| Unit name | Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods in the Social Sciences (SPS) |
|---|---|
| Unit code | SPOLM0014 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Mrs. Beth Tarleton |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods in the Social Sciences Research Design in the Social Sciences Core Skills Understanding Educational Research Core Skills in Educational Research |
| School/department | School for Policy Studies |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
Students will apply these methods and techniques in the particular context of their own discipline.
Module specific skills • Develop a philosophical appreciation of the underpinnings of qualitative research methods. • A critical understanding of and the ability to apply to their own work, the appropriate uses, strengths and weaknesses of qualitative methods. • Ability to evaluate the research practice, data and interpretations of others. • Sensitivity to ethical, political and value concerns in qualitative research. • Appreciation of a reflexive approach to social science research. • Demonstrate basic skills in the use of qualitative research techniques Discipline specific skills • Develop an appreciation of the philosophical underpinning of qualitative approaches in relation to the discipline • Understand how qualitative research can address specific challenges within a disciplinary context • Demonstrate and apply a critical understanding of qualitative methods used in the discipline. • Understand how qualitative methods are used in the discipline and gain an overview of some current qualitative research examples within the discipline • Develop an understanding of discipline-specific ethical, political and value issues, related to qualitative research Personal and key skills • Critical analysis • Ability to reflect on personal/ethical issues raised in qualitative research. • Team work Presentation skills • Practical skills in qualitative research methods
The summative assessment tests all of the ILOs and accounts for 100% of the unit mark.
The unit will be delivered through blended learning involving a combination of lectures, group discussion and self-directed exercises.
The summative assessment tests all of the ILOs and accounts for 100% of the unit mark.
Formative OR Group presentation 15 mins Personal and key skills Principles of Qualitative Research design Verbal
Formative (alternative) Essay 1500words Principles of Qualitative Research design Written
Summative 100% Essay 4,000 words Module and discipline specific skills Written
Summative (alternative)100% Essay & Research Design 2,500 words + 1,500 words Module and discipline specific skills Written
The choice between summative assessment options will be negotiated with the Unit Tutor
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. SPOLM0014).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
