PSBA016 Methodology of Psychology II

Faculty of Arts
Autumn 2026
Extent and Intensity
2/0/0. 5 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
In-person direct teaching
Teacher(s)
doc. PhDr. Martin Jelínek, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Mgr. Helena Klimusová, Ph.D. (lecturer)
doc. PhDr. Petr Květon, Ph.D. (lecturer)
doc. PhDr. Iva Burešová, Ph.D. (lecturer)
prof. PhDr. Tomáš Urbánek, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
doc. PhDr. Martin Jelínek, Ph.D.
Department of Psychology – Faculty of Arts
Contact Person: Mgr. Kateřina Šefčíková
Supplier department: Department of Psychology – Faculty of Arts
Timetable
each odd Tuesday 12:00–13:40 B2.13, except Mon 16. 11. to Sun 22. 11.
Prerequisites
PSBA009 Methodology of Psychology I
PSBA009 Metodologie psychologie I
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Abstract
The course builds on Methodology I. Its aim is to help students understand the epistemological foundations and principles of qualitative methodology. The course will introduce data sources commonly used in qualitative research, as well as main approaches to their analysis. Throughout the course, students will work independently on assignments that reflect the material being covered.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
  • understand the historical roots and epistemological foundations of qualitative methodology;
  • describe the key features of the main analytical approaches used in qualitative research;
  • identify situations in which a qualitative methodological approach is appropriate and select suitable methods;
  • identify and critically assess the limitations and risks of qualitative approaches and methods in addressing different types of research questions;
  • apply the procedures and techniques of a selected qualitative methodological approach to a given research problem.
Key topics

  1. Introduction to Qualitative Research: Epistemological Foundations and Historical Roots
    This session introduces the key characteristics of qualitative research and its main differences from quantitative approaches. Attention will be given to major epistemological foundations, particularly interpretivist and constructivist perspectives. The session will also provide a brief overview of the historical development of qualitative methodology and its main traditions.


  2. Data Sources, Research Quality Criteria, Software
    This session focuses on formulating research questions, choosing an appropriate research design, and selecting suitable data sources, such as interviews, observations, documents, or visual materials. Basic principles for evaluating the quality of qualitative research will be introduced, including credibility, reflexivity, and transparency of the research process. The session will also provide an introduction to the use of software for organizing, coding, and analyzing qualitative data.


  3. Thematic Analysis
    Thematic analysis will be introduced as a flexible approach to identifying and interpreting patterns of meaning in qualitative data. Students will become familiar with the main stages of the analytical process, from familiarization with the data and coding to developing, reviewing, and interpreting themes. Different variants of thematic analysis, as well as the role of theoretical assumptions and researcher reflexivity, will also be discussed.


  4. Grounded Theory
    This session introduces grounded theory as an approach aimed at systematically developing theoretical explanations from empirical data. Attention will be given to constant comparison, theoretical sampling, coding, and the development of analytical categories. The main variants of grounded theory and the differences in their epistemological assumptions will also be discussed.


  5. Narrative Analysis
    Narrative analysis will be presented as an approach that understands storytelling as a way in which people organize experience and construct meaning. Students will be introduced to different ways of analyzing the content, structure, form, and social context of narratives. Attention will also be given to how identities and experiences are constructed and communicated through stories.


  6. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA)
    This session introduces IPA as an approach focused on gaining a detailed understanding of how people experience and make sense of significant life events and experiences. Its phenomenological, hermeneutic, and idiographic foundations will be explained, together with the typical analytical process from detailed case-level analysis to identifying patterns across cases. The session will also address sampling, interpretation, and researcher reflexivity.

Study resources and literature
    required literature
  • ŘIHÁČEK, Tomáš; Ivo ČERMÁK and Roman HYTYCH. Kvalitativní analýza textů: čtyři přístupy. Brno: Masarykova Univerzita, 2013. ISBN 978-80-210-6382-2. info
  • MIOVSKÝ, Michal. Kvalitativní přístup a metody v psychologickém výzkumu. Vydání 1. Praha: Grada, 2006, 332 stran. ISBN 9788024713625. info
  • BRAUN, Virginia and Victoria CLARKE. Using thematic analysis in psychology. QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN PSYCHOLOGY. ENGLAND: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD, 2006, vol. 3, No 2, p. 77–101. ISSN 1478-0887. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa. info
  • Masaryk, R. (2022). Ten druhý výskum: úvod do kvalitatívnych metód v psychológii. Bratislava: Vydavateľstvo UK.
    recommended literature
  • BRAUN, Virginia and Victoria CLARKE. Successful qualitative research : a practical guide for beginners. 1st pub. London: SAGE Publications, 2013, xii, 382. ISBN 9781847875822. info
Approaches, practices, and methods used in teaching
Lectures, self-study, coursework assignments.
Method of verifying learning outcomes and course completion requirements

The requirements for successful completion of the course are the submission of three individual assignments given throughout the semester. Deadlines will always be announced in advance, and students will have the opportunity to revise one assignment. The assessment will also include a written test, for which a minimum score of 60% is required.

Alternate completion

In the case of a study-abroad stay, the course may be completed in an alternative form if the course taken abroad is equivalent to a course in qualitative methodology. Students studying abroad may arrange an individual study plan and an alternative form of course completion with the course coordinator.

Language of instruction
Czech
Study support
https://is.muni.cz/auth/el/phil/podzim2026/PSBA016/index.qwarp
Further Comments
Study Materials
The course is taught annually.
Listed among pre-requisites of other courses
The course is also listed under the following terms Autumn 2020, Autumn 2021, Autumn 2022, Autumn 2023, Autumn 2024, Autumn 2025.
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