Module overview
The students will be introduced to qualitative interviewing, focus group research, observational methods, case study and action research. These sessions will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of those methods considering various practical and ethical issues from an applied linguistics perspective, as well as issues of sampling.
This will be followed by a session on organising and coding data using Nvivo.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Write up an evaluation of the methods and methodology employed within a published piece of qualitative research.
- Effectively read and summarise literature on qualitative research methods to construct arguments about their value and application.
- Contribute to discussions within seminars.
- Make informed decisions about choosing and using appropriate qualitative data collection and analysis methods.
- Use CAQDAS to code qualitative data.
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Describe the defining characteristics of key qualitative research methods and have an overview of various types of data collection.
- Understand the principles of Computer Aided Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS).
- Evaluate strengths and weaknesses of specific methods.
- Appreciate epistemological and ethical issues involved in qualitative research.
Syllabus
The syllabus for this module will cover an introduction to qualitative methods and a range of qualitative data collection methods. We will consider the defining characteristics of qualitative research and its epistemological underpinnings.
Indicative Syllabus:
1.Course overview and introduction to qualitative methods
2.Qualitative interviewing
3.Focus groups
4.Case Studies
5.Action research
6.Organising and Coding Data
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The module will be delivered using double length seminars that include interactive and practical aspects. These are designed to give students a good introduction to the method/topic. Seminar content will be designed to explore the particular issues that arise in using qualitative methods for Applied Linguistics and English Language Teaching, and will use a range of pedagogic methods, as appropriate. In addition, the module will offer a computer workshop on using Nvivo. Students are also expected to undertake self-directed learning, supported by module materials.
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Teaching | 13 |
Independent Study | 87 |
Total study time | 100 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Ritchie, J. and Lewis, J. (eds) (2003). Qualitative Research Practice: A Guide for Social Science Students and Researchers. London: Sage.
Bryman, A (2008). Social Research Methods.
Willig, C (2008). Introducing Qualitative Research in Psychology: Adventures in Theory and Method. Maidenhead: Open University Press.
Denscombe, M (2007). The Good Research Guide: For Small-Scale Social Research Projects. Maidenhead: Open University Press.
Silverman, D (2005). Doing Qualitative Research. Sage.
Mason, J (2002). Qualitative Researching. Sage.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Assignment | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Assignment | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External