Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

1. To introduce students to the concept of qualitative research and the situations in which it is useful
2. To discuss different methods of sampling in qualitative research
3. To provide strategies and experience of interviewing techniques and considerations
4. To provide students with experience of thematic data analysis in qualitative research
5. To provide a critical platform to judge the ethics of qualitative research
6. To provide knowledge of ethnography, phenomenology and grounded theory methodologies
7. To provide knowledge of alternative methods of data collection and analysis in qualitative research

Outline Of Syllabus

1. What is qualitative research and what are the situations in which it is useful? Social versus scientific research; research questions; epistemology and ontology; data and methods; quality and rigour.
2. Sampling in qualitative research: access; representation; generalizability; sampling approaches
3. Interviewing techniques and considerations: interviews and focus groups; interview schedules; conduct during interviews; sensitive topics; researcher safety
4. Thematic analysis: steps in analysis, coding: key steps; memos; assumptions; paper-based analysis and computer-assisted analysis
5. Ethics: codes of practice; researcher responsibilities; permissions; harms and benefits; gatekeepers
6. Ethnography: access, the role of the ethnographer, making field notes, writing the report
7. Phenomenology: making sense of lived experiences; interpretive phenomenological analysis
8. Grounded theory analysis: theoretical sampling, coding, theoretical saturation, constant comparison; categories, processes and outcomes
9. Language-based approaches to qualitative data analysis: discourse analysis, conversation analysis; narrative analysis
10. Other methods in data gathering and analysis: using documents; enhancing interviews: video and photo-elicitation

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

At the end of the module students should be able to:

1. Design research studies using qualitative methods with appropriate research questions
2. Carry out appropriate sampling and data analysis in qualitative research studies
3. Explain the ethical considerations required for qualitative research studies
4. Critique the use of interviews and focus groups in different situations
5. Explain how observational methods can be used in qualitative research
6. Evaluate the use of phenomenological studies in qualitative research design
7. Explain how other methods than thematic analysis can be used in qualitative research

Intended Skill Outcomes

At the end of the module students should be able to:

1. Synthesize a question schedule for interviews

2. Carry out participant interviews with confidence and sensitivity

3. Analyse qualitative data using both computer-assisted methods and paper-based methods

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The module will be delivered by e-learning via Canvas VLE. The curriculum will be delivered through a series of guided learning opportunities including e-based lectures and discussion boards. Students will be asked to prepare paperwork for formative and summative assessment and will submit their work for assessment via Canvas VLE. The formative work will include collaborative activity which will feed-forward onto the summative work. The work for summative assessment will use the knowledge acquired, their individual feedback, notes and other sources. After submission, feedback will be given to the students electronically. The course material will provide students with knowledge on the research methods, skills and ethical dilemmas using qualitative methodologies. The assessments will enable students to apply this knowledge in a practical manner.
Critical appraisal, data interpretation and other scientific communication skills will be practised in on-line individual activities. Collaborative discussion board interaction will encourage the students to reflect on their learning. All these activities relate directly to the learning outcomes above.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The formative assessment will feed forward to the presentation and help develop student skills planning and carrying out the basic techniques of qualitative research (interviewing and thematic analysis)

The presentation develops skills in presenting to an audience as well as developing reflective and critical thinking abilities. It also tests ability to discuss the subject critically as well as application of knowledge and understanding in its’ requirement for reflection on actions.


The written exercise (essay) develops critical thinking skills as well as further knowledge and understanding in the application of the course content.

General Notes

N/A