ADVANCED QUALITATIVE METHODS - 2023/4

Module code: SOC2094

Module Overview

This module builds upon the research methods training which students receive in their first year in order to provide students with a more detailed understanding of qualitative methods. While recognising interplay between the different stages, this module is structured around the general stages of conducting qualitative research – planning, conducting, analysing and writing about qualitative research. Students will learn about new developments in qualitative research including creative and visual methods, different types of ethnographies and mobile methodologies. They will also enhance their skill set by learning different methods of analysing qualitative data including computer assisted qualitative data analysis.

Module provider

Sociology

Module Leader

HEMMING Peter (Sociology)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 5

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Overall student workload

Independent Learning Hours: 106

Lecture Hours: 11

Seminar Hours: 11

Guided Learning: 11

Captured Content: 11

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

SOC1051 - Researching the Social World: Qualitative Methods

Module content

Indicative content includes:

Planning qualitative research: Qualitative research design and sampling (including formulating research questions);

Ethical dimensions of social research (including research governance and data protection);

Conducting qualitative research (e.g. mobile methodologies; narrative interviews; multi-sited and auto-ethnography; digital ethnography; creative and visual methods);

Techniques for analysing qualitative research (e.g. discourse analysis; thematic analysis; life story; grounded theory, textual analysis);

Writing up qualitative data: approaches and techniques.

Assessment pattern

Assessment type Unit of assessment Weighting
Coursework RESEARCH PROPOSAL 40
Coursework QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS 60

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

1 x research proposal, completed individually (outline of a possible research project making use of advanced qualitative methods taught on the module, including background, research questions, methods, sample and ethics): 40% of module mark;

1 x qualitative analysis, completed individually (write-up of an analysis of secondary or found qualitative data using analysis techniques taught on the module, drawing on relevant literature to contextualise and interpret): 60% of module mark;

Ongoing formative assessment with peer and tutor feedback during seminars (in the form of discussions and informal presentations about summative assessment preparation).

Module aims

  • To demonstrate an awareness of advances in qualitative research (including mobile methodologies, creative and visual methods, and different types of ethnographies)
  • To develop skills in planning qualitative research, collecting data, analysing and writing-up research
  • To encourage students to reflect upon the ethical issues involved in the research process and the complexities of conducting research on sensitive topics

Learning outcomes

Attributes Developed
001 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a range of different methodological approaches in qualitative research
002 Understand the challenges and complexities associated with qualitative research and to recognise their importance when designing research, collecting data and writing about qualitative research
003 Demonstrate a detailed understanding of ethical considerations in relation to qualitative research as well as (where applicable) conducting research on sensitive topics
004 Demonstrate knowledge and skills in qualitative data analysis

Attributes Developed

C - Cognitive/analytical

K - Subject knowledge

T - Transferable skills

P - Professional/Practical skills

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching methods include:


  • Lectures (1 hour per week)

  • Seminars (1 hour per week)

  • Captured content (1 hour per week)

  • Guided learning (1 hour per week)

  • Independent study (including individual and group exercises, reading, and assessment preparation)


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: SOC2094

Other information

N/A

Programmes this module appears in

Programme Semester Classification Qualifying conditions
Criminology and Sociology BSc (Hons) 2 Compulsory A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module
Sociology BSc (Hons) 2 Compulsory A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module
Criminology BSc (Hons) 2 Compulsory A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module
Media and Communication BSc (Hons) 2 Optional A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module
Politics and Sociology BSc (Hons) 2 Optional A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required 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 2023/4 academic year.