Module overview
The module is aimed at enabling you to understand the principles of qualitative methods and analysis, and equipping you to apply qualitative research methods in practice. The module assumes no previous knowledge of either NVivo or qualitative
analysis software training.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Demonstrate the principles of the organisation, manipulation and interpretation of qualitative data.
- Apply skills in using qualitative analysis software.
- Understand theoretical concepts in qualitative research and be able to recognise their relevance to your own research and that of others in the Social Sciences and in particular, within the field of Gerontology.
- Demonstrate an awareness of important aspects of conducting qualitative research, such as ethical considerations, risk in research contexts and quality in research outcomes.
- Apply written communication skills through the interpretation of qualitative analyses and the preparation of assessed coursework.
Syllabus
The module will include: an introduction to the theoretical underpinnings of qualitative analysis; what is qualitative research; research ethics; documentary analysis and content analysis; qualitative interviewing; focus groups; participant observation and ethnography; participatory action research; organising, coding and analysing qualitative data; data analysis using CAQDAS (NVivo); writing up and presenting qualitative findings.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include:
Face to face and pre-recorded lectures including trigger-questions.
Learning activities include:
Lectures, face to face tutorials and independent study. Using NVivo software to analyse qualitative interview data.
Module resources such as audio-recording and web-casts of lectures will be available on Blackboard, including PowerPoint lecture slides, videos, readings, trigger questions, assignment details, references, online resources and module updates.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Teaching | 28 |
| Independent Study | 172 |
| Total study time | 200 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Silverman, D. (2013). Doing Qualitative Research. London: Sage.
Lewis-Beck, M. S., Bryman, A. & Futing Liao, T. (Eds.) (2004). The Sage Encyclopedia of Social Science Research Methods. Thousand Oaks California: Sage.
Bryman, A. (2016). Social Research Methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Interview Transcripts | 20% |
| Research proposal | 10% |
| Research Report | 70% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Research Report | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External