Applied Qualitative Methods in Education Research

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Recognise the means by which theory may be developed and linked to the range of techniques used for interpreting and writing about the findings derived from qualitative research data.
• Understand the principles of sound research design which enable robust collection of data associated with the range of qualitative methods studied;
• Demonstrate critical awareness of a wide range of methods for the collection and analysis of qualitative data;
• Employ appropriate techniques for the systematic analysis and interpretation of sources of qualitative data associated with the range of methods studied;

The module will focus on at least three different approaches to the collection and analysis of qualitative data via methodologies commonly used in research applied to education contexts. Students will attend workshops which focus on the specific characteristics of each selected approach, and will be encouraged to compare and contrast their underpinning philosophical positions and associated theoretical perspectives, as well as practical details related to aspects of the relevant research designs such as appropriate sampling strategies, choice of data collection methods, and issues related to the collection and analysis of data.

A list of exemplar approaches which may be studied are as follows:

• autobiographical research methods;
• phenomenological research methods;
• ethnographic research methods;
• grounded approaches;
• case study;
• participatory research;
• practitioner and action research.

Common themes covered during each workshop are likely to include the associated:

• nature of the underpinning philosophical and theoretical perspectives;
• approaches for selecting and engaging participants (or their data) in the research;
• specific ethical considerations;
• means of ensuring quality in research e.g. robust design principles, transparent processes;
• methods for the collection of primary data and/or accessing sources of secondary data;
• systematic analysis of data derived from the methods being studied;
• issues related to the interpretation of findings derived from the data analysis;
• further reading related to methods and approaches covered.

Teaching and learning methods

The module provides a flexible approach to developing a bespoke research methods toolkit for Education research students, which should enable students to engage in the design and implementation of their own research projects in a more critical and informed way. At the same time, it also provides an opportunity to broaden the range of methods with which the student is familiar in order to make better critical use of pre-existing research evidence.

To facilitate the flexible approach students will be required to register for and attend the relevant research skills development workshops (usually scheduled for a 4 hour half-day session) in at least three different approaches to research associated with the collection and analysis of qualitative data.

The workshops will employ a range of teaching and learning methods. Group sizes are likely to be modest (no more that 25-30 students) and provide a mix of

• whole-class lecture and discussion;
• small group interactive discussion and activities;
• hands-on practical tasks related to data collection and analysis.

Where appropriate sessions will be supported by the use of appropriate assistive technologies and software tools for the purpose of data collection and/or analysis.

Members of the student's supervisory and/or programme team will provide additional tutorial support during the module, which will include discussing the focus for the module assignment and how it relates to the students' individual research training needs and proposed research project.

Resources & Reading list

General Resources

Software. NVivo qualitative data analysis software available for download via the iSolutions Software download pages. Other similar software tools to support the analysis of qualitative data are available (such as ATLAS.ti, MAXQDA, QDA Miner etc) but may require the purchase of a license in order for full functionality to be utilised.

Textbooks

Silverman, D. (2000). Doing Qualitative Research: A Practical Handbook. London: Sage.

Wengraf, T (2002). Qualitative Research Interviewing. London: Sage.

Robson, C. (2002). Real World Research. Blackwell.

Lichtman, M. (2010). Qualitative Research in Education - A User's Guide.. London: Sage.

Punch, K. & Oancea, (2014). Introduction to research methods in education. London: Sage.

Cohen, L., Manion, L. & Morrison, K (2011). Research methods in education. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge.

Law, J. (2004). After method: Mess in social science research.. London: Routledge.

Kvale, S. (2008). Interviews: Learning the Craft of Qualitative Research Interviewing. London: Sage.

Rubin, I., & Rubin, H. (2005). Qualitative Interviewing: The Art of Hearing Data. London: Sage.

Miles, M. and Huberman, M. (2002). The Qualitative Researcher's Companion. London: Sage.

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 & External