Imagining Social Worlds: Qualitative Research
| Module title | Imagining Social Worlds: Qualitative Research |
|---|---|
| Module code | SOC1047 |
| Academic year | 2023/4 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Paul O'Connor (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 95 |
|---|
Module description
This module introduces you to the practice of qualitative social research methods, though detailed exploration of the research interview. Using published studies and material from the UK Data Archive, you will investigate how interview data can answer research questions and develop insights into how research participants understand their own lives in various social contexts. You will develop key qualitative skills such as writing an interview schedule, active listening during the interview process, transcription, interpretation, and thematic data analysis, using these skills to develop your own research investigation.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The primary aim of the module is to equip you with a foundational understanding of qualitative research methodology which can be appropriately built upon during the following years of your degree. It will do this through a close focus on research interviewing, in which you will have an opportunity to practice these methods and reflect on them. It will help you develop independence in your wider approach to learning. You will learn how to engage in the research process, covering the preparatory stages including sampling, the appropriate application of the method and, finally, data analysis. Through constructive seminar discussions you will build a sense of familiarity with research interviewing and confidence in undertaking practical qualitative research.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. demonstrate knowledge of qualitative approaches in social research
- 2. demonstrate a practical understanding of research interviewing
- 3. demonstrate knowledge of qualitative data analysis techniques
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. demonstrate an understanding of key strengths and weaknesses of qualitative social research
- 5. critically reflect on the application of research interviewing with an aim of improving future practice
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 6. undertake independent study effectively
- 7. evaluate your strengths and weaknesses in learning and study skills and to take action to improve your capacity to learn
- 8. communicate effectively in written and verbal form
- 9. work effectively as part of a team
Syllabus plan
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:
- What is qualitative research?
- What does research interviewing look like?
- Asking and answering research questions with interviews
- Sampling and research ethics
- The interview in process – active listening, power relations and reflexivity
- Transcription
- Qualitative data analysis
Interview design & development
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | 128 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity | 11 | 11 x 1-hour per week comprising of lectures and seminars |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity | 11 | 11 x 1-hour tutorials |
| Guided independent study | 42 | Preparation for group projects/seminars |
| Guided independent study | 51 | Researching and writing critical analysis |
| Guided independent study | 35 | Researching and writing thematic analysis report |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group project Critical analysis | 5 min recorded presentation | 1-9 | In-class verbal feedback and peer feedback via Padlet |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Critical analysis report | 35 | 1,000 words | 1-9 | Written and oral feedback |
| Research report | 65 | 2,000 words | 1-9 | Written and oral feedback |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Critical analysis of research study | Critical analysis report (1,000 words) | 1-9 | August/September re-assessment period |
| Thematic analysis report | Research report (2,000 words) | 1-9 | August/September re-assessment period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Core Texts
Lune, H., & Berg, B. L. (2017). Qualitative research methods for the social sciences (9th ed). Harlow: Pearson
Magnusson, E., & Marecek, J. (2015). Doing Interview-based Qualitative Research: A Learner's Guide. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Shon, P. C. (2015). How to read journal articles in the social sciences: A very practical guide for students (2nd edition). London: Sage.
Supplementary Texts
Alvesson, M. (2010). Interpreting Interviews. London: SAGE Publications Ltd
Boynton, P. (2016) The Research Companion: A practical guide for those in the social sciences, health and development (2nd Edition). Routledge.
Brinkmann, S. (2013). Qualitative Interviewing. Oxford: Oxford University Press
Gilbert, N. and Stoneman, P. 2016 Researching Social Life. 4th Edition. London: Sage
Gibbs, G. (2007). Analyzing Qualitative Data.
Guest, G., MacQueen, K., & Namey, E. (2018). Applied Thematic Analysis. Sage.
Guthrie, G. (2010). Basic research methods: An entry to social science research. SAGE Publications’
Robson, C., & McCartan, K. (2015). Real World Research (4th edition). Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons.
Skinner, J. 2012. The Interview: An Ethnographic Approach. London: Berg.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
UK Data Archive: http://data-archive.ac.uk/
National Centre for Research Methods: https://www.ncrm.ac.uk/
The Research Companion: https://theresearchcompanion.com/resources/
Sage Method Space: https://www.methodspace.com/
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 4 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 17/12/2018 |
| Last revision date | 25/04/2022 |
