Module overview
Understanding qualitative research methods and knowing how to interpret findings and conclusions from qualitative research is fundamental to being able to critique an evidence base. This module teaches you the underpinnings of qualitative research methods and how to apply these to research design. Key methods of data collection are explored, alongside prominent analytical techniques used when conducting qualitative research. You will develop the skills needed to critically appraise research when considering the results reported by others.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Design an effective qualitative proposal.
- Design effective qualitative studies and be able to understand and interpret interview talk.
- Present research findings appropriately.
- Critically appraise qualitative studies.
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- When and how to use a variety of qualitative approaches to data collection, with an in-depth understanding of interviews and focus groups.
- Practical skills in conducting interview and focus group research, and in the utilisation of thematic analysis.
- The philosophical foundations of qualitative research and how methodological considerations influence the research process.
- When and how to use a variety of qualitative approaches to data analysis with a focus on thematic analysis.
- How to appraise, review and report qualitative research.
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Orally present research ideas.
- Discuss the ethical considerations that relate to different types of qualitative data collection methods.
- Manage and analyse qualitative data.
Syllabus
- Introduction and approaches to qualitative methods
- Data collection decisions in qualitative research
- Data collection methods in qualitative research
- Planning focus groups and in-depth interviews
- Qualitative data analysis
- Thematic analysis
- How to report qualitative findings
- Qualitative synthesis and systematic reviewing
- Writing a qualitative proposal
- Philosophy & principles of ethics and rigour in qualitative research
- Critical appraisal
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
A variety of methods will be used including lectures that may include synchronous live sessions and/or asynchronous non-live sessions, active participatory methods, presentations by health researchers, e-learning/interactive tools for learning and self-assessment, guided reading, group study and individual study.
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Teaching | 20 |
Independent Study | 80 |
Total study time | 100 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Green J, Thorogood N. (2018). Qualitative Methods for Health Research. Sage.
Braun and Clarke (2013). Successful Qualitative Research. Sage.
Holloway I. (2008). A-Z of qualitative research in nursing and healthcare. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.
Silverman D. (2011). Interpreting Qualitative Data. Sage.
Bowling A. (2001). Research methods in health: Investigating health and health services. Maidenhead: Open University Press.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
The assessment includes both formative and summative elements. There will be two components to the formative assessment i) an elevator pitch oral presentation and ii) a workshop on qualitative data collection and two components to the summative assessment i) a multiple choice question (MCQ) quiz and ii) a written qualitative research strategy.
The pass mark for the module and written component is 50%. You must also pass the online MCQ quiz by achieving the pass mark of 90% or above. If you fail the MCQ quiz you are allowed to take it again until you pass within the specified time period.
If you have failed the module, you will have the opportunity to submit work at the next referral (re-sit) opportunity. On passing your referral, your final module mark will be capped at 50%.
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Qualitative data collection and analysis exerciseSummative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Research proposal | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Research proposal | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External