Applied Research Methods: Qualitative Methods

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Design and use suitable tools (e.g. an interview topic guide) to collect qualitative data.
• Develop communication skills graduate attributes – ability to communicate research designs and findings, using evidence to illustrate and develop an argument
• Critically appraise published qualitative studies
• Use sound judgement in selecting appropriate qualitative methods for various research objectives.
• Develop research and inquiry graduate attributes– qualitative research skills, e.g. interviewing, handling and interpreting data
• Identify specific qualitative methodologies in which you need advanced specialist training.
• Analyse qualitative data and present findings
• Identify key considerations when conducting applied qualitative research in professional settings (such as schools, clinics, and hospitals), and with special populations (such as children, people with mental health difficulties and people with physical illnesses).
• Explain the theoretical foundations and purposes of qualitative research.
• Develop ethical leadership graduate attributes - awareness of and ability to tackle complex ethical issues in qualitative research
• Develop academic graduate attributes – ability to critically appraise knowledge claims based on qualitative methods

Topics include:

• The purpose and nature of qualitative research methods; application of qualitative research methods in different fields of professional psychological inquiry
• The design, implementation in applied psychology settings, strengths and limitations of major techniques of qualitative data collection, e.g., interviewing, focus groups, participant observation.
• Essential techniques of qualitative data handling and analysis – transcription, qualitative coding, presenting findings – and the use of computer software to facilitate these processes.
• The defining characteristics, strengths and limitations of major qualitative methodologies used in psychology, e.g. thematic analysis, grounded theory, IPA, discursive psychology.
• Criteria for assessing the quality of qualitative research.

Teaching and learning methods

This is a 10 CATS (5 ECTS) module, which translates into a total study time of 100 hours. These 100 hours are split into teaching hours and independent study hours. The teaching hours will be spread out across six weekly sessions. Sessions will comprise a mix of interactive lectures, quizzes, workshops, and individual/small group activities during which you will be able to discuss and practice applying the techniques described in the lectures. Staff provide verbal feedback during these activities to help you gauge and develop your knowledge and understanding. During class time you will also work on collecting and analysing data for the final assessment, a mini qualitative project. You will prepare for classes and reinforce your learning by undertaking independent study; reading lists and e-resources will be provided to guide you. Staff provide weekly module-specific office hours for further discussion and support.

Resources & Reading list

General Resources

QSR Nvivo. This is the software that we will learn to use to support coding of qualitative research data. It is available on University machines and to download from the University software download website. Please install it on your computer.

Blackboard. A variety of resources will be available on Blackboard. These will include lecture slides and related materials, factsheets, workshop tasks, reading lists, and links to useful websites and qualitative data archives. Blended e-learning resources will include lecture recordings, a discussion forum, podcasts, and formative quizzes so that you can test your understanding of key concepts.

Textbooks

Smith JA (Ed). (2015). Qualitative psychology: a practical guide to research methods. London: Sage.

Willig, C. & Stainton-Rogers, W. (Eds.) (2017). The Sage Handbook of Qualitative Research in Psychology. London: Sage.

Willig, C. (2021). Introducing qualitative research in psychology. Maidenhead: Open University Press.

Forrester, MA. (Ed.) (2010). Doing Qualitative Research in Psychology. A practical guide. London: Sage.

Assessment strategy

This module is assessed by one piece of coursework, a mini qualitative project. The mini-qualitative project is carried out partly in small groups in class and partly in your independent study time. The project requires you to collect and analyse your own qualitative data on a given topic. The coursework is written up individually. Full details are provided in class.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal