Core Module Information
Module title: Mastering Qualitative Research

SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10

Module code: SSC11121
Module leader: Mandy Winterton
School School of Applied Sciences
Subject area group: Social Science
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added

Description of module content:

The module introduces you to key elements of the qualitative methodologies for social research. It is aimed at students with an existing, UG-level understanding of qualitative methodologies, and with some experience of qualitative research methods and techniques, or at those who need a subject refresher. The module builds around two segments: (1) understanding qualitative research; (2) mastering advanced qualitative methods and techniques. The first part of the module will focus on:• The premise of where, how, and why to use qualitative evidence for understanding social worlds and social inequalities.• Benefits and shortcomings of using qualitative tools to inform social policy and impact initiatives in the third sector, public administration, art and culture, academic research and business sectors. • Theoretical and epistemological bases for using qualitative evidence in social research.• The value of alternative evaluation parameters, such as authenticity, credibility, and plausibility, alongside ‘traditional? evaluations of reliability, validity, or generalizability.• The role and impact of the internet, digital technologies, and social media on qualitative research, and how to research with, and on/about, them. The second part of the module will consist of:• Focus on interviews, focus groups, and ethnographies as the popular qualitative methods in social research.• Sampling and the logics of ‘sample representation? of populations in qualitative work. • Core functionality of NVivo (or similar) software used in the analysis of qualitative data.• Key concepts and analytical strategies such as: content analysis, thematic analysis, discourse analysis, representation, coding, fieldwork, aide-memoir, and others.• Participatory research and other novel, advanced methods in qualitative research.

Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Understand and evaluate the complex links between theory and methodology, including the benefits and limitations of qualitative evidence.

LO2: Show an advanced understanding of the ethical implications in qualitative research.

LO3: Critically reflect on complex uses and (mis)representations of qualitative evidence in the contemporary world.

LO4: Demonstrate the advanced skills of collecting, interpreting, and presenting a range of data and evidence in diverse formats, including ability to perform core operations with relevant QDA (qualitative data analysis) software.

Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2024/5, Trimester 2, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: SIGHTHILL
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Mandy Winterton
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Online Guided independent study 140 Guided independent study
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 36 Practical classes and workshops
Online GROUPIND_STUDY 24 Groupwork (Independent Study)
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Portfolio 40 2~3 Exam Period , WORDS= 2000 Portfolio
Portfolio 60 1~4 Exam Period , WORDS= 2000 Portfolio
Component 1 subtotal: 40
Component 2 subtotal: 60
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
SSC11121 Mastering Qualitative Research