Module SOCI58815: Qualitative Methods in Social Science

Department: Applied Social Sciences

SOCI58815: Qualitative Methods in Social Science

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To introduce students to the presuppositions, practices and products of qualitative research in the social sciences.
• To help students evaluate the outcomes of qualitative research.
• To contribute towards students' preparation for carrying out qualitative research projects.
• To introduce students to the computer programme Nvivo for analysing qualitative data.

Content

• Topics
• Introduction to qualitative research
• Participatory Action Research
• 'Mobile methods'
• Choosing a research sample and gaining access
• Ethnography and observation
• Conducting interviews
• Running successful focus groups
• Using visual methods in qualitative research
• Thematic and discourse analysis (supported by the practical sessions using NVivo)

Learning Outcomes

• At the end of the module, students will:
• Understand the underlying rationale for qualitative research in the social sciences.
• Be aware of the practical and some of the ethical issues that arise in the conduct of qualitative research in the social sciences.

• At the end of the module, students will:
• Be able to critically assess the conduct and outcomes of qualitative research projects.
• Be able to undertake empirical qualitative research using at least two research methods.
• Be able to use Nvivo to analyse a set of qualitative data.

• Communication skills.
• Group work skills.
• Time management.
• Data management.
• Independent study skills.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• The module will be delivered through weekly lectures and seminars.
• Lectures will introduce students to the key theoretical bases and rationale for particular qualitative research methods. Lectures will draw on on-going and existing research to highlight the key challenges and opportunities in these methods. Lectures encourage students’ key skills in listening and active note-taking.
• Seminars will be structured around particular questions and/or tasks which students will be asked to work through in pairs or groups. These tasks will get students thinking about the practical ways in which to execute particular methods in practice. Seminars encourage collaborative working, communication and problem-solving skills.
• In the final lecture/seminar session, students will be required to give a group presentation based on their assessed group work project. For this, they will be asked to give a 10-15 minute talk about their methods and findings. This presentation is not summatively assessed but provides students with the opportunity to receive peer feedback and support on their work. These group presentations encourage students to work collaboratively, to manage their time and workload effectively and to develop their communication skills.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

A 15-20 minute group presentation given during the final session of the module. Students are required to present the methodology and key findings of their mixed methods group project. Students receive written feedback on both the content of the presentation and their presentation style.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University