Foundations in Qualitative Research Methods
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| SOCI4073 | Sociology and Social Policy | 4 | 20 | Spring UK |
- Code
- SOCI4073
- School
- Sociology and Social Policy
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
This module provides a conceptual overview of the various approaches and debates associated with theory and practice of qualitative research. It examines a range of contrasting perspectives on the design of research including problem identification, selection and sampling, and analysis. Research ethics, and the role of the researcher in generating qualitative data, are key themes which run through the module. Specific consideration is given to the ways in which qualitative and quantitative approaches may be seen as complementary, and the use of mixed methods. The module will also cover the ways in which qualitative research can be evaluated. The module will also facilitate dialogue between members of different social science disciplines, to give an understanding of how some issues or practices may be viewed differently from different disciplinary perspectives.
Target Students
Available for PGT or PGR or MA Social Science Research students. Also available for Centre of Doctoral Training students, Postgraduate Exchange students and students on U7UPSYCH.Not available to students studying on MA Public Policy, MA International Social Policy and MPA.
Classes
This module is taught through a combination of lectures and seminars.
Assessment
- 100% Coursework: 4,000 words.
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
The primary aim of this module is to give students the necessary theoretical underpinnings to plan, conduct and evaluate qualitative research. Within this the module aims: to provide students with critical insight into the possibilities and applications of qualitative research and the role that it occupies within the wider range of research methods; to map debates on the relationship between qualitative and quantitative methods; to develop an awareness of key aspects, concepts and forms of qualitative data; to identify and examine ethical issues, in particular researcher-subject roles and relationships.Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to demonstrate:
a) Knowledge and Critical Understanding
- A critical and reflexive understanding of qualitative research as it is carried out within the social sciences.
- Knowledge of the significance of research strategy and design.
- Knowledge and critical understanding of ethical and political concerns that are implicit in a range of qualitative approaches.
- Appropriate selection of methods to address specific research questions.
- Open science principles and practices to enhance reproducibility.
b) Intellectual Skills
- Ability to formulate researchable questions.
- Ability to appreciate the range of alternative qualitative approaches to research.
- Ability to critically assess research papers and reports.
- Presentation of reasoned, analytic, coherent arguments.
c) Professional Practical Skills
- Ability to define an formulate research issues and questions.
- Confidence and competence in designing, conducting and reporting research.
- Bibliographic skills including the ability to identify and use key resources.
- Ability to converse with researchers from social science disciplines other than one’s own and to understand where key similarities and differences may arise.
d) Transferable Skills
- Greater confidence and the aptitudes necessary for independent study and research.
- Self, time and project management skills.
- Groupwork skills.
- Communication and presentation skills.
- Critical, applied and reflective thinking.