The workshop offers a condensed introduction into qualitative empirical research for PhD students – especially in the social sciences and the humanities (candidates from other disciplines are welcome).
It covers several topics:
· Which theoretical framework can I use with which set of methods - the connection between epistemology (theory of knowledge) and methodology (systematic analysis of the methods).
· Who can benefit from my research and which risks are involved for whom – the question of research ethics.
· Which methods should I select to answer my research question – an overview over data acquisition techniques.
· Which methods should I select for analyzing my empirical data – an overview over analytical strategies.

The workshop is based on discussion of methodological texts that will be made available in beforehand and on the research proposal and/or research material of the participants. In order to tailor the workshop to the needs of the participants everyone is invited to hand in a shortened research proposal highlighting the methodological decisions and problems (approximately 3 pages plus references) by October 30th.