 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Unlocking Human Behavior: A Deep Dive into Qualitative Research Methods and Writing
In the quest to understand the complex tapestry of human behavior and social dynamics, quantitative data often reveals the 'what,' but it is qualitative research that uncovers the profound 'why' and 'how.' For postgraduate students and professionals in multidisciplinary fields, mastering qualitative inquiry is not just an academic exercise—it's a critical tool for exploring the nuanced, grey areas of our society. This comprehensive 12-week course, designed and instructed by Prof. Aradhna Malik of IIT Kharagpur, offers an unparalleled journey into the world of qualitative research and the essential skill of research writing.
Meet Your Instructor: Prof. Aradhna Malik
Bringing a wealth of expertise to the virtual classroom, Prof. Aradhna Malik holds a PhD from the University of Denver, USA, and a Masters in Child Development from Panjab University. A faculty member at IIT Kharagpur's School of Management since 2008, she specializes in intercultural communication, business ethics, and organizational behavior. Her diverse research interests—spanning ageing, orality, human-technology interaction, and public health management—inform a rich, interdisciplinary approach to teaching qualitative methods.
Course Overview: Bridging Inquiry and Expression
This advanced-level postgraduate course is structured to provide a robust foundation in qualitative research paradigms and seamlessly integrate the crucial component of scholarly writing. Over 12 weeks, participants will move from philosophical underpinnings to practical application, culminating in the ability to design, execute, analyze, and compellingly present qualitative research.
Detailed 12-Week Course Layout
| Week | Core Focus | Key Topics Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1-3 | Foundations & Paradigms | Introduction to qualitative research, its history, and comparison with quantitative methods. Deep dive into major paradigms: Interpretivism, Constructivism, and Critical Theory. |
| Week 4-5 | Strategies of Inquiry | Qualitative research design, including Ethnography, Autoethnography, Case Studies, Grounded Theory, and Participatory Action Research. |
| Week 6-7 | Data Collection & Analysis | Methods like observations, interviewing, and visual analysis. Techniques for analyzing talk and text, data management, and an introduction to qualitative software. |
| Week 8 | Interpretation & Evaluation | Establishing rigor, the art of interpretation, writing findings, and linking research to social policy and program evaluation. |
| Week 9-12 | Research Writing Mastery | Technical writing principles, crafting literature reviews, writing methods/results/discussion sections, referencing, academic integrity, and tailoring writing for proposals, dissertations, and journal articles. |
Who Should Enroll?
This course is ideally suited for:
- Postgraduate students (Master's and PhD) across social sciences, management, humanities, and public health.
- Early-career academics and researchers looking to strengthen their qualitative research portfolio.
- Professionals in education, policy-making, and NGO sectors who use research to inform practice.
- Any individual with a Bachelor's degree seeking to understand the human elements behind data.
Key Learning Outcomes
By completing this course, you will be able to:
- Distinguish between major qualitative research paradigms and select appropriate frameworks for your inquiry.
- Design and implement robust qualitative studies using strategies like ethnography or case studies.
- Collect and analyze empirical materials (interviews, observations, documents) with methodological rigor.
- Interpret findings critically and understand criteria for evaluating qualitative work.
- Write compelling, structured, and ethical research documents for various academic and professional purposes.
Essential Reading & Assessment
The course builds upon foundational texts like the Handbook of Qualitative Research by Denzin & Lincoln. Assessment mirrors academic rigor through weekly quizzes and a final examination comprising Multiple Choice Questions, ensuring a thorough comprehension of both conceptual and practical aspects.
Why This Course is Essential for Your Research Toolkit
In an era defined by complex social challenges, the ability to conduct insightful qualitative research and communicate it effectively is a powerful asset. This course, under the expert guidance of Prof. Aradhna Malik, does more than teach methods—it cultivates a researcher's mindset. It empowers you to explore stories, meanings, and contexts, transforming you from a passive observer to an impactful interpreter of the human experience. Whether you aim to publish, influence policy, or deepen your understanding, this training is your gateway to mastering the art and science of qualitative inquiry.
Enroll Now →