Department of Social & Policy Sciences, Unit Catalogue 2008/09 |
SP20062 Qualitative social research methods |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Intermediate |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: CW 100% |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must take SP10059 |
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Aims: 1.To give students a critical overview of qualitative research methods.
2. To give students a chance to apply their knowledge of qualitative methods by carrying out a qualitative research project. Learning Outcomes: By the end of the unit students should be able to: *Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different qualitative methods *Design and complete a qualitative research project *Reflect on their experience of doing research and make suggestions for how their research skills might be improved Skills: Intellectual skills: *To think creatively and analytically. *To communicate an argument. *To critically evaluate and assess research and evidence as well as a variety of other information. *To gather information, data, research and literature from a number of different sources (i.e. library, web-based, archives etc.). *To select appropriate and relevant information from a wide source and large body of knowledge. *To synthesise information from a number of sources in order to gain a coherent understanding. *To utilise problem solving skills. Professional Practical skills: *To develop sensitivity to the values and interests of others. Transferable/Key skills: *Inter-personal and communication skills *Essay research, preparation and writing skills *To construct a bibliography of varying complexity *Time-management and administrative skills *Team and group working skills *To reflect upon his/her own academic and professional performance and take responsibility for personal and professional learning and development *To solve problems in a variety of situations *To manage time effectively and respond to changing demands *To prioritise workloads, and utilise long- and short-term planning skills Content: The unit will cover: conceptual frameworks, research questions, research aims and objectives; ethics, sampling and fieldwork methods; reflective methods; interviewing techniques and practicalities; analysis and writing up. |