社會科學領域裡的「質性研究」一詞，至少包含「資料收集方法」、「質性研究取徑」、「質性研究方法學」等不同意涵。資料收集方法為取得研究所需資料的方式（如參與觀察、深度訪談、檔案法等），很少質性研究只用單一「資料收集方法」，但同一種方法取得的資料，通常能以不同「質性研究取徑」來分析。所謂質性研究取徑（qualitative "approach"）是有關如何執行質性研究的一套思維，對研究目標、研究者角色、研究階段及資料收集方法等通常或隱或顯地有套
規範性的限定（normative prescription）。研究取徑通常根據特定理論或方法學觀點啟發而發展出來，因而有獨特的知識論或方法學預設、與特定理論取徑或問題意識有較高親和力，同時也有相對適切的資料收集方法（如參與觀察）。此外，也可以根據受理論限定或通用的程度、資料處理的規範性程度（如明確的分析程式），以及對問題意識或實質議題的特異性（如權力關係、行動意義、商品交換等），而區別或建構不同的質性研究取徑。

The term "qualitative research" in the field of social sciences includes at least different meanings such as "data collection methods", "qualitative research approach", and "qualitative research methodology". Data collection methods are ways to obtain the data required for research (such as participant observation, in-depth interviews, archival methods, etc.). Very few qualitative studies only use a single "data collection method", but data obtained by the same method can usually be analyzed using different "qualitative research approaches." The so-called qualitative research approach (qualitative "approach") is a set of thinking about how to conduct qualitative research. It usually contains implicit or explicit rules for research objectives, researcher roles, research stages, data collection methods, etc.
normative prescription. Research approaches are usually developed based on specific theoretical or methodological viewpoints. Therefore, they have unique epistemological or methodological presuppositions, have a high affinity with specific theoretical approaches or problem awareness, and also have relatively appropriate data collection methods (such as participant observation). In addition, different qualitative research approaches can also be distinguished or constructed based on the degree of theoretical limitation or generalization, the degree of normativeness of data processing (such as clear analytical procedures), and the specificity of problem awareness or substantive issues (such as power relations, meaning of action, commodity exchange, etc.).

The content of the course is based on a selection of qualitative research methods for data generation and analysis that are often used within the administrative and policy sciences. Students will be given the opportunity to critically appraise qualitative research studies from their own research fields both individually and in seminars. Through active participation in seminars, different ways of collecting/generating and analyzing qualitative data will be discussed and analysed. In addition, in the form of a written assignment, students will plan their own qualitative studies and describe how they would carry out an analysis. This course offers a hands-on opportunity for graduate students to experience the practice of qualitative research. The course will require a moderate investment of time, with academically necessary reading and writing, recurrent team discussions based on assignments, and individual fieldwork. Teaching is in English and in the form of a course introduction, lectures and seminars.

The content of the course is based on a selection of qualitative research methods for data generation and analysis that are often used within the administrative and policy sciences. Students will be given the opportunity to critically appraise qualitative research studies from their own research fields both individually and in seminars. Through active participation in seminars, different ways of collecting/generating and analyzing qualitative data will be discussed and analyzed. In addition, in the form of a written assignment, students will plan their own qualitative studies and describe how they would carry out an analysis. This course offers a hands-on opportunity for graduate students to experience the practice of qualitative research. The course will require a moderate investment of time, with academically necessary reading and writing, recurrent team discussions based on assignments, and individual fieldwork. Teaching is in English and in the form of a course introduction, lectures and seminars.

1 王增勇等（2015）《社會及行為科學研究法：質性研究法》，東華出版社。

2 Sayer, Andrew著，許甘霖等譯，（2016）《社會科學的研究方法: 批判實在論取徑 (修訂第2版)》，巨流圖書有限公司。

3 Smith, D. & Griffith, A.著，許甘霖譯 (2026)《這就是建制民族誌：創建一門為人所用的社會學》，巨流圖書有限公司。

1 Wang Zengyong et al. (2015) "Social and Behavioral Research Methods: Qualitative Research Methods", Donghua Publishing House.

2 Sayer, Andrew, translated by Xu Ganlin and others, (2016) "Research Methods in Social Sciences: A Critical Realism Approach (Revised 2nd Edition)", Juliu Books Co., Ltd.

3 Smith, D. & Griffith, A., translated by Xu Ganlin (2026) "This is Establishment Ethnography: Creating a Sociology for People", Juliu Books Co., Ltd.