Unit name | Qualitative Research Methods |
---|---|
Unit code | SPOLD1004 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | D/8 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
Unit director | Professor. Cameron |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
None |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | School for Policy Studies |
Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
This unit includes an overall appreciation of qualitative methods of research including its underlying philosophies before moving onto more detailed aspects: choosing methods and research design; qualitative sampling and topic guide design; face-to-face interviewing and focus groups; analysing and making sense of qualitative data. This unit will introduce contemporary critiques of positivist research methodologies and a range of qualitative research methods, including their strengths and weaknesses. The unit will allow students the opportunity to develop their practical research skills using qualitative methods and better understand the role that qualitative data can play in informing policy.
The unit combines lectures, practical exercises in small gruops and seminar discussions.
Formative assessment: provided through group exercises/ presentations.
Summatie assessment. A written assignment of 4,000.