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| Unit name |
Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods in the Social Sciences (GSoE) |
| Unit code |
EDUCM0004 |
| Credit points |
20 |
| Level of study |
M/7
|
| Teaching block(s) |
Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52)
|
| Unit director |
Dr. Giampapa |
| 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 of Education |
| Faculty |
Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
Description including Unit Aims
- To provide a philosophical appreciation of the underpinnings of qualitative research methods
- To develop a critical understanding of the potential of various qualitative methodologies and key epistemological and methodological ‘problems’ raised in qualitative methodologies
- To introduce ethical, political and value concerns arising from the interpretation and analysis of qualitative data
- To develop students’ understanding of the application, strengths and weaknesses of a range of qualitative methods and develop basic skills in the use of qualitative research techniques
Students will apply these methods and techniques in the particular context of their own discipline.
Intended Learning Outcomes
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
Teaching Information
Lectures/presentations, seminars, group work, use of software and virtual learning environment
Assessment Information
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
Reading and References
- Bryman, A. (2008) Social Research Methods [third edition] Oxford University Press.
- Mason, J. (2002). Qualitative Researching. London & Thousand Oaks, California, Sage.
- Ritchie, J. and J. Lewis (2003). Qualitative Research Practice. London, Sage.
- Silverman, D. (2006) Interpreting Qualitative Data [third edition] London: Sage Publications.
- Silverman, D. (2010) Doing Qualitative Research [third edition] Sage Publications.
The Library provides access to a number of interdisciplinary specialist journals, including: Qualitative Research, Qualitative Inquiry and Forum Qualitative Social Research
