The Consortium on Qualitative Research Methods (CQRM) co-hosts the Institute for Qualitative and Multi-Method Research (now in its eighth year), at the Maxwell School of Syracuse University.
The institute seeks to enable students to create and critique methodologically sophisticated qualitative research designs, including case studies, tests of necessity or sufficiency, and narrative or interpretive work. It explores the techniques, uses, strengths, and limitations of these methods, while emphasizing their relationships with alternative approaches. Topics include research design, concept formation, methods of structured and focused comparisons of cases, typological theory, case selection, process tracing, comparative historical analysis, congruence testing, path dependency, interpretivism, counterfactual analysis, interview and field research (including archival) techniques, necessary and sufficient conditions, fuzzy set methods, and philosophy of science issues relevant to qualitative research.
Attendees receive constructive feedback on their own qualitative research designs, and the course also includes discussions led by the authors of well known works which employ qualitative methods. Examples are drawn from exemplary research in international relations, comparative politics, and American politics. The schedule and reading list from the eighth annual institute, available through the link on the left, indicates the range of the issues that are covered. Please note, however, that this syllabus will be revised for the ninth institute, and should be viewed with this in mind.
CQRM member institutions will use their own meritocratic criteria to select students or junior faculty to attend the 2010 institute, and must notify CQRM of their choices by February 12, 2010. Students, fellows and junior faculty who are not sure if they will be selected, or who attend non-member organizations, should apply directly to CQRM using the form available at this link.
Open pool applications must be received by November 20, 2009. Applicants will be notified of the outcome by December 15, 2009. CQRM will cover the costs of tuition, lodging, and meals for successful applicants. Attendees will be responsible for their own transportation costs to and from Syracuse University.
Exact dates for the 2010 institute have not yet been determined, but it will most likelt take place in mid-June.