QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS - 2019/0
Module code: PSY2029
Module Overview
The module will introduce qualitative research methods. Students will be introduced though lectures to: 1. the key principles and characteristics that distinguish qualitative research; 2. methods of generating data commonly used by qualitative researchers; and, 3 a foundational method of qualitative data analysis (Thematic Analysis). The workshops will then build on the lectures by helping develop student’s skills in the field through a supervised qualitative research project. This will equip students to conduct qualitative analyses for their own research dissertation should they wish to do so in their final year.
Module provider
Psychology
Module Leader
WILLIAMS Emma (Psychology)
Number of Credits: 15
ECTS Credits: 7.5
Framework: FHEQ Level 5
Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A
Overall student workload
Workshop Hours: 18
Independent Learning Hours: 120
Lecture Hours: 12
Module Availability
Semester 2
Prerequisites / Co-requisites
None
Module content
Indicative content includes:
Week 1 Introduction to qualitative research and the group project
Week 2 Generating qualitative data: Conducting individual interviews/Group project
Week 3 Generating qualitative data: Constructing a semi-structured interview schedule/Group project
Week 4 Generating qualitative data: Focus groups/Conduct interview Week 5 Introducing Thematic Analysis: a foundational method of qualitative analysis/ Group project
Week 6 Group project
Week 7 Group project
Week 8 Group project
Week 9 Presentation of findings from group project
Week 10 Writing up a qualitative report and qualitative evaluative criteria
Week 11 Advice clinic
Assessment pattern
| Assessment type | Unit of assessment | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Oral exam or presentation | Group Presentation | 25 |
| Coursework | Qualitative Research Report (8 pages) | 75 |
Alternative Assessment
Alternatives to group presentation: (1) If a student is unable to work in the group they can deliver an individual presentation. (2) If a student is unable to deliver the presentation they can submit PowerPoint slides.
Assessment Strategy
The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate the skill to analyse and report qualitative data using one qualitative research method.
Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:
Group Presentation (addresses learning outcomes 1-7): Students present an initial qualitative analysis in groups.
Research Report (addresses learning outcomes: 1 - 10): Students will write up the research study as a qualitative report including critical reflection.
Formative feedback:
Students present an initial qualitative analysis in groups and receive formative feedback from the module convener and GTA’s on this which they can use for their written report.
Module aims
- Provide students with philosophical knowledge underlying qualitative psychological research
- Provide students with knowledge of methods of qualitative approaches to data collection and data analysis
- To give the opportunity to students to apply qualitative research methods knowledge in data collection and analysis to a topic
Learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | ||
| 001 | Understand how to formulate qualitative research question/s | CK |
| 002 | Understand the utility of using qualitative methods. | CK |
| 003 | Construct a semi-structured interview schedule | CP |
| 004 | Conduct a qualitative interview | CPT |
| 005 | Understand the interpersonal skills required to conduct a good quality interview | CKPT |
| 006 | Critically reflect on the experience of developing and implementing an interview schedule | CPT |
| 007 | Analyse qualitative data (using thematic analysis) | CP |
| 008 | Write a qualitative research report | CKP |
| 009 | Critically evaluate qualitative research | CPT |
| 010 | Reflect critically on personal interpretative framework | CPT |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Methods of Teaching / Learning
The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:
Develop skills in qualitative research through small group discussion, facilitated by the lecturer and graduate teaching assistants.
The learning and teaching methods include:
Lectures and supervised group work.
Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.
Reading list
https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: PSY2029
Other information
N/A
Programmes this module appears in
| Programme | Semester | Classification | Qualifying conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology BSc (Hons)(CORE) | 2 | Core | Each unit of assessment must be passed at 40% to pass the module |
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2019/0 academic year.