Study Programmes 2016-2017
METO0821-1  
Qualitative research practice
Duration :
10h Th, 20h Pr
Number of credits :
Master in psychology : general (120 ECTS)3
Lecturer :
Christophe Lejeune
Language(s) of instruction :
French language
Organisation and examination :
Teaching in the second semester
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite :
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents :
Qualitative approaches are fruitful to produce theories congruent with phenomena that interest humane sciences. However there is no simple reciepe for qualitative research. Its learning requires a regular practice, in order to be able to construct accurate theories by yourself.
This course is designed as a framework for such a learning-in-action. Grounded Theory Method (GTM) is referred as a formalisation of qualitative research rather than a particular technique.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit :
  • Label the operations of qualitative research using the terms from the Grounded Theory Method: microanalysis, labelling, open coding, axial coding, selective coding. All peculiarities of each of these operations have to be known.
  • Compare various text material.
  • Identify, sort and organize topics from one of several texts. Generate accounts at a theorical level.
  • Write and edit (coding, analytical, theorical, storyline) memos according to accurate their styles and rules.
  • Update log.
  • Listen and learn from other analyses.
  • Generate theories accounting broader situations.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills :
Fluency in French
Planned learning activities and teaching methods :
The introduction consists in a reminder of qualitative research operations:
  • Open coding,
  • Code memoing,
  • Theoretical memoing,
  • Operational memoing,
  • Axial coding,
  • Selective coding,
  • Descriptive storyline memoing,
  • Analytical storyline memoing.
After this brief introduction, the seminar consists of data sessions. The teacher helps students to produce fine-tuned grounded theories.
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :
Given the practical nature of the learning, assistance to the whole seminar is required. For the same reason, no more than 10 students will be allowed to enroll.
Recommended or required readings :
Students might be interested in these supplementary readings.


  • Charmaz, Kathy, 2006, Constructing Grounded Theory. A Practical Guide through Qualitative Analysis, London: Sage Publications Available at the Graulich library [XXII-235/0038]
  • Glaser, Barney G. and Strauss, Anselm L., 1967, The discovery of grounded theory : strategies for qualitative research, Chicago: Aldine. Available at the Graulich library [XXII-18 /0108]
  • Corbin, Juliet and Strauss, Anselm L., 2008, Basics of Qualitative Research. Techniques and Procedures for Developing Grounded Theory, Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications. Available at the Graulich library [XXII-21 /128] and at BGPhL-Philo and Communication [A1 STR]
Assessment methods and criteria :
The participant produces an accurate, original, neat and coherent analysis.
Work placement(s) :
Organizational remarks :
After a short introduction, transcribed interviews are collectively and actively analysed.
Contacts :
Please insert the flag [METO0821] in the subject of any email concerning this course.
Items online :
Companion Handbook
Lejeune, Christophe, 2014, Manuel d'analyse qualitative. Analyser sans compter ni classer, Louvain-La-Neuve, De Boeck.